That Time I Saved Neil Finn’s Life

[Peter DeLegge]

Back in the 90s one of the things I shared in common with a close friend who later became my wife was a love of the music of Neil Finn. Consequently, we would regularly go to Neil’s shows when he was in town. While waiting in line for one show, I realized that I left some mints in the car and went back to the parking lot to get them. On the way back, Neil Finn was in the middle of the street looking the wrong way before crossing — the wrong way (cars in New Zealand stay to the opposite side of the road and Neil had clearly forgotten that). He was about to step in front a car moving at maybe 35-40 MPH. I shouted, “Neil, stop!!!! Car to your right!!!). Neil heard me, stopped and shouted back, “Thanks!”

Now, often when a Neil Finn, Finn Brothers, or Crowded House song is played in the car, I often say to my kids, “You know I saved that guy’s life, right? So really, I think I should get some credit for every song he’s written since then. I’m not saying 50 percent royalties, but something.”

Of course, I’m just kidding with that. But I did save Neil Finn’s life. You’re welcome, Neil.

LinkedMusicians Founder. Your friend who keeps the beat.

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[Old Joad]

Cool story..

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[joegyork]

One of my friends is a big Neil Finn fan – I’ll tell him that story when I see him!

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[Peter DeLegge]

On joegyork said

One of my friends is a big Neil Finn fan – I’ll tell him that story when I see him!

I mean, all I did was yell, but I like to take full credit for saving Neil’s life.

Last year around Thanksgiving, after coming back from saying goodbye to one of the best friends I’d ever known who’d passed away from cancer — the keyboardist in my original band — a couple of days later I felt really sick; it was COVID-19. I’m pretty sure I caught it at his wake or funeral. I ended up being sick for quite a while, and was isolated from my wife and kids over the holidays. I thrive on being around my family. I hated being isolated. I stayed positive by working on a cover of Neil Finn’s “Message to My Girl” as a Christmas surprise for my wife. I promised myself I’d re-record the vocal, but never did.

LinkedMusicians Founder. Your friend who keeps the beat.

Check out my music. 

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