Paul Hester
The wildly charismatic, clowning drummer whose manic energy and humor defined the early live spectacle of Crowded House.
1959–2005 (age 46)·Australian musician·Birthday: January 8·Baby Boomers
Biography
Paul Hester brought an anarchic, joyful chaos to the stage that perfectly counterbalanced the more introspective songwriting of his bandmates. The Melbourne drummer first joined the already-established Split Enz for its final tour, but found his lasting legacy as a co-founder of Crowded House. Behind the kit, he was a powerhouse of rhythmic invention and showmanship, often engaging in improvised banter and physical comedy that made every concert unpredictable. His persona was integral to the band's reputation as a must-see live act in the late 80s and early 90s. After leaving the group in 1994 to prioritize family life in Australia, Hester transitioned to television, becoming a beloved host on shows like 'The Panel' and 'The Sideshow.' His death in 2005 left a profound sadness in the Australian music community, remembering a man whose talent was matched by his immense warmth and humor.
Baby Boomers
1946–1964
The largest generation in history at the time. Shaped by postwar prosperity, the Vietnam War, the sexual revolution, and Watergate. They questioned every institution their parents built — then ran them.
Paul was born in 1959, placing them squarely in the Baby Boomers. The events that shaped this generation — postwar prosperity, civil rights, Vietnam, and the counterculture — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Paul Was Born
The biggest hits of 1959
#1 Movie
Ben-Hur
Best Picture
Ben-Hur
#1 TV Show
Gunsmoke
Paul's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1959Born
Fidel Castro takes power in Cuba
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $12,400Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"The Battle of New Orleans" — Johnny HortonBest Picture: Ben-Hur
1964Started school
Civil Rights Act signed; Beatles arrive in America
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $13,450Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"I Want to Hold Your Hand" — The BeatlesBest Picture: My Fair Lady
1972Became a teenager
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1975Could drive
Fall of Saigon ends the Vietnam War
Gas: $0.57/galHome: $27,600Min wage: $2.10/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Love Will Keep Us Together" — Captain & TennilleBest Picture: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
1977Could vote
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1980Turned 21
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1989Turned 30
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1999Turned 40
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2005Died at 46
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
Key Achievements
- Co-founded the internationally successful band Crowded House, playing on their first three albums including the self-titled debut and 'Woodface.'
- Was the drummer for Split Enz during their final tour and the recording of their last album, 'See Ya 'Round.'
- Became a popular television personality in Australia as a host and guest on shows like 'The Panel,' winning new audiences beyond music.
Did You Know?
He was known for his wild, long hair and often performed barefoot.
Before joining Split Enz, he was in a Melbourne band called The Cheks, which later evolved into Crowded House.
He was an avid birdwatcher and nature enthusiast.
“The drums are the heartbeat, but they should also make you laugh.”
