Rock group Split Enz was the first New Zealand band to achieve worldwide success. First known as Split Ends, the group began as a progressive art-rock band fuelled by the song writing talents of founders Tim Finn and Phil Judd. The group's career was marked by numerous changes in personnel. After the departure of Judd in 1977, Finn's younger brother Neil was recruited and the early 80s saw the release of a string of successful albums, making Split Enz one of the most popular Australasian groups of the era until their split in 1984.
The band recorded their first single For You, in February 1973, performing on the New Zealand television contest New Faces later that year. Avoiding the pub circuit in their early career, the band toured university campuses and concert venues performing works in an eclectic mix of styles. The band's trademark was their 'look', an original visual identity complete with wild hairstyles, colourful costumes, makeup and sets designed by their spoons player and later drummer, Noel Crombie. Their name spelling was later changed to Split Enz to represent their New Zealand roots.
Moving to Australia in 1975, Split Enz signed with Mushroom Records and released their first album, Mental Notes. At this time all band members, except Judd, switched to using their middle names. In 1976 the band recorded a new single Late Last Night, accompanied by their first video clip. Later that year they moved to the UK and Roxy Music's Phil Manzanera produced a re-working of their first album, titled Second Thoughts. In 1977 the band went on a promotional tour of the United States after which Judd left the group. 1977 also saw the release of the band's third album Dizrythmia.
Split Enz soon returned to Australia and in 1979 released their most successful album, the new wave pop hit True Colours which reached No. 1 on the Australian charts as did the single I Got You. The band continued to find success with their next two albums Corroboree (1981) released outside Australia as Waiata, and Time and Tide (1982), featuring the hit Six Months in a Leaky Boat.
In 1983 the group celebrated their 10th anniversary with a concert at Te Awamutu, New Zealand, and the record Conflicting Emotions. The band's final album See Ya Round was released in 1984 with Tim Finn having announced his departure for a solo career. Neil Finn decided to fold the band following a farewell tour titled Enz with a Bang!, for which Tim rejoined the group.
Neil Finn, Paul Hester and Nick Seymour subsequently formed the band Crowded House. Split Enz celebrated their 20th anniversary in 1993 with a short reunion tour of New Zealand and the release of the commemorative album Anniversary (1994). In 1996 the album EnzSO was released, featuring orchestral arrangements of Split Enz's most popular songs.
Band members:
Tim Finn (1972-84)
Phil Judd (1972-78)
Michael Howard (1972-73)
Miles Golding (1972-73)
Mike Chunn (1972-77)
Wally Wilkinson (1973-75)
Geoffrey Chunn (1973-74)
Robert Gillies (1974-77)
Noel Crombie (1974-84)
Eddie Rayner (1974-84)
Emlyn Crowther (1974-76)
Malcolm Green (1976-81)
Nigel Griggs (1977-84)
Neil Finn (1977-84)
Paul Hester (1983-84)
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