Loading details…
Artist
Split Enz
12+ albums
new waveNew Zealand80srockpop
about
Split Enz were a New Zealand band formed in 1972 in Auckland. Regarded as the first New Zealand band to gain significant recognition outside of Australasia, 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) and Time and Tide (1982). Split Enz broke up in 1984. Since that time, the band has staged several brief reunions. History 1972–1984: 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
