Split Enz to close out the weekend – recorded for John Peel on September 26, 1978 and broadcast on October 18th.
Split Enz were a New Zealand band formed in 1972. Regarded as the first New Zealand band to gain significant recognition outside of Australasia, they were initially noted for their progressive/art rock sound, flamboyant visual style and theatrical performances. The band later moved toward a pop/new wave sound that yielded the breakthrough hit single “I Got You” (1980). Split Enz broke up in 1984. Since that time, the band has staged several brief reunions.
Originally named Split Ends, presumably referencing split ends of hairs, the band were formed by songwriters Tim Finn (vocals) and Phil Judd (guitar/vocals). The original line-up was completed by Mike Chunn (bass), Miles Golding (violin) and Mike Howard (flute), with the band making their first live appearance on 10 December 1972, at the Wynyard Tavern in Auckland, New Zealand. At the beginning of 1973, they were joined by drummer Div Vercoe, though within a few months, Vercoe, Golding and Howard had all departed, with Finn, Judd and Chunn recruiting Wally Wilkinson on guitar and Chunn’s brother Geoff on drums. Keyboardist Eddie Rayner and saxophonist Rob Gillies were also added in early 1974, around which time the band altered their name to Split Enz, with the “nz” in the name referring to New Zealand.
By mid 1978, Split Enz had no agent, no manager, and no record contract. The New Zealand Arts Council gave the band a grant of $5,000. The grant money was used to book studio time, and the band used that time to record what became known as the “Rootin’ Tootin’ Luton Tapes”. One of the songs the band recorded was called “I See Red”. Released as a single later that year, “I See Red” marked a significant move away from the band’s early progressive/art rock style, towards high-energy, guitar-based power pop. While “I See Red” did not chart in England, it did bring the band critical attention. The single peaked at No. 15 in New Zealand.
Split Enz played their final show on 6 December 1984 at Logan Campbell Centre in Auckland, after which they officially split.
Neil Finn and Paul Hester went on to form a new band called the Mullanes with bassist Nick Seymour. They had changed their name to Crowded House by the time their self-titled first album was released in 1986, going on to achieve worldwide success. Tim Finn also joined Crowded House as a fourth member from 1989 to 1991, during which time the band recorded and released their third album, Woodface.
So now you know – press play and dive in.
