In a remarkable fusion of history and music, Crowded House transformed the iconic Fremantle Prison into a vibrant concert venue on Wednesday night, delivering a performance that was as unique as the setting itself. The event marked the beginning of a busy Western Australian run for the legendary Australasian band, blending nostalgia with playful spontaneity and culminating in a powerful display of their enduring rock prowess.
A Night of Two Halves: From Rehearsal Vibe to Rock Spectacle
The band, led by the ever-charismatic Neil Finn, took to the stage promptly at 7pm on Wednesday, 4 December 2025, without a support act. Finn humorously introduced the ensemble as "Her Majesty's Pleasure," a witty nod to the prison surroundings. The first 45 minutes felt intimate and unpolished, akin to a peek into a band rehearsal. Seated on a swivel stool—a rarity for the frontman—Finn led the group through a set that included the 1991 hit Four Seasons in One Day, Weather With You, and newer tracks like In My Own Shell and It Was a Small Detail.
The mood was lighthearted, featuring backing vocals from Vika & Linda Bull, frequent guitar swaps, and playful banter about which key to play in. The highlight of this segment was Finn challenging the audience and his bandmates to beat his record of 13 full stool swivels, counted out in schoolboy fashion. After this unconventional opening act, the band left the stage for a 25-minute intermission.
The Powerhouse Transformation
When Crowded House returned, the energy shifted dramatically. Gone was the swivel chair, and with it, the casual rehearsal vibe. Nick Seymour and Finn's son, Liam Finn, reappeared in wardrobe changes, signalling the start of the main event. The group launched into a series of beloved anthems, including Fall at Your Feet, Something So Strong, and Distant Sun, energising the crowd with call-and-response participation.
In a cheeky tribute to a mate who supposedly served time there decades prior, band members pantomimed lighting a joint. This preceded a heavy, reverberating rendition of Private Universe that electrified the prison yard. The set built towards the inevitable climax: a heartfelt performance of the timeless classic Don't Dream It's Over, which met with a resounding sigh of collective joy from the audience.
A Unique Encore and a Weeknight Curfew
The night concluded on a high note with Finn on piano for an impromptu cover of Deee-Lite's Groove Is in the Heart, once again featuring the Bull sisters. The final song of the evening was the fitting Better Be Home Soon, wrapping up at a considerate 9:45pm. The weeknight finish meant no traditional encore, leaving some fans quietly content with the punctual ending.
This concert was the first of three WA shows for the band, who are set to return to Fremantle Prison on Friday night before heading to Sandalford Winery on Saturday for the final leg of the Red Hot Summer Festival. Finn also hinted that a new studio album is expected early next year.
While the unconventional start may not have been for everyone, the combination of Crowded House's extensive back catalogue, Finn's careless charisma, and WA-specific audience rapport created a singular experience. It was a night that perfectly encapsulated the band's journey—from their first album in 1985 to filling a decommissioned prison nearly four decades later—proving their status as enduring icons of Antipodean rock.
