Paul Hester
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- For the U.S. Air Force General, see Paul V. Hester.
Paul Newell Hester (January 8, 1959 – March 26, 2005) was an Australian musician and television personality best known for his work as the drummer for Split Enz and Crowded House.
| Paul Hester | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 8, 1959 Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Died | March 26, 2005 Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
Contents |
[edit] The Early Years
Hester was born as an only child in Blackwood, Victoria, Australia. From an early age, Hester was encouraged by his mother, Anne, to learn to play the drums, as she was a jazz drummer. Hester attempted various jobs before starting a musical career. In 1980 he co-founded a band called Cheks, renamed Deckchairs Overboard in 1982 .
[edit] Split Enz & Crowded House
[edit] Split Enz
At the departure of drummer Mal Green, percussionist Noel Crombie took up the role of drummer for Split Enz. After the release of the Enz album Time and Tide the band took a break to focus on other projects. According to the radio documentary Enzology, when the band reformed in mid 1983 both Finn brothers returned somewhat distracted. Tim Finn had just released the very successful solo album Escapade, while younger brother Neil had a child on the way.
The reunion resulted in Conflicting Emotions, an album many would say marked the beginning of the end for the Enz. Before the tour it was decided that Noel Crombie would return to percussion (something he says he enjoyed more than drumming) and the band would find a new drummer. Hester was auditioned on the advice of Rob Hirst of Midnight Oil and got the job.
When Split Enz split up in 1984, Hester and Neil Finn decided to start a new band.
[edit] Crowded House
Initially, this new band was named "The Mullanes", then underwent a few name changes. The band recruited Nick Seymour to play bass and secured a recording contract. However, the studio disliked the name and the band changed its name to Crowded House.
Paul remained with Crowded House until 1994, when the pressure of touring and the birth of his first daughter made him want to go home, rather than remain on the road.
[edit] After Crowded House
After leaving Crowded House, Hester appeared on many TV and radio shows in Australia and opened a cafe/restaurant named Beach Hut Cafe with fellow Melbourne musician Joe Camilleri in Elwood Beach in Melbourne.
[edit] Largest Living Things
He later became involved in a new band called Largest Living Things, collaborating with members of rock groups Hoodoo Gurus and others. Largest Living Things released a few EPs in Australia featuring songs written and sung by Hester, but in contrast to his previous work in Crowded House, Hester played guitar as well as the drums.
From 1995 until 1998, Paul appeared regularly on the popular Australian radio show Martin/Molloy and went on to act as bandleader on co-host Mick Molloy's controversial 1999 TV show The Mick Molloy Show.
[edit] Hessie's Shed
In 1998 Paul hosted his own 10-part TV series Hessie's Shed on the ABC. This show gave Hester the room to explore his humorous presenter skills, showcase some friends, reunite with friends from Crowded House, and play with the house band and his own band "Largest Living Things", with Paul now performing from behind the drums instead of guitar.
He also had a recurring role as "Paul the Cook" on the popular Australian children's television show, The Wiggles.
Another of Hester's major contribution was his consistent efforts on behalf of Indigenous Australian culture. He also worked to publicize the local Melbourne musical scene.
[edit] Personal life
Paul had two daughters with photographer Mardi Sommerfield. They lived in the suburb of Elwood in Melbourne, Victoria. Hester is quoted as having claimed that he's always lived "On pages 57 and 58 of the Melway", meaning that he always lived in the St Kilda district of Melbourne. Acknowledging Paul's long links with the area, in October 2005 the local council agreed to name a path alongside the Elwood Canal after him.
[edit] Death
On March 26, 2005, Hester committed suicide. He was 46. Hester had split from the mother of his two daughters (aged 5 and 10 at the time of his death). It is believed that he had been suffering from depression for a number of years, or more probably Bipolar disorder, as he was noted for his extreme mood swings. Hester was laid to rest in country Victoria at Blackwood.
His life was commemorated at the 2005 Aria Awards with Neil Finn singing the staple Crowded House anthem solo "Better Be Home Soon" along with a mini-biography and footage from his life and achievements.
In July 2006, a former girlfriend, Kashan Vincent, sued Hester's estate, claiming a third of his net estate alongside shares to be given to his daughters aged six and 11. The pair had a relationship for 32 months and while not co-habiting, according to Vincent were engaged but had called off the marriage. Hester's circle of friends, surprised when Vincent spoke to a tabloid magazine soon after his death, were further saddened by this action.
[edit] External links
- R.I.P. Paul Hester (Paul Cashmere, Undercover, 26 March 2005)
- Hessie's Shed
- Famous for Sixteen Minutes - archives - Peter Green's online diary
- Photo
- Vale Paul Hester from the Age
[edit] References
- Chunn, Mike, Stranger Than Fiction: The Life and Times of Split Enz, GP Publications, 1992. ISBN 1-86956-050-7
- Bourke, Chris, Something So Strong, Macmillan Australia, 1997, ISBN 0-7329-0886-8
- Twomey, Chris & Doole, Kerry, Crowded House: Private Universe, Omnibus Pr, 1998, ISBN 0-7119-4816-X
- Dix, John, Stranded in Paradise: New Zealand Rock and Roll, 1955 to the Modern Era, Penguin Books, 2005, ISBN 0-14-301953-8
