They shambled on to the stage in a pantomime horse. They chatted to each other in a coded brotherly banter that left much of the audience bemused. They dedicated a song to their dad, and made a point of welcoming the attending parents of their drummer and guitarist.

It seemed as if all was in order in the well-mannered world of Neil and Tim Finn. But this must have been one of the hardest gigs they have ever had to play, coming just after the news that their friend and former colleague, the Split Enz and Crowded House drummer Paul Hester, had apparently committed suicide in a Melbourne park.

And so the masters of catchy tunes and feelgood chord changes found themselves in improbably melancholy mood, one that Neil Finn in particular managed to shake off only during an extended and poignant encore. For the rest of the time, he looked listless and uninspired, while brother Tim took over most of the big stage numbers.

They deserved a less tragic context for their London showcase. The popularity of the Finn brothers' work is a testament to the power of a good tune. They have provided some of the most gorgeous pop melodies of the past 20 years. If you have scarcely heard of them, you have definitely heard their songs.

They never sounded less than accomplished here, but the end of the evening hinted at lost opportunities. The opening verse of "Don't Dream It's Over", sung unamplified by Neil Finn, was exquisite, and a fitting tribute to a lost friend.

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