When Neil Finn called his son Liam he had a mercurial midfielder in mind rather than a mouthy Mancunian.

These days it's a pretty rock 'n' roll name thanks to one half of the infamous Gallagher brothers. But New Zealander Neil's inspiration was soccer instead of Oasis.

"When we called him Liam there weren't many others out there. Liam Brady who used to play for Arsenal was the only one I could think of," said the star. Whatever the origins of his name, Finn junior is already shaping up for a career in music.

He's got quite a lot to live up to - not only has his dad enjoyed global popularity as the frontman with Crowded House, but Liam's uncle Tim was also in the band and previously the prime mover in Split Enz.

And at only 15, the youngster will be on stage for some songs when Neil Finn brings his solo show to Bradford next week.

"It's actually happened quite naturally," said Finn of his son's role.

"He's very comfortable and relaxed in his role. He's a pretty competent musician. He'd like to be a professional and this way he gets to see the different things that create stress in the job and the things that are fun."

Crowded House, whose hits included Weather With You and Don't Dream It's Over, were regular live performers at St George's Hall. But this will be the first chance for fans to see Finn's new solo show since the band split, apparently at the height of their popularity.

Pressure of touring, which took a particularly heavy toll on drummer Paul Hester, was one of the reasons cited for the demise of Crowded House.

But Finn says he has rediscovered his appetite for playing live, especially now that he is able to have his family with him. "It's been a fair while since I've been on tour so I was actually quite up for it," he said.

Finn, whose debut solo album Try Whistling This has been well received by critics, is pleased, too, with the backing band he has assembled for the tour.

"We've managed to recreate a few of the old Crowded House and Split Enz songs in a new manner which I'm pleased with."

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