Neil Finn Surprised By Hobbit Invitation

The two, both native New Zealanders, have crossed paths a few times, but Finn told CBS Local he thought Jackson might have wrote him off after a less-than-stellar performance in 2005.

"We played a set at the wrap party for King Kong," he explained. "Although it should be noted I made a complete hash of 'Ticket To Ride' that day and it's a wonder Peter didn't cross me off the list given his love of The Beatles."

When the former Crowded House frontman got the call from Jackson and two of the movie's co-writers Philippa Boyens and Fran Walsh, he wasn't about to remind him.