Review: Split Enz @ AEC Arena 25/05/26
Proving they’ve still got it after more than 20 years away, Kiwi legends Split Enz took punters on a nostalgia-filled journey through their biggest hits and anthems.
Words Brad Pine // Images John Goodridge
Split Enz w/Vika & Linda @ AEC Arena 25/05/26
For the first time in two decades, New Zealand icons Split Enz have reformed for the Forever Enz reunion tour. Alongside Tim and Neil Finn, core members Noel Crombie and Eddie Rayner return to the fold for this tour, which kicked off in March. Adelaide was the last show on the itinerary, but by no means did that slow them down.
Carparks were full and the merch line was out the doors for tonight’s concert. Settling in between the sea of red cushioned seats, it was a distinct experience for what would normally be the general admission/mosh pit area of the Entertainment Centre. It did not take long for the seats all around to fill in what was a close to sold-out show.
The support for the tour was Vika & Linda Bull, also icons of music, both in Australia and their family’s home of Tonga. Backed up by their band The Bullants, the sisters wasted no time getting the crowd warmed up. Dressed in white suits, they delivered a diverse set within a short amount of time, complete with choreographed movements and utter enjoyment.
They reminisced about watching Countdown and watching their favourite band Split Enz. Now performing with them, they became part of a larger musical family. With a new album on the way in June, Vika & Linda invited us to experience their journey through shared stories and new songs. None more impressive than their closer ‘Where Do You Come From?’ – a song embedded with the prejudice they have experienced over their more than 40 year career. With a tour set to follow for their new album, mark them down on your calendar as one show not to be missed.
With some quick manoeuvres to get the set ready, we were treated to footage of Split Enz on the superimposed red curtain – images of music videos, behind the scenes and early recordings. Then, a strange and rather tall figure entered the stage, like a forgotten silky Muppet alien. On the opposite side, an equally odd silken creature made its way to centre stage before disrobing to reveal the band members. Each were adorned with Noel Crombie designed suits; bright, colourful, asymmetrical cuts. In a flash, the band started with ‘Shark Attack’ which was an instant assault on the senses. This had people out of their seats immediately, as ‘History Never Repeats’ followed.
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This was their “one thousandth and thirteenth gig” and, for Neil, the first broken guitar string of the tour during ‘Poor Boy.’ The backdrop changed throughout the night, with the initial façade an ancient alien ruin which would change colour with the music. Tim and Neil took time out to witness the costumes in the front row, some of whom took great efforts in replicating Crombie designs from the early years.
The background transformed to a distorted image of misshapen trees in the buildup to ‘Dirty Creature.’ Rayner continued to manipulate sounds to add to the uncanny nature of the atmosphere. But amidst the quirkiness of the music, the band reminisced of times in Adelaide – from gigs at the Arkaba to Rayner getting quesy and collapsing at a gig at the Largs Pier. Split Enz obviously were no strangers to Adelaide, and it showed in the continuous admiration the crowd gave.
Throughout the night, each band member had their moment in the spotlight. Tim’s time came at the piano for ‘Time For A Change’, showing his proficiency on the keys as well as with his voice. The duality of the Finn brothers during the later years of Split Enz added depth to their catalogue and Neil steered the ship for the next few songs. ‘One Step Ahead’ and my personal highlight ‘Message To My Girl’ had the crowd singing along in full voice.
Rayner then took the spotlight with ‘Double Happy’ as a montage of Crombie suits exploded on the background screen. The detail and diversity within his designs shone through in the tribute for the quietest member of the band. Crombie, alongside being an excellent percussionist, used a variety of instruments to add to the strangeness of the show – slide whistles, kazoos and even clashed guitars with Neil in a frenzied end to ‘My Mistake.’
Tim returned to the piano for ‘Stuff And Nonsense’ and during the song, I could sense his voice becoming strained. However, this did not deter him as his bandmates and the audience were in full voice, taking Tim along with us. The instrumental ‘Pioneer’ led us into three of the biggest hits for the band.
‘Six Months In A Leaky Boat’ had every person singing along and swaying as one, even during an extended instrumental from the band. ‘I Got You’ and ‘I See Red’ were always linked for me in some way (maybe because the track listing on Spellbound had them together) but the latter was the highlight. As manic as ‘Shark Attack’ and with the backdrop awash with the brightest red possible.
“They want more, Tim,” Neil exclaimed as Split Enz returned for the encore. ‘Bold As Brass’ had Tim directing us in quirky noises whilst ‘Spellbound’ had us hooked on every note from the band. Tim was using every speck of his vocals for ‘I Hope I Never’ but got the amazing support of the audience to get through to the end.
For a band that had its origins over fifty years ago, it is incredible to see the legacy that Split Enz has. Those classic tracks have lasted, and it is obvious to see why. From a unique style of costumes to timeless songwriting, Split Enz will always be a part of New Zealand’s musical DNA. Even here in Australia, we love the Finn Brothers, and hope it’s not another two decades between drinks before they visit us for another reunion tour.
Want more pics of the gig? Check out our full photo gallery here.
