the band is as good as the drummer

Paul Hester, centered in the back, behind the drum kit, doing backing vocals as well R.I.P.

...that's what they say in US music colleges. And, for once, our American friends are absolutely right. All the great bands in history had excellent drummers - ok, Ringo Starr was an exception, but his low profile demands were a catalyst, absolutely necessary for the Beatles' artistic and egomaniac balance...

Since March the 26th, however, the drummers' community lost an honourable member. Paul Hester, former Split Enz/Crowded House drummer, in true rawk'n'roll style, has taken his own life.
People who were close to him, say that "over the last fifteen years, Paul has swung the extremes of happiness and sadness."
Unfortunately, it looks like the latter was rather more effective...

Paul Newell Hester was born in Melbourne on January 8, 1959. His mother Ann was a jazz drummer. He joined Split Enz [the most - and perhaps only- famous band ever to come out of New Zealand] in 1983 fresh from Deckchairs Overboard. He was recruited into the band with a reference from Midnight Oil's Rob Hirst.

When Split Enz broke up, Hester stayed with singer/songwriter Neil Finn and together with bass player Nick Seymour, was a founding member of Crowded House. The rest is history...

However, when Paul decided to quit, a couple of platinum albums and worldwide hits later, Neil Finn admitted that "it's not even half the fun anymore" and after a while announced the official demise of the band. Split enz again, in a manner of speaking...

Most recently Paul Hester played with Tarmac Adam, a band featuring his Crowded House band-mate Nick Seymour.

He had two daughters.

I like Crowded House very much. I loved the lyrics and the simplicity of the melodies. I think both Finn Bros are gifted songwriters and responsible for some classic pop tunes...

But... if a band is as good as the drummer, then what happens when the drummer... won't be around anymore?

I guess all it's left... is the option of whistling that unforgettable track...

There is freedom within, there is freedom without
Try to catch the deluge in a paper cup
There's a battle ahead, many battles are lost
But you'll never see the end of the road
While you're traveling with me

Hey now, hey now
Don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know they won't win

Now I'm towing my car, there's a hole in the roof
My possessions are causing me suspicion but there's no proof
In the paper today tales of war and of waste
But you turn right over to the T.V. page

Now I'm walking again to the beat of a drum
And I'm counting the steps to the door of your heart
Only shadows ahead barely clearing the roof
Get to know the feeling of liberation and relief

Hey now, hey now
Don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
Don't ever let them win