Is this the start of a new era for pop legends with a 17-year gap being broken?

Is a new era of Split Enz on the horizon? It seems that way as the pop legends are set to break a 17-year hiatus and embark on a reunion tour in 2026. The journey to this point dates back to 1973 when a young Neil Finn was dropped off at the Great Ngaruawahia Festival, a New Zealand festival reminiscent of Woodstock. The wild and psychedelic atmosphere made a lasting impression on Neil as he witnessed his brother Tim and their band, Split Ends, captivate the audience with their bewitching music.

Reflecting on those early days, Neil recalls being surrounded by a crowd that didn’t quite understand the magic that Split Ends was creating. Despite the hecklers and hostilities, the band remained true to their unique sound and style, eschewing conventional rock ‘n’ roll aesthetics to carve out their niche in the music industry.

Tim Finn, now chiming in from Auckland, reminisces about the band’s humble beginnings and the struggles they faced in finding their audience. It took years, personnel changes, and mixed receptions abroad before Split Enz finally made their mark with hits like “I Got You” and “True Colours,” solidifying their place in pop music history.

After nearly two decades away from the spotlight, the band was nudged back into action by Neil Finn, who has long been eager for a reunion. With the upcoming tour, Split Enz is set to breathe new life into their music and bring their timeless hits to a new generation of fans. The thought of crafting a setlist for the tour is both exciting and daunting for the band, as they consider which songs will resonate most with their audience.

As rehearsals commence and preparations are made for the tour, Eddie Rayner, the band’s audio archivist, delves into Split Enz’s rich musical history to curate a setlist that balances their hits with deep cuts. With reissues in the pipeline and the band’s legacy enduring through the years, there’s a sense of anticipation and nostalgia surrounding Split Enz’s return to the stage.

Whether hitting audiences with their classic hits or experimenting with a mix of old and new material, Split Enz’s reunion promises to be a celebration of their iconic sound and enduring legacy in pop music. As the band members gear up for their first tour together in 17 years, fans old and new eagerly await the chance to experience the magic of Split Enz once again.