Crowded House Reunion Launches LN’s Flight Center Deal

To comply with current safety regulations, each show is capped to 5,000. Seymour commented, “Proper order!’ I say, as being at the top of our game, I didn’t want to break up in the first place! I’ve come to realise ‘the top of our game’ is whenever we get together.”

The shows take place two days after the multi-platinum band is inducted into the Hall Of Fame at the ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Awards, 30 years after the release of their self-titled debut album which reached No. 2 in the United States.

The album, along with their six studio long-players and the 1999 rarities Afterglow compilation, will be re-released in all formats Nov. 4 with bonus rarities.

The reunion shows unofficially mark the launch of Live Nation Australia and New Zealand’s Sept. 16-pacted multi-arrangement with the Flight Centre Travel Group to be its official concert travel package partner. Those attending LN events in both can access airfares, accommodation, car hire, advance tickets and VIP concert experiences.

A rush for packages by New Zealand fans is expected, given social media grumbles that the shows should only be in Australia. New Zealand-born Neil Finn holds iconic status in his home country where their hit “Don’t Dream It’s Over” is an unofficial national anthem.

The band was technically considered an Australian outfit, formed in Melbourne in 1985, and with Seymour and late drummer Paul Hester being Australians. But New Zealand has long griped that Australia tends to grab credit for New Zealand icons – including stars such as Russell Crowe and Keith Urban, racehorse champion Phar Lap and the popular dessert the pavlova.