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| Split Enz were one of the few musical exports from New Zealand to achieve international notoriety in the seventies, joining a short list that included ManFred Mann’s Earth Band lead-singer Chris Thompson (‘Blinded By The Light’ fame), Richard O’ Brien (creator of Rocky Horro |
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Split Enz were one of the few musical exports from New Zealand to achieve international notoriety in the seventies, joining a short list that included ManFred Mann’s Earth Band lead-singer Chris Thompson (‘Blinded By The Light’ fame), Richard O’ Brien (creator of Rocky Horror Picture Show) and New Romantic synth-rock combo Mi-Sex .
Under the guidance of key songwriters Tim Finn (vocals, guitar) and Phil Judd (vocals, guitar) as well as percussionist Noel Crombie (who also designed the band’s clothes), the band generated a cult following through out the seventies; due to their assorted blend of art-rock, cabaret, ballads and theatrics that accompanied the group’s outstanding clown like image. Although this was to be a constant formula through out the band’s career, the band eventually developed a strong pop element through Tim’s younger brother Neil Finn, who would later penned the band’s biggest hit ‘I Got You’, as well as other early-80s gems ‘History Never Repeats’, ‘One Step Ahead’ and ‘Message To My Girl’, during the New Wave era, a period the band undoubtedly influenced.
Formed in 1972 as Split Ends, the group’s theatrical flare saw them playing in theatres and art-houses, instead of the traditional pubs. After the release of their first single ‘For You b/s Split Ends’ in 1973, the band received National exposure on New Zealand talent quest show New Faces. After signing to Australian record label Mushroom records in 1975, the band were booed off the stage after supporting AC/DC. This was not to be the only hostile audience the band was to face in those early years. However, after seeing the band live, Roxy Music’s Phil Manzanera produced their second album ‘Second Thoughts’ in 1976, which received mixed reviews in the UK press. Whilst some praised the band, others dismissed them as dinosaur art-rockers. This was not good for a band that was only just beginning to take on the larger market and the punk rock explosion in 1976 didn’t help the band’s profile.
During the 70s, radio play was vital in developing a band’s popularity. In Split Enz case, it was television exposure and a habit of making sophisticated video clips (five years before the launching of MTV) that attracted a core of Split Enz followers.
After passing a period of stagnation, the band started making hits, starting with the 1979 punk-pop single ‘I See Red’, followed by the worldwide hit ‘I Got You’ (1980) which reached the US top 50 and UK top 20. The early 80s saw Split Enz reaching a peak of commercial success and the Enz found themselves sitting nicely in the New Wave era. Even Phil Judd, who had quit the band in 1977, re-emerged with his band The Swingers and scored a hit in 1981 with ‘Counting The Beat’.
In 1984, after Tim Finn departed for a solo career, Split Enz called it a day and played their final concert in their home city Auckland. The band has occasionally reformed and played the odd re-union show.
The group’s first three albums ‘Mental Notes’ (1975), ‘Second Thoughts’ (1976, produced by Roxy Music's Phil Manzanera) and Dizrhythmia (1977), are the band’s most eccentric albums, displaying a high amount of melancholy and zaniness. Following albums ‘Frenzy’, ‘True Colours’ (1980, produced by David Tickle), Waiata (1981, released as ‘Corroboree’ in Australia), Time & Tide (1982), ‘Conflicting Emotions’ (1983) and ‘See Ya Round’ (1984) are commercially stronger albums and pleasant to fans of New Wave rock. Split Enz members have over the years have included Miles Golding, Mike Howard, Mike Chunn, Geoff Chunn, Wally Wilkinson, Rob Gillies,
Eddie Rayner, Paul Crowther, Mal Green, Nigel Griggs and Paul Hester.
Neil Finn and Paul Hester and later Tim Finn, continued international success with Crowded House.
Bio written by: Ryan |
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Discussion Topic
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Creator
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Split Enz Reunite
Split Enz Reunite for June Tour
by Paul Cashmere
February 1 2006
Split Enz featuring the classic ‘True
Colours’ line-up of Tim Finn, Neil Finn,
Eddie Rayner, Noel Crombie, Nigel Griggs, and
Malcolm Green will tour Australia in June.
At a media gathering today, the band
announced the tour but went short of talking
about a greater world tour.
The June tour will feature “all the songs you
know” said Neil Finn. However, Split Enz is
not working on any new material for the tour,
nor do they plan to regroup in the studio to
record a new album.
The last Split Enz studio record was ‘See Ya
Round’ in 1984.
The True Colours line-up reminisced about
their early days at the press conference.
Neil talked about the time before he joined
the band were they were booed off stage in
London while supporting Black Sabbath.
Tim also said how they were once again booed
at a gig in Melbourne with they were the
support act for Skyhooks and AC/DC.
As part of the announcement, the band
performed 'Poor Boy', 'Message To My
Girl' and 'Shark Attack' as well as
a segment of 'I Hope I Never' as well
as the highlight, a spoon solo by Noel
Crombie.
Special guests on the Australian tour will be
New Zealand’s Evermore.
Tickets are expected to be between $90-$120
and go on sale on February 22nd.
Dates are:
Wednesday 7 June Brisbane Entertainment
Centre
Ticketek Outlets & Phonecharge 132 849 or
www.ticketek.com.au
Friday 9 June Sydney Entertainment Centre
Ticketmaster 136 100 or
www.ticketmaster.com.au
Sunday 11 June Melbourne Rod Laver Arena
Ticketek Outlets & Phonecharge 132 849 or
www.ticketek.com.au
Tuesday 13 June Adelaide Entertainment
Centre
Ticketek Outlets & Phonecharge 132 849 or
www.ticketek.com.au
Friday 16 June Perth Burswood Dome
Ticketek Outlets & Phonecharge 132 849 or
www.ticketek.com.au
Oh wow this is the first discussion topic?
what the....
Split Enz are one of my all time favourite
Bands. Now that they've reunited I'm
going to try and get tickets to see them. :D
Any other fans out there?
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mcka |
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