RIP Paul...

Thank you for the great music and memories Paul! Our prayers are with his family.......
With love, Mike & Lu

Poor Paul. I had no idea he wrestled with stuff like that.

He is the one memory I have from skipping school when I was 15 to go to a soundcheck on the 'Enz with a Bang' tour. The only thing I remember about that day is Paul, wearing pointy black suede boots, black jeans and a bright pink shirt, which he lifted to flash his stomach and chest at me. I took a photo at that exact moment. It turned out great. I wish I knew where it was.

OMG.....what?? What happened??

Apparently Paul took his own life last night.

Peter Green posted this to the lists (Frenz, TiTM), but no details or anything, and asked that people not email them for a few days while they wrap their collective brains around it. He said they might have more information at some point, but for now that's all we know.

Me... my body is on autopilot, completely disconnected from my brain at the moment. I've spent the better part of the last hour or so just clicking on my usual links (ESPN, FARK, etc.) and not actually reading anything. It's like my body is going through the motions of trying to distract myself, but my brain is saying "no way".

How utterly sad.

oh my god..

i cant believe this. i dont know what to say

may he rest in piece - thank you peter for letting us know - I'm sure you, the family, and by now, the Finns are as confused, and sad, as the rest of us..

our condolences to all..

Freaky. That's all I can say. Just plain freaky.

RIP, Paul. My condolances to his family and friends *Hugs*.

I've been surfing for awhile without knowing, and came back to frenzforum for one last check before doing something else.

Feels like I lost a part of my family. I know the last few years of CH were hard on him, but I figured everything since was going alright.

This will be a LONG night of no sleep.

RIP Paul, we'll always have you by our side.

I was just thinking about 2 mins after typing this up ... the words we all know too well ...

"Love this life
Don't wait till the next one comes ...

And maybe the day will come
When you'll never have to feel no pain
After all my complaining
Gonna love this life
Gonna love this life ..."

I think this lyric will get us all through this, I hope.

Yeah, what everyone else said. It's just... sad for everyone. I guess the way people see him (acting very cheerful on stage with the Finns in November, & as host of his music show) isn't the way he feels inside. This is massive.

Something else to add-already sent condolances to his family and friends, but I'd also like to send them to all the fans of Split Enz/Crowded House, too, as it sucks to lose someone from a band you love so much-like stated, they feel like family after a while and everything, so things like this are hard to take. So yeah, condolances to all of you guys as well.

Right there with you Winterpumpkin. This is so sad.

Paul always seemed so open and accessible, maybe too much so. It's terrible if the world around you seems to swallow you up and you have to get off. Peace Paul.

*totally and completely* screwed up, here...anyone on aol messenger who is also? can't sleep....

i'm whistlingthis...

RIP dear friend. You will be missed much more than you know.

RIP... I can't say anything else without breaking down...

As it has been said you will be missed a lot more than you think.

I'm just not sure what to say. RIP, Paul.

So very sad.

I meet paul in Nov.


I will remember that for the rest of my life.


Thank you paul for you and your music

Such sad news, it was obvious that he was always a guy on the edge so to speak but to go to this extreme. My heart goes out to all family and friends and to all Frenz as well.

I hate to say this...but i'm having immense difficulty believing it, but I think it's more of a case that I don't want to believe it. I can't believe it, it doesn't seem feasible.

Crowded House are the reason that I have a CD collection, they opened my mind to music and influenced a lot of my poetry and creative writing. They also influenced me to get an involvement in acting (although not music, it's a form of artistic expression) as a hobby.

The vivacious personality of Paul Hester was so uplifting which made the music of Crowded House so unique, not to mention his humour in interviews. Juxtaposed with that, he was also a regular guest on the radio show Martin/Molloy (Tony Martin being my favourite comedian) and also had a pivotal role on the Mick Molloy show.

I believe everything happens for a reason and I don't see the reason behind this. It has me puzzled. I feel sorrow, i feel anger, i feel emptiness and loneliness as I read the above and especially as writing this. I don't want to believe it. The madness is over.

I have searched on the "News" sites for Australia and haven't found a mention - is it really true, I so hope its a hoaxe.

Yes, i have also searched. Nothing on the age.com or heraldsun.com , put it is from Peter Green. But whether it's authentic is what's troubling me.

"Mottainai" (Japanese word translates something like "(he was) too priceless") was the first word that came to mind. What a loss RIP Paul... Loved ya.

If Peter Green has confirmed it then the news has to be authentic. None of us want to believe it.

I'm completely shocked and completely speechless. I saw Paul, close-up and full of life after the Finn concerts in Melbourne in November last year.

I was watching Crowded House video's and being entertained by his antics just today.

I'm utterly speechless.

I had no idea that he struggled with a darker side.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, and to Neil, Tim and Mark as well as all his friends etc.

If only he had reached out to someone...

R.I.P. Paul - and thank you.

I think Joel put it best in his first post - Crowded House was the reason I got into all things finn, and Paul was and always be a huge part of that legacy. RIP

I am in shock. What a terrible waste of life.

RIP Paul.

Don't really know what to say, having woken up to this awful news. I can't bear to think what must have led him to this. I hope that in time his family and friends can find some comfort in the fact that he brought so much happiness to so many people. We'll miss you Paul.

I have no idea what to say.

No you probably won't see anything on any News sites for a day or so. I've asked a few of my media people to hold off for a day, as I really want Mardi , the family & Paul's 2 young girls some time.

The next few days are going to add so much more sadness to what is the saddest day, and just so everyone can have a break will make it more bearable. Myself included. Telling everyone this is exhausting, and people whom you've never seen cry in years, breaking down ...just rips my heart out.

I wish it was a hoax but believe me it's not.
Even now I still ask the same questions you guys do- why did this happen.

I spoke to Paul just over a week ago, our friend Kevin spoke to him yesterday, and there was no major depression that we were aware of. He seemed like the same old Paul, working on projects, the MAX sessions, loving playing with the Finns and hanging out with his kids....we are fairly certain that it was not a pre planned thing.

It feels totally surreal, and I keep hoping it's just some horrible dream that I'll wake up from. Sadly it's not.

We have had a lot of emails asking abouts ending flowers, as soon as I have some details I'll give you the address.

Hang in there,

Peter

RIP. Paul! Thanks for all the music and laughs!

Hugs across the ocean to you Peter x

thanks for the update Peter, my thoughts go out to you and Paul's family and friends

Shocked and in disbelief...I can't quite believe it yet.

Very sad to hear this news....my thoughts are firstly with his family, and secondly about all the great music he helped to make in his career.

As mentioned, I don't want to believe it, but at least the ambiguity of it being a hoax or not is cleared up. Thank-you for at least clarifying that. This isn't easy to accept, but thank-you.

Peter

If you happen to be reading this...

Thank you so much for the courtesy of taking the time to let Paul's Frenz know what was happening.

That is an extremely big thing to have done, considering how close you are to the whole thing.

Take care of yourself and know that we are thinking of you too at what must be an almost impossible time. Your diary entries and the personal contact that we have with you make it quite obvious that you feel your friends' pain as if it were your own.

I'd like to think that this is all a horrible mistake, notwithstanding that it is obviously also a horrible reality, but know that we are all thinking of you.

Do take care.

Cak

Thanks Peter,

My heart goes out to you.


Please pass on all our well wishes to his family.

RIP - shock and stunned is all I feel at the moment - and greatly saddened.

Thanks Peter for taking the time to let us know and giving priority to his family is a must, condolences to his family and friends and all the fans.

sylcar

Like everyone, I just wanted to add how sad I am to hear this news and send my love out to all concerned.

Thanks, Peter, for confirming the news, as there was still some doubt for many of us on chat clients as to whether or not the original e-mail was a hoax. It's much appreciated you taking the time to interact with fans in a time like this. Good luck with everything.

I debated whether to post the link or not, but considering it's already out there, top Australian music news website Undercover Music has already got hold of the news & has posted it on their site.

URL: http://www.undercover.com.au/news/2005/mar05/20050326_paulhester.html

Unbelievable.

So sad...

OH!! It's real!!

Cold shivers all over... such sad news.

All the love and strength to eveyone.

Gutted and numb...

Farewell Black and White Boy....

All I ask is to live each moment free from the last.

Or, more fittingly...

Now i'm walking again to the beat of a drum, and i'm counting the steps to the door of your heart.

I've just heard in the news. My brain...I can't seem to find the words. I'm just typing on autopilot, I can't even physically speak except to utter the same words over and over again: "Oh my God, oh my God."

Farewell, Paul Hester, you beautiful soul.

I'm gutted. Absolutely gutted.

RIP Paulo. You will be sorely missed.

Sam

Just learned about this... feeling shellshocked.

In the words of Gilbert O'Sullivan...

When you read about somebody special
who has met an untimely end
Although you didn't even know them personally
feels like you've lost a friend

RIP Paul.

This is very sad news... RIP Paul.

A total shock.
RIP, Black and White Boy.
Condolences to Mardi and the girls, and a huge hug to you, Peter.

The front cover of the first Crowded House album illustrates a very sad story now, the music, the artwork- everything Crowded House related is now going to be in a different tone. Why this soon?

Paul, thankyou so much for contributing to something that has been and still is such an important part of my life, not to mention the lives of many many others. You were part of something beautiful...you won't be forgotten easily. Rest in peace...

Thanks for the update Peter. I also appreciate that you would go out of your way to tell us of what has happened at what is clearly a terrible time for you. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and to all who were close to Paul.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there, I did not die.

I am so sad. It's like... I don't know... I had so many good memories about all the videos and bits and pieces on live Cds and I liked what he was on stage and on videos. First time I ever got to know about Yoga...
F F F

Do you remember the Together Alone Video? Last week we've been at Kare Kare and I told my boyfriend about it. The piggy and how they ran through the bush...

Can't believe it. Poor Paul, I hope he didn't suffer.

His poor girls.
Oh man... Another one gone...

It's like... I don't know. In all the emails and forum posts about this... that sums it up the best. Complete shock. How can someone seemingly so happy be so sad as to need to take his own life. Man alive. Thoughts and prayers with family, friends and all fans coping with the loss.

Chris.

I'm devastated

Rest in peace, Paul.

I'm thinking of all of his friends and family. Hope they can find peace in this difficult time.

Bull****. This can't be true... What the ****... Christ, Tonight I bought the Crowded House Debut Album ...On the drive home I was looking at Paul being sucked into the fan on the cover... What a fantastic painting... Such a talented man. "This is What I Call Love", that struck me as a fantastic song...

Please tell me this isn't true, I met him only a few months ago at the Finn Brothers concert, he was the only member of the band who came out and said hello to everybody, he was so kind... I shook his hand and thanked him for a fantastic show. I can feel it now... Jesus christ this can't be happening.

He signed my Split Enz suit, oh god... I feel so awful. Listening to "Last Day of June" doesn't help...

How can this conclusion have been jumped to so quickly??!? Wouldn't there be an investigation or something, Oh Paul...

My heart goes out to his family during this time of grieving, I feel terrible, I can only imagine how they are feeling...

I fell asleep this afternoon with his drumming ringing in my ears, and I wake to find this.

Rest in Peace Paul.

Rest in Peace, Paul. Things will never be the same.

I am shocked and saddened at this news. My heart and soul go out to Paul's family and friends and to all of us that loved him.

So tragic. I wish more than anything that this wasn't true. Thank you Peter for letting us know. I can't imagine what you must be feeling.

Ruth

I just can't believe it....

RIP black and white boy.

A very sad and time ahead. Thoughts go out to family and friends...

OH MY GOD!!!!

Somebody wake me up.. I can't believe this has happened.

Rest In Peace Paul

I'm in complete and utter shock. I don't know what to say.

Thanks Peter, for taking the time to come here and tell us this.

My condolences to all of you - family, friends, former bandmates, and fans. So, so sad.

quote:

Originally posted by brownie:
[qb] I'm in complete and utter shock. I don't know what to say.
[/qb]

Ditto.

Can't believe it.

I'm stunned and deeply saddened.....

I think I can say my emotions are reflected already in what's been said here. It is such a shock.

My thoughts, love and warmth go out to Paul's family, friends, colleagues, anyone who knew him, and all the people who supported him through his career.

Sad news indeed

There are not words to express the sadness. Love and hugs to you all for I know that you feel the same way that I do.

I just can't belive that,I'm totally shocked...
I couldn't sleep last night, and saw the latest photo of Paul on Dorthonions site, just thought *hey, good to know Paul is still doing well, sitting behind his drums* ...and as I woke up today finnifunny told me this terrible news.
Paul was (oh god, I have to write *he was*) my hero, the guy I admired, cause of his positive vibes he spreated. He was the only drummer I know, who didn't *disappear* behind his drumset on stage.

Hope your happy there, where you'r now, Paul.
And the reason , that made ya do this, doesn't make ya sad anymore.
You'll never be forgotten...good bye

My condolences to his family, especially to his two little girls...my thoughts are with you.

I am stunned.

RIP, Paul - you will be missed.

I'm in a state of shock and bewilderment upon hearing the sad news here this Easter morning.

My thoughts, prayers, and best wishes to family, friends, and fans . . .

As someone has already said, I wish he had reached out to someone. It's so hard to fathom for us...who didn't walk in his shoes ... the why of it.

Condolences to Paul's family and the friends that knew him best.

Good morning from Arizona, where I now live, and am just reading my morning email.

I really appreciate Peter taking the time, in what must be the most horrible and upsettings of circumstances, to email everybody and post here.

I'm still in shock. I can't believe it's true. But it's not April Fools Day, and I know Peter wouldn't play this joke on us. I can only think of his kids and the rest of his friends and family, and they're certainly in my heart today.

I appreciate everybody giving Peter and everybody else the time and space they need to deal with this. When Peter can, I'm sure he'll let us know where we can send flowers, cards, or donations in Paul's memory.

Seems like there's so much to say but the words won't come ...

Thank you Paul for enriching my life - hope you are free from pain and at peace. Love and thoughts to all family and friends.

I'm also lost for words...

I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet Paul a few times over the years. He was always incredibly nice and seemed to be in good spirit. He even gave me his used drumsticks one time.

If I remember well he was going to get married in May this year. This must also be an horrible nightmare for his girlfriend as well for his daughters and other relatives.

My best wishes to his family and friends.

i'm so sad. i registered today because i wanted at add my chorus of sadness.

i'm sorry to say but i heard this news yesterday only several hours after he was found. someone online who worked for the ambulance services posted the news with a rest in peace in a community. After a bunch of us were sceptical and someone pointed out perhaps it is an idea not to post it til its officially released by the family, they deleted it.

before then i was in a panic and emailed the age newsdesk who hadnt' heard it. i searched everywhere and hoped it wasn't true.

i am stunned. that park is a park i've been to a couple of times as its an old area i lived in.

i'm so sad and just can't help it.

i think what is synchronistic or spooky is so many people have been picking up their crowded house records and giving it a spin, remarking or thinking about paul and here we are days/weeks later and posting our sorrow.

many condolences to paul's partner, daughters and family and friends who are going through a difficult and stressful time, particularly as now the age and news.com.au have posted the news.

I don't know what to say.

I wish that he had known that that this wasn't the solution to any problem or heartache he was experiencing.

He was fantastic. My heart just aches. I hope he knew how much he meant to everyone and that he touched the lives of so many. I will miss him very very much.

I found out about Paul's passing through the first phone call I recieved when I woke up and, although it wasn't the worst phone call I've ever got, it's definately up there... I just can't believe it... He's gone forever. My prayers are with his girls, left alone without their Dad. I can only hope they will grow up to carry on the memory of their father.

RIP Paul...

Incredibly sad news.

Thank you for the music Paul.

No-one will understand your pain - except that you free from that pain. Rest in peace.

You made the world a better place.

Well, the coverage has already begun.

The Age Online

Pretty numb reading this.

My thoughts are with his family and friends right now.

Can somebody paste that article? I didn't want to register.

Crowded House drummer dies
By Patrick Donovan
Music writer
March 28, 2005

Former Crowded House and Split Enz drummer and TV personality Paul Hester committed suicide on Saturday after a long battle with depression.

A message, sent to Crowded House and Split Enz fan club email lists said: "Everyone, sitting here in the office trying to figure out what to write, we are a bit messed up at the moment. Last night, our mate, and Crowded House drummer Paul Hester, took his own life.

"Over the years Paul has swung the extremes of happiness and sadness, but none of us ever thought this would happen. He loved life too much . . . "

Crowded House was one of Australia's most successful bands of the late 1980s and early '90s. Formed out of the ashes of New Zealand's Split Enz in 1985, it featured Hester on drums, Neil Finn on vocals and guitar, and Nick Seymour on bass.

Guitarist Kev Garant, who played with Hester in the Bay of Pigs, said: "He was considered an absolute world class drummer in the pop field."

As recently as two weeks ago, Hester, 46, was at the Espy in St Kilda to appear in the SBS music quiz show, RockWiz.

RockWiz's Brian Nankervis said: "He could be everything and anything in one go. He had a lightning wit, he could be wonderfully sensitive, clever and unpredictable."

(see above)

quote:

Paul Hester: world-class drummer

Guitarist Kev Garant, who played with Hester in the Bay of Pigs, said: "He was considered an absolute world class drummer in the pop field."

even more sad reading this

Thanks, Heidi.

So long to a great musician, drummer, singer, songwriter, humorist, idol, friend, father, husband,etc...
Sometimes the people who seem to be happiest or most cheerful are the ones that battle the worst demons.
My condolances to the Hester family, to all of Pauls friends and fans and may we all keep are best memories of Paul Hesters legacy.

I'm more overwhelmed than I expected. As Dean said, it feels like I've lost part of my family. And as Joel said, Crowded House is responsible for my love of music --my music collection as well as live performances. I briefly met Paul once. It was in Minneapolis during the Together Alone tour. Myself and 2 friends were allowed to stay for soundcheck. Paul was so welcoming, even acknowledged the audience of 3 during soundcheck, and came over to talk to us after that. That memory is what is able to bring a smile to my face today.

See ya round,

Jennifer

"...when you wake up with me, I'll be your glass of water/when you stick up for me I'll be your bella bambina..."

So sad.
I was listening to an old CH live recording the other day and remembering how playful he was onstage.
Thoughts & prayers to his family and the entire
ENZ community of friends & fans.

I've only been able to find one other short article, that mentions he was found in a park?

http://www.themercury.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5...34%255E10431,00.html

So this is how it feels to get kicked in the teeth and the stomach?

RIP Paul.

np: Italian Plastic

My girlfriend and I pulled out the old Spooky Vibrations Fan Club CD this afternoon. It's a wonderful collection of Hester randomness and it's certainly the way I will remember Paul. A song like "Worms" was quite heart-wrenching to hear Paul sing. If anyone in Boston wants to get together, have a drink, and remember Paul I'd be up for it.

This is the saddest Easter ever. I keep remembering that Sheryl Crow lyric that was rumored to be about Paul. "He's got a daughter he calls Easter, she was born on a Tuesday night."

Very sad indeed.
-Adam

"I'll be your piggy in the middle, stick with you till the end."

Well, I still haven't got the words. My mind is still trying to fathom all the ways that I'll be reminded of Paul on a daily basis. So sad...

RIP Paul......we all love you.


Gen

Here's another article:

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,12676559-2,00.html

I just can't wrap my brain around this.

RIP, Paul.

This one's a commentary:

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,12676654-2,00.html

And another.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,12676654-2,00.html

NP: Italian Plastic (from Acoustic Sessions)

Another article:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200503/s1332320.htm

RIP

Still trying to absorb the fact. I've sent the news by e-mail to msnbc.com, hoping they'll run at least a tiny blurb. Not terribly rational, but I want his death acknowledged here too.

Evvie

quote:

Originally posted by Billypogo:
[qb]So this is how it feels to get kicked in the teeth and the stomach?[/qb]

Ugh, no kidding. I went to the Next Exit boards, and that's where I first noticed this story-upon reading the thread title, my stomach just dropped. And then when I read the news...yeow. I was actually shaking for a while, too.

quote:

Originally posted by Martine:
[qb] As someone has already said, I wish he had reached out to someone. It's so hard to fathom for us...who didn't walk in his shoes ... the why of it.[/qb]

*Nods* This kind of situation is odd that way. Especially when you hear that they seemed so happy beforehand. It just never makes sense.

We too are feeling numb and surreal on this Easter Sunday...it is so sad for the kids and family...Crowded House never would have been the same without Paul. His sense of humour and timing were incredible. He certainly made us laugh on the many listens of those wonderful live recordings. Paul we hope you are in a place without pain..Rest in Peace...we love you
Jeff & Louise