Full Breakdown
Split Enz Announces New Zealand Arena Shows Following Historic Comeback
3/2/2026, 1:59:58 AM
Historic Comeback Performance
Split Enz, the iconic New Zealand band featuring Tim Finn, Neil Finn, Eddie Rayner, and Noel Crombie, has officially announced two arena shows in New Zealand for May 2026. This announcement follows their recent performance at the Electric Avenue Festival in Christchurch, where they played together for the first time in 18 years. The concert attracted a crowd of 45,000, marking the band's 1,000th gig, a significant milestone that added to the excitement of their reunion.
Upcoming Tour Details
The "Forever Enz Tour" will include performances at Wellington's TSB Arena on May 6 and Auckland's Spark Arena on May 9. Joining the original lineup will be Matt Eccles on drums and James Milne on bass. Tickets for the general public will go on sale on March 5, with pre-sales starting on March 3 for Mastercard and artist fans, and on March 4 for Live Nation members.
Significance of the Reunion
This tour not only marks the band's return to the stage after nearly two decades but also celebrates the 51st anniversary of their debut album, *Mental Notes*. The band’s entire catalogue is currently being featured in the Enzyclopedia re-release series, which began last November. Fans can expect a nostalgic journey through their classic hits, including "I Got You," "I See Red," and "Six Months in a Leaky Boat."
Official Statements & Responses
Tim Finn expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming shows, stating, “Aotearoa, rugged individual! We’re looking forward to climbing into our new Noel Crombie suits and seeing you all soon. The songs are sounding shiny and new… if music be the food of love, Split Enz are the silverware!" This sentiment reflects the band's excitement to reconnect with their audience after such a long hiatus.
Criticism & Opposition
While the reunion has been met with enthusiasm, some critics have noted the challenges of reviving a band after such a long break. Concerns about whether the band can recapture the magic of their earlier performances have been raised, though many fans remain optimistic.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Aotearoa, rugged individual! We’re looking forward to climbing into our new Noel Crombie suits and seeing you all soon. The songs are sounding shiny and new… if music be the food of love, Split Enz are the silverware!” — Tim Finn, Lead Vocalist
- “everything I wanted and more,” — Concert Reviewer, Electric Avenue Festival
What's Next
As anticipation builds for the upcoming shows, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early. The reunion performances promise to be a celebration of Split Enz's legacy and a chance for new generations to experience their music live.
