Split Enz set to reunite for first tour in nearly two decades with ‘Forever Enz’ in May 2026
Split Enz is set to reunite in 2026 for their first national tour in nearly twenty years, bringing together Tim Finn, Neil Finn, Eddie Rayner, and Noel Crombie for the highly anticipated Forever Enz Tour. Scheduled for May 2026, this tour will mark the band’s full-scale return since their last appearance at Melbourne’s Sound Relief event in 2009.
For fans of music originating from Australasia, the reunion of Split Enz is a momentous occasion. Few bands have had such a significant impact on New Zealand and Australian culture as Split Enz. The group, originally formed in Auckland in 1972 under the name Split Ends, burst onto the scene with a distinctive theatrical art-rock style that was unparalleled in the region. Their relocation to Melbourne in 1975 played a crucial role in reshaping the identity of modern Antipodean pop, introducing eccentric flair, avant-garde performances, and a collection of timeless hits that continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.
Split Enz was at the forefront of merging experimental art rock with finely-crafted pop long before the new-wave movement took hold. Their influence not only led to chart-topping success but also extended through the careers of the Finn Brothers and Crowded House, solidifying their position as one of the most essential musical exports from the region. In recognition of their enduring impact, the band was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2005.
With classic tracks like I Got You, I See Red, History Never Repeats, Message To My Girl, One Step Ahead, and Six Months On A Leaky Boat, Split Enz garnered both critical acclaim and commercial triumph. Their 1980 album True Colours, a quintessential release from the Southern Hemisphere during that period, achieved 5x Platinum status in Australia and sold over 350,000 copies locally. The lead single I Got You propelled them to global fame, topping charts in Australia and New Zealand while making waves internationally.
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of their debut album Mental Notes, Split Enz has launched the Enzyclopedia archival re-issue series. The first volumes, released through Chrysalis Records worldwide and Warner Music in Australia and New Zealand on 14 November, provide fans with an opportunity to explore the band’s early recordings, including originals, remasters, and rare material. In 2026, the band looks back on their legacy while returning to the stage with the original lineup for a year of honoring their past and delighting audiences with their live performances.
Joining Tim, Neil, Eddie, and Noel on tour will be Matt Eccles on drums and James Milne on bass. Eccles, the son of former Enz drummer Eddie Rayner, has long been connected to the band’s musical family, while Milne has collaborated extensively with Neil Finn and Crowded House. The chemistry, history, and lineage surrounding this touring band ensure an authentic and respectful musical experience for all in attendance.
The Forever Enz Tour will kick off at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne before heading to Sydney, Perth, and Adelaide. Split Enz will also make a special appearance at the Byron Bay Bluesfest in April 2026, extending their long-awaited return to fans across the country.