Australian/New Zealand favourites, Crowded House, have announced they are to perform the forecourt of Sydney Opera House some twenty years after they performed their farewell tour in the same venue. Over 100,000 fans watched their Farewell to the World concert back in 1996 which was famously delayed because of heavy rain.

Nick Seymour (bass) said in a statement:

“I am excited to announce two encore performances on the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House. The shows will mark the 20th anniversary of our break-up concert. ‘Proper order!’ I say, as being at the top of our game, I didn’t want to break up in the first place! I’ve come to realise the ‘top of our game’ is whenever we get together so please join us for a fuck-off sing-song, an off-piste jam session, a toast to absent friends and NO RAIN.”

Crowded House are also to re-release their six studio albums including a ‘rarities’ album in all formats. Neil Finn (vocalist/guitarist) said:

“We are thrilled all seven of our albums are about to be reissued in all formats including vinyl, each one accompanied by a rich trove of rarities including writing demos and other unreleased musical curiosities, as well as new original artwork from my dear friend Nick Seymour.”

“This has been many years in the making with much of the exhaustive listening, editing and remixing being done by the keeper of knowledge Jeremy Ansell in Auckland.

“It has been a labour of love for us and our mission all along was making a superlative quality, definitive document of Crowded House’s unique history for all the fans who have given us their affection over the years.”

On top of this, Crowded House will also be inducted into the Aria Hall of Fame at the Aria Awards (Australian Record Industry Association) to add to their eleven achieved since their eponymous debut album in 1986. Highlights include winning awards for Best New Talent in 1987 and Best Group in 1988.

This ‘encore’ tour will be performed on 25 and 26 November: tickets will go on sale on 26 September. See more here about how to obtain tickets to both the concert and the Aria Awards. Crowded House were formed in Melbourne in 1985. Watch ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’ below: