Split Enz

Although closely associated with the quirky early-’80s New Wave scene, Split Enz’ career is much richer and more eclectic than many realise. Formed in Auckland, New Zealand, by Tim Finn and Phil Judd as Split Ends, the group re-emerged under their more familiar name in 1975. Despite their offbeat vibe—they were then a costume-wearing theatrical art-rock troupe with a sound inspired by Roxy Music and Sparks—they found fame in New Zealand and Australia with 1977’s Dizrythmia, the first LP to feature Finn’s younger brother Neil. As the latter contributed more songwriting and lead vocals, the band earned more success internationally. The 1980 LP True Colours spawned the ominous “I Got You”, a No. 1 hit in Australia and New Zealand that helped Split Enz make inroads in America. The U.S. cable channel MTV placed their videos into rotation starting in 1981, eventually giving visibility to Tim’s wistful, swirling “Six Months In a Leaky Boat” and Neil’s bracing rock standout “History Never Repeats”. Tim left Split Enz before 1984’s See Ya ’Round, and the group split up soon after, with Neil forming the popular rock band Crowded House. In the decades since, Split Enz have reunited multiple times, including for well-received tours in 1993 and 2006 and a 2009 bushfire benefit.