Split Enz reunion

[rewind]

From Billboard:

February 01, 2006, 8:15 AM ET
Split Enz Reunite For Aussie Arena Tour

By Christie Eliezer, Melbourne

They once sang that history never repeats. However, New Zealand 1980s hitmakers Split Enz today (Feb. 1) confirmed they are reuniting for an Australian arena tour in June, 22 years after they broke up.

Melbourne-based Frontier Touring has booked the act for an initial five dates beginning, June 7 in Brisbane. The band still has an active fan club in Australia of about 15,000 members, and the tour is expected to see them play to their largest crowds in that market.

Founding band member Tim Finn told a press gathering in Melbourne today that while no further dates were planned, he would like to play showcases in Los Angeles, New York and London. The run would likely include dates through their homeland, where the act continues to sell records.

The lineup to tour is widely considered as the most successful of the band's 12-year recording career. It comprises the Finn brothers Tim and Neil on vocals and guitars, keyboardist Eddie Rayner, bass player Nigel Griggs, drummer Malcolm Green and percussionist Noel Crombie.

"This was the lineup that saw things through," Neil Finn said today.

Formed in New Zealand in 1972, Split Enz fused an eccentric theater-pop flamboyance with pre-MTV innovative videos and artwork.

In 1980, the band had a global breakthrough album "True Colours" (A&M) and hit songs with "I Got You" and "I Hope I Never." Two years later, the "Time And Tide" album yielded "Six Months In A Leaky Boat" and "Dirty Creature."

A Split Enz reunion tour has been mooted for two years. The clincher, Tim Finn says, was when the band reunited to play two shows when they were inducted last June at the Australian Recording Industry Assn. Hall Of Fame event in Melbourne.

"There was an electricity there," Finn explains, adding that the only rehearsals they'd done for the show was a run-through at soundcheck.

The band has not confirmed the reunion will yield a new studio album.

[Frau_Blucher]

Thanks for the BIG news Rewind. There's no way I'd miss either a Boston or NYC showcase. That would be epic!

[Dave]

I'm there too! Never seen them live, but I bet they put on a heck of a show. And that is definately a winning line-up.

[Otters Walk Among Us]

Holy great spotted kiwi!

I'm so there. Please play New York or Boston.

[skinnytie]

I remember when these guys played in Cental Park back in the day, opening for Duran Duran. Unfortunately, I couldn't go (I was on vacation somewhere with the family) and always regretted it. I would definitely want to see them if they came to these parts, though.