One of those oft hoped-for and long-awaited reunions that didn't seem likely to ever occur (Recurring Dreams?) - especially after the tragic loss of Paul Hester - came to pass in grand style just on sunset at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California.
Neil Finn had already been booked to play, then after a fruitful time jamming with Nick Seymour on bass, and Mark Hart filling in on guitar/keys as on "Together Alone", the search was on for a stickman, the band finally settling on Beck handyman Matt Sherrod. (sorry Willy!)
A new album is already in the can, with guest appearances/credits from longtime Finn friend and ex-Smith Johnny Marr, and is due for release July 10, but on Sunday April 29 in the 90+ degree heat it was all about the live experience. Old faves (World Where You Live, Don't Dream It's Over, Private Universe, Fall At Your Feet) were joined onstage by new tunes "Don't Stop Now" and "Silent House", the latter co-written by Neil with the Dixie Chicks, and with son Liam (Betchadupa) filling out the group on guitar and stage acrobatics, they were off on a 45min set that thrilled with flashbacks of old and the promise of new - and i'm sure the spirit of Paul was there being a larrikin.
It felt like nothing mattered, in our Private Universe...
