Just So Stories

Allen & Unwin

August 2023

ISBN:9781761068089

Publisher:Allen & Unwin

Imprint:Allen & Unwin

RRP: $34.99

First order of business is to thank A&U so much for giving me the opportunity to review this one.

I’ve been a very long time devotee of Crowded House (world’s greatest band ever IMO), and Neil’s work as a gifted songwriter, composer, performer and all round top guy, and it’s been pure joy to read this fine biography.

I think that writing a bio takes great skill. Readers do not want just a rehash of information that can be found almost anywhere. They actually want real insight and understanding into the subject, and Jeff Apter has demonstrated his high level of ability to achieve this.

From page 1, I was deeply engrossed in Neil’s life and work story: from his Catholic childhood in Te Awamutu, school days, his very early foray into the world of music and the subsequent career that unrolled and evolved over the past roughly fifty years.

Apter relates the highs and lows, triumphs and disappointments, exultations and grief with a literary style that is both articulate and expressive. Undoubtedly, one of the most extreme low points was the loss of band brother and close friend, Paul Hester – a shocking and tragic occurrence for us all. There is a real sensitivity around Apter’s recount of both the death and the ensuing impact.

There is a lot of detail in here of which I was previously unaware – certainly, I knew very little about Neil’s family life, the closeness of his Irish-Catholic parents/siblings, and his own family, wife Sharon and boys, Liam and Elroy – and I found this intimate look at the tenderness and love in this family to be utterly charming, and at the same time, the very obvious reason for Neil’s persona, which all and sundry find both warm and endearing.

From Split Enz to Crowded House to a solo career to a Finn-fest family show including wife, sons, brother, nephew and niece, it is easy to see how family is so paramount to Neil. Naturally, it would be incomplete with more extensive references to sibling Tim, but I found it refreshing to know more about the closeness of these two brothers, rather than the rivalry which the general media often tended to highlight. To be fair, there was some conflict but one would imagine that with two strong personalities ‘it’s only natural’ *wink*.

I think what I love most about this indepth study of NZ’s favourite son (OK, so Sir Edmund and Sam Neill might also get a look in, but they really rank behind) is knowing how Neil has consistently and wholeheartedly held his country, indeed his actual place, of birth so dear, and despite worldwide travel and acclaim, making his home ‘at home’. And also, previously unknown to me, how many luminaries of the industry he has invited and introduced to his birthplace, who now also hold it in high regard.

As a leading musical figure, and without doubt, the most successful singer/songwriter of his generation, and this hemisphere – and one for whom the highest respect is held by so many giants of the industry, this examination of Neil’s life, career and body of work will both fascinate fans, and engender new approval from readers.

Like so many others, I wept at the Farewell to the World concert which signalled the end of Crowded House proper, but thank goodness, it wasn’t a finale for the talented Neil Finn.

I don’t believe we’ve yet seen all this extraordinary talent has to offer. Now, I have to get all my CDs out on high rotation to enjoy it all again. I’d love to know which are your favourites…feel free to comment.

Highly recommended reading not just for Neil Finn or Crowded House fans, but for anyone interested in music biographies or just to read about a really decent bloke. Thanks again A&U and stay posted, it may be possible to score a Q&A with author Jeff Apter.