Paul Hester, a drummer with a flair for the dramatic, lived a life that was as eccentric as it was tragic. As a child, he dreamed of becoming a famous drummer with a successful band, and he eventually achieved his goal. He joined Split Enz, a quirky band that thrived on their own brand of eccentricity, and became known for his on-stage antics and tomfoolery.
When Split Enz disbanded, Hester was devastated. He dabbled in films, but he yearned to be back on stage, where he felt most comfortable. When Neil Finn offered him a role as drummer for Crowded House, he was ecstatic. The band's smaller lineup meant that he would have the chance to truly shine, but the stress of the 1993 tour took its toll on him. He became sarcastic and withdrawn, and eventually left the band.
After leaving Crowded House, Hester seemed to turn his life around. He married, had two children, and became a popular TV personality. But beneath the surface, his demons were still lurking. He found solace in music again by forming a band, Tarmac Adam, with Nick Seymour. In 2003, it seemed like he had finally found peace, but it was all a front.
