Paul Hester

Paul Newell Hester was the drummer with Split Enz and Crowded House, He was born in Melbourne on January 8, 1959.

From an early age, Paul was encouraged by his mother to learn to play the drums (she was a jazz drummer), and was soon displaying his talent.

Paul tried out various jobs before starting a musical career. In 1980 he co-founded a band called Cheks, which in 1982 changed into Deckchairs Overboard.

New Zealand group Split Enz needed a new drummer at the end of 1983, and Paul was auditioned on advice of Rob Hirst of Midnight Oil. He got the job.

When Split Enz split up in 1984, Paul and Neil Finn decided to start a new band. This became Crowded House. He remained in the band until 1994, when the pressure of touring and the added element of his first daughter made him want to go home, rather than be on the road.

After leaving Crowded House, Paul has been on many TV and radio shows in Australia, and has opened a restaurant in Elwood Beach (a part of Melbourne).

He has since become involved in a new band called Largest Living Things, and has released a few albums in Australia.