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Split Enz
Split Enz
from Wikipedia

Split Enz are a New Zealand band formed in 1972 in Auckland. Regarded as the first New Zealand band to gain significant recognition outside of Australasia,[2] they were initially noted for their progressive/art rock sound, flamboyant visual style and theatrical performances. The band later moved toward a pop/new wave sound that yielded hit singles such as "I See Red" (1978), "I Got You" (1980), "History Never Repeats" (1981), "Dirty Creature" (1982) and "Message to My Girl" (1983). The band also released several critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, including Mental Notes (1975), Dizrythmia (1977), True Colours (1980), Waiata (1981) and Time and Tide (1982). Split Enz broke up in 1984. Since that time, the band has staged several brief reunions.

Key Information

History

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1972–1984

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Split Enz in 1976. (L-R); Rob Gillies, Eddie Rayner, Tim Finn, Mike Chunn, Phil Judd, Malcolm Green, and Noel Crombie

Originally named Split Ends, presumably referencing split ends of hairs, the band were formed by songwriters Tim Finn (vocals) and Phil Judd (guitar/vocals). The original line-up was completed by Mike Chunn (bass), Miles Golding (violin) and Mike Howard (flute). With no drummer and only acoustic guitars rather than electric, the band initially adopted a folksy, almost chamber music sound and presentation, giving their first live performance on 10 December 1972, at the Wynyard Tavern in Auckland, New Zealand. Shortly after, they were joined by drummer Div Vercoe, though within a few months, Vercoe, Golding and Howard had all departed, with Finn, Judd and Chunn recruiting Chunn's brother Geoff on drums, along with Wally Wilkinson, who brought electric guitar to the band. In late 1973, Split Ends appeared as contestants on the television talent show New Faces. They made it to the next round but lost the following week, with judge Phil Warren complaining that they were "too clever".[3] In early 1974, the band's sound evolved further with the addition of keyboardist Eddie Rayner and saxophonist Rob Gillies. It was around this time that they altered their name to Split Enz, with the "nz" referring to New Zealand.

During 1973 and 1974, the group recorded three singles, "For You", "The Sweet Talking Spoon Song" and "No Bother to Me" (the last not being released until 1975). Those singles and their B-sides, along with several demos from this period, would later be released as The Beginning of the Enz album in 1979. Later in 1974, Rob Gillies and Geoff Chunn left the band, with the latter being replaced by Emlyn Crowther, while Noel Crombie also joined as percussionist and the band's visual director. In the early years of Split Enz, they were known as an "adventurous, flamboyant art-rock band" with unique, theatrical live shows, which evolved during a run of Buck-A-Head theatre concerts in Auckland during 1974, where they gained a strong cult following. In 1975, the band moved to Australia, signed to Mushroom Records - who would remain their record company in Australasia for the rest of their history - and recorded their first album, Mental Notes, which reached No. 7 in New Zealand and No. 35 in Australia. Shortly after the album's release, Wally Wilkinson departed and Rob Gillies re-joined.

In 1976, the band moved to England, where they obtained a UK and US contract with Chrysalis Records. Recorded in London, Split Enz's second album, Second Thoughts, was produced by Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera.[2] While in the UK, the band toured as support to English folk-rockers Jack the Lad.[4] Emlyn Crowther left the band in late 1976 and was replaced by English drummer Malcolm Green, the first member of Split Enz not to have been born and/or raised in New Zealand.

Grant of $5000 NZD for Split Enz from NZ Arts Council
Split Enz at the Nambassa festival, New Zealand, January 1979
Noel Combie during the True Colours Tour, Commodore Ballroom, 1980
Members of Split Enz being interviewed in 1980

Phil Judd and Mike Chunn left the band in 1977.[2] Tim Finn's brother, Neil Finn, flew over from New Zealand to England and joined as Judd's replacement on 7 April 1977,[5] while English bassist Nigel Griggs replaced Chunn. Over time, as well as being the band's guitarist, Neil Finn became their co-lead singer and a key songwriter, both alongside his brother Tim. Split Enz's third album, Dizrythmia, was recorded at London's AIR Studios with producer, and former Beatles engineer, Geoff Emerick, from June to July 1977.[6] The album was released in August 1977.[2] The beginning of 1978 saw Rob Gillies leave the band and Phil Judd briefly re-join. His return only lasted a few weeks, after which the remaining members continued as a six-piece. Judd went on to form the successful new wave band the Swingers, whose biggest hit, "Counting the Beat", would reach No. 1 in both New Zealand and Australia in 1981.

By the summer of 1978, Split Enz had no agent, no manager, and no UK or US record contract, having been dropped by Chrysalis. The New Zealand Arts Council gave the band a grant of $5,000. The grant money was used to book studio time in Luton, England, where the band recorded demos that later became known as the "Rootin' Tootin' Luton Tapes". One of the songs from those sessions was "I See Red".[2] Released as a single later that year, "I See Red" marked a significant move away from the band's early progressive/art rock style, towards high-energy, guitar-based power pop.[7] While "I See Red" did not chart in the UK, where it was released on Illegal Records, it did bring the band critical attention.[2] The single peaked at No. 15 in New Zealand.[2]

The group moved back to New Zealand for Christmas 1978. Just after Christmas, there was a serious setback when their equipment was destroyed in a suspicious fire at a rehearsal studio. Using borrowed equipment, Split Enz played what proved to be a pivotal concert, stunning friends and fans alike with a legendary performance at the second Nambassa Festival in January 1979.[8] The band released their fourth album, Frenzy, in 1979. At the end of that year, the band signed to A&M Records in the UK and US.

True Colours, released in 1980, further marked the band's shift to a power-pop style. The hit single "I Got You" reached No. 1 in Australia, New Zealand and Canada, No. 12 in the UK and No. 53 in the US. True Colours reached No. 1 on the album charts in Australia and New Zealand and made the Top 40 in both the UK and the US.[2]

Split Enz's next album, 1981's Waiata, released as Corroboree in Australia, reached No. 1 in Australia and New Zealand. After the album's completion, Malcolm Green departed, and the band continued as a five-piece, with Noel Crombie moving from percussionist to drummer. The follow-up album, 1982's Time and Tide, reached No. 1 in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. One of the album's songs, "Six Months in a Leaky Boat", was listed as the fifth-best New Zealand song of all time in the 2001 Australasian Performing Right Association, but the song became controversial in the UK because it was perceived as a criticism of the Falklands War.[2]

After releasing Conflicting Emotions in 1983, the band became a six-piece again with the addition of Australian drummer Paul Hester, while Crombie returned to his previous role of percussionist. In the spring of 1984, Tim Finn left the band for a solo career, following the success of his first solo album, Escapade, the previous year. This left the band with no original members from its founding as Split Ends. Neil Finn assumed the role of band leader and main songwriter, but felt uncomfortable continuing the band without either of its founders Tim Finn or Phil Judd. It was decided their next album, See Ya 'Round, would be their last. Following the album's release, Tim Finn re-joined for a farewell tour, dubbed the "Enz with a Bang!" tour. Split Enz played their final show on 6 December 1984 at Logan Campbell Centre in Auckland, after which they officially split.[2]

Crowded House

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Neil Finn and Paul Hester went on to form a new band called the Mullanes with bassist Nick Seymour. They had changed their name to Crowded House by the time their self-titled first album was released in 1986, going on to achieve worldwide success.[9] Eddie Rayner also worked with the band as a producer and session musician on assorted studio recordings and live dates, although declined the offer to become a full band member, citing family commitments. Tim Finn joined Crowded House as a fourth member from 1989 to 1991, during which time the band recorded and released their third album, Woodface.

Reunions

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In 1986, two years after Split Enz broke up, they reunited for a Greenpeace benefit concert.[10][11] That was followed by a pair of concerts in Australia in 1989/1990.[12] The first of those performances was scheduled for 28 December 1989 at the Newcastle Worker's Club. However, the club was virtually destroyed that morning by an earthquake.[13] The band instead appeared at a benefit concert in February 1990 which raised funds to support the town's recovery.[14]

On 10 December 1992, the band gave a one-off performance at the Wynyard Tavern in Auckland,[15] exactly 20 years to the day of their first public appearance at the same venue. The band followed with a 20th anniversary tour in 1993, during which they played at Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland, supported by The Holy Toledos. The line-up for this tour was the same as the group's final live line-up from the Enz With A Bang tour: Finn, Finn, Rayner, Griggs, Hester and Crombie. The band gave a one-off concert in Auckland on New Year's Eve 1999, appeared on several TV shows during 2002 to celebrate their 30th anniversary and the release of the Split Enz DVD, and performed at their induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2005. Two more reunion tours followed in 2006 and 2008,[16] followed by a one-off reunion performance on 14 March 2009, as part of the Sound Relief festival.[17]

In September 2025, the band announced they would reunite to headline the Christchurch Electric Avenue Festival in February 2026, marking their first performance together in nearly two decades.[18][19] For this reunion, the band will consist of Tim Finn, Neil Finn, Noel Crombie, and Eddie Rayner, joined by Matt Eccles on drums and James Milne on bass. And in November 2025, they announced an Australian tour for April–May 2026.

Legacy

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Split Enz had ten albums (including seven studio albums) reach the top 10 of the Official New Zealand Music Chart. They have had eight songs listed in the APRA Top 100 New Zealand Songs of All Time, more than any other band.[20]

Members

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  • Tim Finn – vocals, acoustic guitar, piano (October 1972–May 1984, September–December 1984; plus reunions in 1986, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1999, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2026)
  • Phil Judd – vocals, guitar, mandolin (October 1972–April 1977, February–March 1978)
  • Mike Chunn – bass, backing vocals (October 1972–April 1977; plus reunions in 1992 and 2002)
  • Mike Howard – flute (October 1972–April 1973)
  • Miles Golding – violin (October 1972–March 1973)
  • Div Vercoe – drums (February–March 1973)
  • Wally Wilkinson – guitar, backing vocals (March 1973–November 1975)
  • Geoff Chunn – drums (March 1973–June 1974; plus reunions in 1992 and 2002)
  • Eddie Rayner – keyboards, piano, backing vocals (February 1974–December 1984; plus reunions in 1986, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1999, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2026)
  • Rob Gillies – saxophone (February–June 1974, November 1975–February 1978; plus reunions in 1992 and 2002)
  • Emlyn Crowther – drums (June 1974–December 1976; plus reunions in 1992 and 2002)
  • Noel Crombie – percussion, drums, backing vocals (July 1974–December 1984; plus reunions in 1986, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1999, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2026)
  • Malcolm Green – drums, backing vocals (December 1976–May 1981; plus reunions in 2005 and 2006)
  • Neil Finn – vocals, guitar, mandolin (April 1977–December 1984; plus reunions in 1986, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1999, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2026)
  • Nigel Griggs – bass, backing vocals (April 1977–December 1984; plus reunions in 1986, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1999, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009)
  • Paul Hester – drums, backing vocals (November 1983–December 1984; plus reunions in 1986, 1989, 1990, 1993 and 1999) (died 26 March 2005)

Discography

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Studio albums

Awards and nominations

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ARIA Music Awards

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The ARIA Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony that recognises excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of Australian music. They commenced in 1987. Split Enz were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.[21]

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2005 Split Enz ARIA Hall of Fame Inductee

TV Week / Countdown Awards

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Countdown was an Australian pop music TV series on national broadcaster ABC-TV from 1974 to 1987. It presented music awards from 1979 to 1987, initially in conjunction with magazine TV Week. The TV Week / Countdown Awards were a combination of popular-voted and peer-voted awards.[22]

Year Nominee / work Award Result
1980 True Colours Best Australian Album Nominated
Most Popular Australian Record Nominated
Best Australian Record Cover Design Nominated
"I Got You" Best Single Record Won
Split Enz Most Outstanding Achievement Nominated
Most Popular Group Nominated
Neil Finn (Split Enz) Best Recorded Song Writer Nominated
1981 Split Enz Most Popular Group Nominated
Neil Finn (Split Enz) Best Australian Songwriter Nominated
Most Popular Male Performer Nominated
1982 Time and Tide Best Australian Album Won
"Six Months in a Leaky Boat" Best Australian Single Nominated
Split Enz Most Popular Group Won
1983 Split Enz Most Popular Group Nominated

References

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Bibliography

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia

Split Enz were a rock band formed in in 1972 by and , initially under the name Split Ends, which was changed to Split Enz in 1974 after the addition of keyboardist . The group, featuring core members including vocalist-guitarist , his brother (who joined in 1977), keyboardist , drummer , and bassist Nigel Griggs, became known for their eccentric theatrical style, elaborate costumes, and makeup, blending , progressive elements, and new wave pop.
Evolving from underground appeal in the mid-1970s with albums like Mental Notes (1975) to mainstream success, Split Enz achieved international breakthrough with True Colours (1980), which went platinum in and spawned the hit single "I Got You", topping charts in , , and while reaching number 13 in the United States. Regarded as the first New Zealand band to secure significant recognition beyond , they toured extensively, including and the , and released multiple top-10 albums in before disbanding in 1984 following a farewell tour. Their innovative sound and visual flair influenced subsequent acts, notably formed by .

History

Formation and Early Development (1972–1975)

Split Enz originated in , , in late 1972 when , a university dropout studying for a , teamed up with art school acquaintance to form the group initially known as Split Ends. The founding lineup featured Finn on vocals and , Judd on guitar and vocals, Mike Chunn, violinist Miles Golding, and flautist Mike Howard, reflecting an experimental blend of acoustic folk elements and emerging art-rock sensibilities. This grassroots assembly drew from local university scene influences, prioritizing creative collaboration over polished musicianship, with early rehearsals emphasizing Judd and Finn's songwriting partnership. The band's debut performances occurred on December 10, 1972, at Auckland's Wynyard Tavern, where they delivered two sets of largely amateurish covers alongside nascent originals, marking a tentative entry into the local circuit. By early 1973, Split Ends recorded their debut single "For You"/"Home on Monday" at Stebbing Studios, capturing a raw, eclectic sound that hinted at future theatrical ambitions but remained rooted in straightforward rock arrangements. Internal dynamics revolved around Finn and Judd's push for originality, transitioning from covers of tracks to self-penned material like "1984 Fox," while lineup flux—such as Golding's departure—underscored the formative instability. In 1973, the group rebranded as Split Enz, adopting the altered spelling to nod to New Zealand's orthographic quirks and project a quirkier, globally appealing identity amid aspirations beyond local pubs. Keyboardist joined around 1974, bolstering the sonic palette with progressive textures, while percussionist arrived later that year, enabling more dynamic live setups. Early shows increasingly incorporated theatrical elements—inspired by art-rock acts like —featuring rudimentary costumes, makeup, and props to amplify dramatic narratives in songs, distinguishing them from standard Kiwi pub rock and fostering a reputation for visual eccentricity despite technical limitations. This period solidified their foundational ethos: ambitious experimentation driven by Finn and Judd's vision, unhindered by commercial pressures, as they honed a style blending vaudeville flair with angular riffs in Auckland's underground venues.

Initial Releases and Struggles (1976–1977)

In April 1976, Split Enz relocated to the United Kingdom to pursue international opportunities, securing a recording deal with Chrysalis Records. The band recorded their second album, Second Thoughts, in London with producer Phil Manzanera of Roxy Music, releasing it in August 1976 as their international debut; the album consisted of reworked versions of tracks from their New Zealand-only 1975 release Mental Notes, along with new material. Prior to the album, they issued the non-album single "Late Last Night" in April 1976, which was later re-recorded for Second Thoughts. The move exposed the band to significant challenges, including poor critical and commercial reception for Second Thoughts, often dismissed for its eccentric style amid the rising punk scene. Sales remained low, with the album failing to chart substantially outside , exacerbating financial hardships as the band struggled to secure consistent gigs and label support. Early singles like "Sweet Dreams" from Second Thoughts received promotional videos but did not achieve hit status, underscoring their limited breakthrough. Internal tensions mounted amid these setbacks, culminating in co-founder Phil Judd's departure in early 1977 due to burnout from the relentless touring and lack of success. Tim Finn's younger brother, , joined as Judd's replacement on guitar and vocals, marking a pivotal lineup shift that helped sustain the band's persistence despite ongoing economic pressures and the eventual loss of their Chrysalis contract.

Breakthrough with True Colours (1978–1980)

Following difficulties in the United Kingdom, Split Enz relocated their primary focus to Australia in 1979, signing with Mushroom Records to capitalize on regional opportunities. The band recorded their fifth studio album, True Colours, at Armstrong Studios in Melbourne, produced by David Tickle, with sessions emphasizing polished production and Neil Finn's emerging songwriting contributions. Released on 21 January 1980, the album marked a stylistic refinement, blending art rock experimentation with accessible pop hooks that broadened their appeal beyond niche audiences. The lead single "I Got You", written by , propelled the breakthrough, reaching number one on the charts in both and , where it held the top spot for eight weeks, and becoming the band's first number-one hit in . "I Never", released as the second single in May 1980, also achieved commercial success, reinforcing Finn's role as a primary songwriter alongside brother . True Colours itself topped the album charts in and , earning platinum certification in for sales exceeding 15,000 units by 1980. Complementing the musical shift, the band underwent a visual with a series of colorful, tailored costumes designed by percussionist , distilling prior theatrical elements into a more cohesive, vibrant aesthetic that enhanced live performances. This era saw Split Enz perform at major events like the Festival in January 1979, building momentum ahead of the album's release, followed by extensive tours across and that solidified their domestic breakthrough before expanding internationally later in 1980. The success stemmed from strategic market pivots and Finn's melodic craftsmanship, which tempered the band's eccentric roots with radio-friendly structures, attracting wider listenership without diluting their core identity.

Height of Popularity and Lineup Shifts (1981–1983)

Split Enz sustained their commercial momentum with the release of Waiata in March 1981, titled Corroboree in Australia, which topped the album charts in both New Zealand and Australia. The album featured the single "History Never Repeats," written by Neil Finn, which became a significant hit in Australasia, reaching high chart positions reflective of the band's growing regional popularity. Following the departure of drummer Mal Green in 1981, percussionist transitioned to the role for subsequent recordings and performances, a change that stabilized the rhythm section during intensive touring. This lineup adjustment coincided with extensive tours across and , where the band played to large audiences but faced challenges breaking through in the and markets, with singles like "History Never Repeats" peaking at number 63 on the UK charts. The band's peak domestic success continued with Time and Tide in 1982, which debuted at number one on the Australian charts and yielded hits including "Dirty Creature" at number six and "Six Months in a Leaky Boat" at number two in Australia. Despite these achievements, international traction remained limited, as the album did not replicate prior modest breakthroughs in the or . Internal strains emerged from relentless touring schedules and creative divergences, particularly as pursued solo endeavors, releasing Escapade in 1983 while still affiliated with the band, contributing to a sense of exhaustion among members. These factors underscored lineup shifts and the pressures of maintaining momentum amid regional dominance but global hurdles.

Final Album and Disbandment (1984)

See Ya 'Round, the ninth and final studio album by Split Enz, was released in November 1984 on , following Tim Finn's departure from the band in late 1983 to focus on his solo career. With assuming primary songwriting and lead vocal duties, the album reflected a shift toward a more streamlined sound but lacked the unified vision of prior releases, contributing to its perception as a transitional effort amid internal strains. The band supported the album with the "Enz with a Bang" farewell tour across New Zealand in November 1984, performing tracks from See Ya 'Round alongside earlier hits; the tour concluded with their last concert on December 4, 1984, at Auckland's Logan Campbell Centre, documented in the television special Enz with a Bang. Creative burnout, exacerbated by Tim Finn's exit and ongoing tensions—particularly between the Finn brothers—prompted Neil Finn to announce his intention to leave just weeks after Tim's departure, effectively ending the group despite its recent successes. Although See Ya 'Round achieved moderate sales in Australia and New Zealand, it represented a commercial downturn from peak albums like True Colours, underscoring diminishing momentum as band members pursued divergent paths. A live double album, The Living Enz, compiled from tour recordings, followed in 1985, but no immediate reunion was planned. Neil Finn promptly formed during the farewell tour with drummer and bassist , while Tim Finn advanced his solo projects, including the album Big Canoe in 1986.

Reunions (1992–2009)

Split Enz reunited on December 10, 1992, at the Wynyard Tavern in , , marking exactly 20 years since their debut performance at the same venue. This one-off event featured core members including , , , , and others, emphasizing nostalgic performances of early material. The band extended the celebration with a 20th anniversary tour across in 1993, drawing on the original and classic lineup variations without Phil Judd's involvement. Tour setlists heavily featured hits from the band's formative years, such as "" and "Poor Boy," reflecting a focus on pre-breakthrough era songs to evoke fan . Recordings from these shows were later compiled for live releases, underscoring the selective, milestone-driven nature of the reformation rather than a full return to activity. In 2006, Split Enz mounted an Australian arena tour featuring the classic True Colours lineup of , , , , Nigel Griggs, and Malcolm Green, prioritizing high-energy renditions of signature tracks like "I Got You." The tour, announced in early 2006, catered to enduring Australasian demand without commitments to new material or permanent reunion. A brief New Zealand reunion followed in March 2008, with performances at venues including Vector Arena in on March 29 and Westpac Arena in on March 23, again spotlighting early hits amid varied member participation centered on the Finn brothers and core instrumentalists. These shows highlighted the band's intermittent revivals for regional audiences, limited by individual members' solo careers and avoiding broader international obligations.

Recent Activities and Anniversaries (2010–2025)

Following the band's last reunion performances in 2009, Split Enz members engaged in sporadic individual projects and archival preservation efforts, with discussing the band's influence in interviews and releasing Forenzics in 2025, an album incorporating "shades and echoes" of early Split Enz tracks to create new compositions. These activities emphasized the group's enduring legacy through personal reflections rather than collective endeavors, as core members like and pursued solo and collaborative work outside formal band reunions. The 50th anniversary of Split Enz's debut album Mental Notes (originally released August 1, 1975) prompted significant commemorative releases in , including Neil Finn's revisited recording of "Time For A Change," a track from the album, performed to mark the occasion and highlighting its experimental art-rock roots. On November 14, , Chrysalis Records issued Enzyclopedia Volumes 1 & 2, a deluxe 5-CD (also available as a 3-LP vinyl edition and Blu-ray), featuring a of Mental Notes by Phil Kinrade from original tapes, Eddie Rayner's remix of the follow-up Second Thoughts (1976), and a compilation of early non-album tracks titled . This release focused on the pre-Neil Finn era, prioritizing high-fidelity restorations to preserve the band's raw, theatrical sound from its origins. Additional tributes included the Mental Notes Project in Hamilton, where students reimagined the album under guidance from founding bassist Mike Chunn, culminating in a vinyl release to honor its cultural impact on music education and fan communities. These efforts underscored ongoing digital restorations and archival initiatives, generating renewed fan interest evidenced by online discussions and pre-order announcements for the . In September 2025, Split Enz announced a reunion for the festival in Christchurch's Hagley Park on February 27, 2026—their first full-band performance since 2007—headlining to celebrate the 50th anniversary with the classic lineup of , , , , and Nigel Griggs. This one-off appearance, organized by promoter Callam Mitchell, signals potential for further tours tied to anniversary milestones, focusing on live preservation of the band's eccentric stage presence and hits like "I Got You."

Musical Style and Influences

Core Elements and Evolution


Split Enz's foundational sound drew from experimental , incorporating synthesizers, angular guitars, and intricate arrangements that prioritized eccentricity over accessibility. Their 1975 debut album Mental Notes, recorded with contributions from producer Ted Albert, featured jerky time signatures, layers, and neo-classical flourishes, yielding tracks like "Walking Down a Road" with twisted melodies and psychological undertones. This approach reflected the band's early emphasis on ambitious, non-commercial structures, often marked by odd vocal deliveries and dynamic shifts.
The evolution toward new wave pop accelerated with True Colours in 1980, produced by , which streamlined production for clarity and emphasized hooks within radio-friendly frameworks. Post-True Colours releases like Waiata (1981) further polished this sound, reducing complexity in favor of concise song forms and layered instrumentation that balanced synth-driven textures with propulsive rhythms. These changes stemmed from iterative refinements based on commercial feedback from prior albums' limited sales and touring experiences, enhancing the band's cohesion without altering core instrumental palettes. Tim and Neil Finn's songwriting anchored this progression, with Tim dominating early quirkier compositions featuring unconventional rhythms, contrasted by Neil's post-1977 contributions that introduced streamlined, hook-laden structures. For instance, early tracks like "Spellbound" from Mental Notes showcased erratic pacing and thematic opacity, while "I Got You" (1980) demonstrated rhythmic precision through clipped guitar strums, stalking basslines, and accentuated keyboard runs, achieving chart success via targeted melodic accessibility honed by band members' growing technical proficiency. This empirical adaptation to audience reception propelled Split Enz from cult appeal to broader viability, grounded in production and arrangement adjustments rather than external impositions.

Key Influences

Split Enz's formative sound, particularly in their early progressive and art rock phase, was shaped by British Invasion acts and 1960s pop, with Tim Finn citing influences from that era during his youth in New Zealand. Finn's vocal style drew partial inspiration from Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music, contributing to the band's theatrical delivery and eclectic arrangements on their 1975 debut Mental Notes. This manifested in the album's dramatic structures and whimsical elements, echoing Roxy Music's glam-infused art rock experimentation. Phil Judd, co-founder and key songwriter alongside Finn, brought influences from Family's Roger Chapman, infusing raw energy and avant-garde flair into Split Enz's live performances and compositions. The band's initial acoustic folk-leaning setup evolved from New Zealand's university scene, where members like Judd and Noel Crombie—art students at Auckland University—incorporated theatrical costumes and makeup, blending local performance traditions with imported prog rock sensibilities. Tracks like "Walking Down a Road" on Mental Notes reflect this hybrid, with stop-start rhythms and kaleidoscopic instrumentation reminiscent of 1970s art rock pioneers. Later citations by Finn highlight broader pop inspirations, including ' melodic craftsmanship, which informed the band's shift toward more accessible song structures by the late 1970s. These external sources prioritized over speculative parallels underscore Split Enz's deliberate fusion of international prog/ with Kiwi theatricality, evident in Mental Notes' heightened performance aspect that amplified live energy beyond studio recordings.

Visual and Theatrical Innovations

Split Enz developed a distinctive visual identity in their early years, characterized by painted faces, eccentric hairstyles, and handmade costumes crafted primarily by percussionist , who joined the band around 1973-1974. These elements formed an integral part of their theatrical art-rock aesthetic, with Crombie designing outfits inspired by suits, medieval attire, and other whimsical motifs to enhance stage personas and differentiate the band from conventional rock acts. The band's live performances incorporated these visuals to amplify theatrical energy, featuring elaborate stage setups and costume changes that contributed to a sense of narrative immersion, as seen in early tours where daylight festivals like in January 1979 tested but highlighted their commitment to atmospheric presentation despite suboptimal conditions. Crombie's and sketches for specific productions, such as the 1976 "Courting the Act" with long-line green coats and frilled collars, and the 1977 "Dyzrythmia" featuring blue jackets with pink accents, underscore the deliberate craftsmanship behind their evolving wardrobe. By the late and into the , Split Enz refined their approach toward a more polished aesthetic, toning down the wild make-up and adopting geometric patterns in costumes that aligned with album artwork for releases like True Colours in 1980, reflecting a strategic shift to streamlined visuals while retaining theatrical flair. This evolution, evident in promotional materials and video clips such as "I Got You," served to broaden media appeal without abandoning the core intent of visual innovation as a tool for artistic distinction, even amid perceptions of excessiveness that the band viewed as essential for standing out in competitive markets.

Band Members

Final Touring Lineup

The final touring lineup of Split Enz, active during the Enz with a Bang farewell tour culminating in their disbandment shows on December 4, 1984, in , , comprised on lead vocals and guitar, on keyboards and backing vocals, Nigel Griggs on bass guitar and vocals, on percussion and vocals, and on drums. This configuration, stabilized after Tim Finn's departure in early 1984, reflected the band's core personnel from their height of popularity in the early 1980s, when 's songwriting drove international hits like "I Got You," which reached number one in , , and . , a founding member, anchored the keyboard-driven arrangements central to Split Enz's new wave and style, while Griggs provided steady bass lines supporting tracks from s like True Colours (1980). Crombie, transitioning from drums to percussion by this era, contributed visual flair and rhythmic texture from his multifaceted role in the band's theatrical presentations. , recruited in 1983, delivered the drumming for the final See Ya Round and live sets, ensuring continuity in the group's energetic performances amid lineup shifts.

Membership Changes and Contributions

Split Enz experienced foundational lineup shifts in 1977, beginning with the departure of co-founding guitarist , whose contributions to the band's early guitar-driven phase had been central to their experimental sound. Judd's exit, occurring shortly after the release of singles like "Another Great Divide," prompted a reevaluation of the group's direction amid financial and creative strains during their stint. Replacing him was , younger brother of vocalist , who joined as guitarist on April 8, 1977, after traveling from to ; Neil's integration facilitated a pivot toward more accessible new wave pop structures while retaining theatrical elements. Concurrently, bassist Mike Chunn left the band in early 1977, with English bassist Nigel Griggs assuming the role on April 4, providing a steady rhythmic foundation that supported intensified touring and recording demands through the late and into the . , who had joined in 1974, played a pivotal role in these transitions by delivering intricate arrangements and layered keyboard textures that underpinned the band's sonic evolution, from progressive experimentation to refined pop , as evidenced in his essential production and compositional input across multiple phases. Further adjustments occurred in 1981 when drummer Mal Green departed, leading percussionist —who had been with the band since 1974—to shift to drums for the Time and sessions, enhancing the group's polished rhythmic drive before reverting to percussion upon Paul Hester's arrival in 1983. Crombie's broader influence extended to visual and theatrical innovations, designing the band's signature eccentric costumes and staging elements that amplified their performative identity and distinguished their live presentations.

Discography

Studio Albums

Split Enz released their debut studio album Mental Notes in 1975 on Mushroom Records, produced by David Russell and the band itself. The follow-up Second Thoughts, issued in August 1976 on the same label and produced by Phil Manzanera, incorporated re-recorded tracks from the debut alongside new material. Dizrythmia, their third album, appeared on 29 August 1977 via Mushroom and Chrysalis Records, with production handled by Geoff Emerick. After lineup adjustments including the addition of , the band achieved commercial breakthrough with True Colours, released in 1980 on and produced by ; it reached number one on the album chart, spending 76 weeks there, and also topped the Australian chart. Waiata (titled in ), issued on 1 April 1981 on , similarly hit number one in both and . Time and Tide, co-produced by Hugh Padgham and the band, was released on 13 April 1982 on A&M Records. The final studio album, See Ya 'Round, came out on 22 November 1984 on Mushroom Records and peaked at number 5 on the New Zealand chart, with 10 weeks in the top 40.
AlbumRelease DateLabelProducer(s)
Mental Notes1975David Russell, Split Enz
Second ThoughtsAugust 1976
Dizrythmia29 August 1977/Chrysalis
True Colours1980
Waiata1 April 1981
Time and Tide13 April 1982A&M, Split Enz
See Ya 'Round22 November 1984

Compilations, Live Albums, and Recent Releases

Split Enz released their first comprehensive best-of compilation, History Never Repeats, in 1990 through , collecting key singles from across their catalog including "I Got You," "Hard Act to Follow," "Six Months in a Leaky Boat," "One Step Ahead," "I See Red," and "." The band's 20th reunion tour in during March 1993 yielded the live album , issued in November 1994 by Fuel Records, capturing performances of staples such as "I Got You," "Six Months in a Leaky Boat," and "" from shows at venues like in . In 2017, Liberation Music released Live, Alive Oh, a double-disc set drawing primarily from the 1993 tour recordings (disc one tracks like "," "Poor Boy," and "Strait Ol' Line") alongside additional archival live material from earlier periods, expanding on the release with previously unreleased performances. Marking 50 years since the 1975 debut of Mental Notes, Split Enz initiated an archival reissue series with ENZyclopedia Volumes 1 & 2 on November 14, 2025, via Chrysalis Records, formatted as a 5CD box set, 3LP edition, and Dolby Atmos Blu-ray. The package features 2025 remasters of Mental Notes and Second Thoughts alongside Eddie Rayner’s 2025 remixes of the latter, plus a bonus disc of rarities including the archival rough mix of "Late Last Night," remixed live versions like "Sweet Dreams" from Ormond Hall, and tracks such as "Spellbound" and "No Bother to Me."

Reception

Critical Assessments

Split Enz's debut album Mental Notes (1975) received acclaim from critics for its eccentric, theatrical prog-art hybrid, marked by zany originality and ambitious arrangements that distinguished it as a milestone in New Zealand's early rock scene. Reviewers highlighted its fearless experimentation, with Phil Judd's disturbing themes and the band's Roxy Music-influenced flair creating a "delicious combination of sympathetically handled tunes" and understated compositional values, though some noted its maddening inconsistencies and low production values adding to a murky mystique. As the band shifted toward polished new wave pop in the early 1980s, albums like True Colours (1980) earned praise for infectious hooks and melodic sophistication, with critics viewing it as a smart evolution that shed earlier excesses for bright, enduring pop craftsmanship. However, this transition drew dismissals from some quarters as a dilution of the group's initial avant-garde edge, prioritizing commercial accessibility over the raw eccentricity of works like Mental Notes. Later efforts, such as See Ya 'Round (1984), faced critiques for flawed sequencing and a mild, forgettable quality despite lingering charms, underscoring perceived inconsistencies in the band's output amid lineup changes and fatigue. New Zealand critics occasionally reflected broader cultural tendencies toward , resenting Split Enz's international breakthroughs as a departure from local authenticity, though this was balanced by recognition of their role in challenging Kiwi al inferiority complexes. Such viewpoints contrasted with international assessments that valued the band's innovation, but empirical aggregates remain limited for their pre-digital era releases, with retrospective ratings like AllMusic's 6/10 for See Ya 'Round highlighting uneven reception.

Commercial Performance

Split Enz achieved their commercial breakthrough with the 1980 album True Colours, which reached number one on the charts in both New Zealand and Australia, where it held the top position for ten weeks. The album earned five-times platinum certification in Australia, reflecting sales exceeding 350,000 units there. Its lead single, "I Got You", topped the charts in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, while peaking at number 53 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Follow-up releases sustained this Australasian dominance; Waiata (1981, released as Corroboree in Australia) also hit number one in both markets. Earlier efforts like Frenzy (1979) charted modestly at number 13 in New Zealand and number 24 in Australia, building momentum through persistent touring before the label shift to Mushroom Records facilitated wider distribution. In contrast, penetration into the UK and US remained limited despite Top 40 album entries and international deals with A&M Records; True Colours reached the UK Top 40 but lacked the sustained sales or airplay to match regional figures, attributable in part to competitive new wave markets and distribution challenges. The band prioritized extensive Australasian and Canadian touring over US pushes, correlating with proportionally stronger performance in those areas. Overall, Split Enz's success stemmed from grassroots persistence, amassing multi-platinum status primarily through domestic and neighboring markets rather than global breakthroughs.

Controversies and Criticisms

The song "Six Months in a Leaky Boat," released in April 1982 as the second single from the album Time and Tide, faced backlash in the due to its coincidental timing with the , which began that month. British broadcasters, including the , interpreted the lyrics—referencing leaky vessels and perilous voyages—as a veiled of British naval efforts in the conflict, leading to restricted despite the track's nautical theme drawing from New Zealand's seafaring and history rather than contemporary . This misinterpretation, echoed in media reports, amplified perceptions of the song as politically provocative, though band members maintained it was apolitical. In , Split Enz encountered domestic criticism rooted in cultural "tall poppy syndrome," where their pivot toward polished, commercially viable pop after early experimental phases was derided by some as "selling out" to international markets. Detractors, envious of the band's breakthrough success—such as True Colours topping charts in and in 1980—framed this evolution as a betrayal of raw, roots, despite the group's deliberate refinement of songcraft and visuals to sustain touring viability abroad. Internally, tensions surfaced with founding guitarist Phil Judd's departures: he exited in 1977 amid frustrations with live performances, preferring studio-focused work, and briefly rejoined in 1978 before leaving permanently as assumed guitar duties. Band members later acknowledged early incompetence, with bassist Mike Chunn recalling their pre-1973 covers of artists like and as "really bad" and lacking original songwriting depth. These issues, however, remained minor creative frictions without escalating to scandals, underscoring narratives of dysfunction as often overstated relative to the band's adaptive resilience.

Legacy

Impact on New Zealand Music Scene

Split Enz achieved New Zealand's first sustained international profile as a rock band, particularly after the 1980 release of True Colours, which sold over 300,000 copies worldwide and topped charts in Australia and Canada. This breakthrough demonstrated viable pathways for local artists to penetrate overseas markets, countering perceptions of geographic isolation as an insurmountable barrier and highlighting achievement through innovation and touring rigor. Their signing to Mushroom Records in 1975 enabled early Australasian distribution and funding for international pushes, fostering industry belief in export potential where prior Kiwi acts had faltered. The band's visibility elevated the credibility of New Zealand's nascent recording sector, which by the late 1970s included fledgling studios and labels but lacked global traction. Split Enz's theatrical style and hit singles like "" (1980) became anthems domestically while proving commercial viability abroad, inspiring a wave of independent ventures. This groundwork contributed to the rise of labels like in 1981, which amplified regional sounds and acts including , whose jangle-pop echoed Enz's experimental edge but adapted it for DIY ethos. Empirically, Split Enz's successes preceded a surge in music exports, with government reports noting heightened ambition for global reach fueled by their model—evident in the proliferation of acts achieving overseas deals post-1980, from to subsequent Finn-led projects. Critics attributing Enz's breakthroughs to luck overlook the causal chain of relentless self-financed tours (over 1,000 shows by 1980) and stylistic evolution from prog to pop, underscoring merit over provincial envy narratives. Their legacy thus primed the local scene for self-sustaining growth, shifting from insular pub circuits to export-oriented production.

Broader Influence and Enduring Recognition

The transition of from to in propagated the band's melodic and eclectic sensibilities into sustained global prominence, as Crowded House's breakthrough yielded international hits that built upon Finn's Split Enz-era compositions like "I Got You," which peaked at number one in , , and in 1980. This causal link amplified Split Enz's innovations in new wave pop, with Neil's role as primary songwriter in both acts ensuring stylistic continuity, including layered harmonies and introspective lyrics that influenced subsequent Finn-led projects. Split Enz's quirky theatricality and genre-blending approach left traces in alternative pop, notably inspiring They Might Be Giants' whimsical arrangements and DIY ethos, as the American duo explicitly listed the band among formative influences alongside acts like . Covers by diverse artists underscore this ripple effect, such as Shihad's 2020 recording of "I Got You" on a tribute album and Ladyhawke's 2023 session version of "," reflecting the songs' adaptability across indie and rock contexts. In the United States, Split Enz achieved only moderate chart presence—such as "I Got You" reaching number 53 on the —but fostered a dedicated audience through rotations of videos like "Dirty Creature" and "Six Months in a Leaky Boat" in the early , sustaining fan loyalty amid broader new wave competition. Formal tributes include their 2005 induction into Australia's , where surviving members performed "History Never Repeats" and "Poor Boy" to commemorate the honor. The band's relevance persists, evidenced by 2025 initiatives for the 50th anniversary of debut Mental Notes, including remastered reissues in the Enzyclopedia and announcements of reunion shows, which highlight ongoing archival interest and live demand.

References

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