Thank You From Fangradio Frenz
Thank you, Neil, from Fangradio Frenz
This year’s events around COVID-19 left many in lockdown and/or socially distanced, with a loss of connection with other people. Your Fangradio broadcasts became a welcomed routine for people to both connect with you, your family, and each other.
Shortly after the daily broadcasts ended, the Fangradio Frenz Facebook page invited listeners through Mixlr, Twitter, and Facebook (Fangradio Frenz Facebook page) to post their thoughts about your broadcast streams meant to them. Listeners sent in a creative montage of heartfelt notes, videos, artwork, and audio. We hope you enjoy the contributions!
Update:
We are so pleased, Neil, that you enjoyed reading these messages. Thank you for the Fangradio sessions and for your gift of connection!
From Ali
Fangradio was a real bright spot in lockdown. So wonderful to be treated to such marvellous music.
It was delightful to see my daughter dance to Neil covering Beatles tunes (my Mom is a huge Macca fan).
Neil’s collaboration with Janis Ian of Better Times was just beautiful.
Huge thanks and gratitude to the Finns for broadcasting and brightening my day with Fangradio.
Ali Cooper
Wellington, New Zealand
From Josie
Dear Neil,
I don’t look back,
often…
Only to reminisce of times of magic, connection, awakenings or splendor
Only to feel again… warmth, renewal or discovery
I will look back at your performances, camaraderie and connection during “these times you created magic
Thank You, and thank you to The Crowded House and assorted merry Visitors, It sure was fun
Sincerely,
Josephine Ramos
Photograph: Josephine Ramos
June 2020 Bougainvillea
From Chris
Saturday night was surreal, but intimate, and I felt a small part of Neil’s life and so did my HomePod and my phone.
I hope that Neil knows how much we appreciate all he has done for us and letting us into his home life with Sharon, Liam, Distant Son, and Buddy, and how much it has meant to us all.
It has helped us all through a very difficult time. Chicken soup forever (vegans and all). I have loved the past weeks, every show felt different and never got stale, I would look forward to it every night.
I loved how natural and organic the shows were. We got to know the man behind the maestro and it was brilliant. A normal guy chatting about normal everyday things in not so normal times.
Chris Wyles
AKA EnglishBeesinmyGarden
From Jenny
From Annie
Neil,
How does one put into words what your craft, words, music means to them? I’ll try without dribbling.
One event that stands out is watching a music morning show and there on the screen was Split Enz. My older sister telling her 5 siblings to shush as her favourite band was on. I but a mere 10-year-old was drawn to the television. A man wearing make up? What’s this. My curiosity was born. The beginning of accepting that my papa wasn’t always right.
Major surgery last year (just one of many) I thought I wouldn’t make it. Knowing I’d be in hospital for 10 nights, I couldn’t bear to be listening to the beeps of the machines again. So I downloaded your music onto the phone and smiggled it in along with a headset. Every night when the lights were turned off, I didn’t feel any pain. Heard any screams (unfortunately the level I was on there was a screamer) and was only lulled by your voice. Your music and words. I dreamt of healing.
I conquered cancer with your music by my side. I conquered marital breakdown. I crossed the Tazman 6 ft waves and fell in love.
Traveled to parts of Australia I could only have dreamt of as following your music was like riding a wave and enjoying every moment.
But, you’ve always been there. Through the sadness, craziness, and joys. Telling me to be optimistic. There’s more to life. I always look up. I miss the morning Fangradio shows. You’ve helped so many. I just wish I could give you more than only words.
With Love,
Always Annie
From Sarah
When the shock of lockdown had started to subside, we had to get used to a new way of life. I felt trapped, isolated, scared.
Suddenly, what a wonderful surprise…we were thrown a musical lifeline by the amazing Neil Finn and his wonderful family. They brought us together; people from all around the world, in the same unprecedented situation.
The Finn family offered us comfort, humour, recipes, and mayhem, but most of all, wonderful music.
I’ve made some lovely new friends, fellow Fangsters!
Neil, Sharon, Liam, Elroy, and Buddy: You literally are lifesavers, thank you all, so much!
From Sarah Awad
“aka SarahWarah”
From Jill
12 April—11 April Northern Frenz
My favourite Fangradio broadcast is obvious; this was the Bluesfest tribute show. Fantastic music with beautiful harmonies from ISo2 and comical discussions.
From jillwasmrshairylegs
AKA Jill Crandell
From Angela
This rainbow view is from my backyard and was my view every morning while listening to FR.
From Kara
Neil’s music has helped me get through some tough times in my life and I have been a fan since the first Crowded House album, so I was excited to find out about Fangradio.
Having the live sessions to look forward to was the highlight of my days when everything seemed uncertain and frightening. The music and chats have been such a tonic and a blessing.
Hearing Buddy with his trumpet and Neil interacting with his family was so enjoyable and a balm at a time when my own family is hundreds of miles away.
Thank you so much to Neil, Liam, Elroy, Sharon, Jeremy,and everyone who made Fangradio possible!
From Karen
Dear Neil and Family,
Just wanted to send you a note to say how much I appreciated and enjoyed the lockdown sessions you all did on FangRadio. I was never completely locked down, but when I had my days off work I looked forward to these sessions.
One of the things I enjoyed the most was the ad hoc-ness of it. I enjoyed the shows where you had nothing planned the most ! I am sure it was not easy for you to just lay mistakes aside and keep
playing warts and all, while we were still listening. But, I loved hearing you do just that.
What a privilege to hear. This made it all the more intimate and like being in your loungeroom (make that new office).
Even more special to me as a longtime fan was that we also were able to get you to play so many songs that I never would have dreamed or imagined you would play!! Just like being in Little Largo:
Something
When Doves Cry
God Only Knows
Find Your Way Back Home
A Few of My Favorite Things
Heroes
Man of the World
With affection and Kindest Regards
USA/OZ/Karen R
