Died On This Date (March 26, 2005) Paul Hester / Crowded House
Paul Hester
January 8, 1959 – March 26, 2005
Paul Hester was the much-adored drummer Australian new wavers Split Enz for about a year before they called it quits. Split Enz leader, Neil Finn and Hester went on to form Crowded House with bassist Nick Seymour. The band’s catchy pop tunes would help usher in what we now know as “Alternative Rock” and would gain them world-wide fame. But ten years into the ride, Hester decided to leave the group to devote more time to his new daughter. His post-House life was just as, if not more, productive. He opened a restaurant and made numerous regular appearances on Australian radio and television including a recurring role as Paul the Cook on The Wiggles. He also hosted a popular ten-part variety-type show called Hessie’s Shed followed by the concert series, The Max Sessions. Tragically, Hester hanged himself on March 26, 2005. To many fans it was a shock to learn that Hester reportedly suffered from depression, since he always seemed so happy and fun-loving on stage.