Many would know and associate both Neil and Tim Finn with Crowded House. Quite a few years earlier the Finn brothers brought another hugely successful act to our shores – Split Enz. Formed in NZ, Split Enz arrived on a thriving Australia rock music scene in 1975 – they were like nothing else we’d ever seen.
A Split Enz performance was not just about music – it was art. Brightly coloured costumes, surreal make-up, weird hairstyles, quirky characters, and carefully choreographed stage movements could leave audiences initially spellbound. It was difficult to know where to look. It was as if every jerk, sway or dance step was intrinsically linked to the music. And the music was great – solid rock, plenty of catchy melodies for the pop fan, occasionally experimental. It was a wonderful array of styles that displayed a wealth of originality.
They have occasionally reformed for short periods over the years and thev’ve decided to treat Australian audiences again with their Forever Enz Tour 2026.
It will be fascinating to see how much they replicate of the old Split Enz – musically and stylistically. Legacy fans will be wrapped to enjoy their unique stage presence once more. And if you’ve never had the pleasure of seeing Split Enz before, now’s your chance.
Split Enz play at Adelaide’s AEC Arena (Entertainment Centre) on Monday, May 25. Tickets via Ticketek.
