One of the world’s biggest bands gave a tip of the hat to two of New Zealand’s greatest musical talents.
Returning to the famous Las Vegas Sphere after a six-week break from their residency, U2 covered ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’ by the legendary Kiwi band Crowded House. Once they wrapped up their rendition, Bono told the 20,000-strong crowd the song was dedicated to Neil and Tim Finn (who were part of Crowded House) and their mum.
“That was for Neil, Tim, and the Finns’ mother, Mary,” the Irish singer said.
As much as we love all of Crowded House’s work here in NZ, ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’ is their only song to reach the top five in the US music charts.
Speaking to Rolling Stone in 2021, Neil said he feels conflicted about the track's stand-alone success in America.
“There’s two ways of looking at that,” he said. “Obviously, there’s some frustration since I know I’ve produced a lot of what I think of as really good quality work over the years.”
“When there’s all this interest on one song, sometimes I want to go, ‘Hey, look over here.' But I don’t dwell on that. I’m actually grateful that that song has done what it has. It seems special…I just think to have a song that has travelled so far is a wonderful thing.”
Neil added that the fact he still likes the song, 37 years after its release, makes its long-lasting legacy not feel like a gimmick.
“I think there are some people that are in the unfortunate position of having a novelty song that they wrote become their most famous song. I feel a bit concerned for people in that sense. At least I feel proud of that song.”
Here's hoping that in another 37 years and beyond, the song is just as celebrated as it always has been.
