Neil Finn Reflects on Fleetwood Mac Stint and Announces Crowded House's New Album

Neil Finn, the lead singer of Crowded House, has shared his experiences of replacing Lindsey Buckingham in Fleetwood Mac and announced the release of a new album with Crowded House, titled 'Gravity Stairs,' set for May 31, 2024.

Finn recounted a humorous incident during his time with Fleetwood Mac, where the crew surprised the band with a nativity scene during a performance. He noted that he and Stevie Nicks were so focused on their performance that they didn't notice the scene right away. 'There's something about being in performance mode that has such a focus and you can miss details right underneath your nose,' Finn said.

Reflecting on his tenure with Fleetwood Mac, Finn expressed a sense of surrealism about the experience, saying, 'It is quite weird because it almost seems like a dream now.' Despite never meeting Buckingham, Finn hoped that Buckingham would appreciate his efforts to perform his songs well.

Finn's stint with Fleetwood Mac inspired him to rethink Crowded House, leading to the band's return from hiatus and the release of 'Dreamers Are Waiting' in 2021. Now, with 'Gravity Stairs,' Finn and his bandmates aim to continue their legacy. The new album features the current lineup of Neil Finn, Nick Seymour, Mitchell Froom, and Finn's sons, Elroy and Liam.

The album's title, 'Gravity Stairs,' was inspired by a heavy stone staircase near Finn's vacation spot. Finn described the title as a metaphor for aging and becoming aware of one's mortality. 'It's a metaphor for getting a little older and becoming aware of your own mortality, your own physicality,' he explained. 'Things are getting a little harder, and there's more determination needed to get to the top, but there's still the same compulsion to climb them.'

To promote 'Gravity Stairs,' Crowded House will launch a headlining tour starting on August 29, 2024, in Saint Augustine, Florida, with additional dates across the US and Canada. The album's lead single, 'Teenage Summer,' has already attracted attention with its music video and live performances.

Crowded House's history dates back to 1986, with hits like 'Don't Dream It's Over' and 'Weather With You' cementing their place in rock history. The band has sold over 15 million records worldwide and earned numerous awards, including induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame.

With 'Gravity Stairs,' Neil Finn and Crowded House continue to explore new musical territories while staying true to their signature sound. The album promises to be a reflection on life's challenges and the determination to keep moving forward.

Key Takeaways

• Neil Finn shares experiences replacing Lindsey Buckingham in Fleetwood Mac.
• Crowded House announces new album "Gravity Stairs" releasing May 31, 2024.
• Finn reflects on surrealism of Fleetwood Mac tenure, hopes Buckingham approves.
• "Gravity Stairs" title inspired by aging and mortality, features current lineup.
• Crowded House to launch headlining tour on August 29, 2024, in Saint Augustine, FL.