Split Enz: A Journey Through Time, Talent, and Brotherly Love
In the world of music, few bands can claim to have left an indelible mark on their culture quite like Split Enz. From their early days as a pair of shy, gifted 20-year-olds in Auckland to their current status as one of New Zealand's most influential pop culture entities, Split Enz's story is a testament to the power of creativity, perseverance, and, perhaps most importantly, brotherly love. As Tim Finn, the band's co-founder and a key architect of their success, reflects on their journey, it becomes clear that Split Enz is more than just a band; they are a symbol of the enduring human spirit and the ability to create something truly special from the most unlikely of circumstances.
The Birth of a Band
In 1972, Tim Finn and Phil Judd, two young men with a shared passion for music, locked themselves away in a small flat in Auckland. With nothing but their guitars and a strong creative impulse, they wrote two songs in one night. For them, these songs were gold, the start of something that would consume their lives. "We just kept writing," Tim recalls, "because we knew this was going to be the beginning of something extraordinary."
The band's early days were marked by a unique, "weird" style that owed as much to Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast novels as it did to The Beatles. "We had a cult following," Tim explains, "and while some people might have thought we were weird in a good way, others didn't understand us at all. But we were just trying to be ourselves."
The band's first big break came when they were booked to perform on Town Cryer, a popular live TV talk show hosted by Max Cryer. "We went on in full makeup and costume," Tim remembers, "but it didn't work. The interview didn't go well, and some people watching at home weren't impressed." Despite this setback, Split Enz persevered, and their unique style began to find its audience.
Finding Their Audience
In the mid-1970s, Split Enz made the leap across to Australia, hoping to find a bigger market. "The first gig we ever did was at the Hordern Pavilion," Tim recalls, "with hard rock bands Buffalo and Finch. It was a dreadful experience for everyone." But, as Tim notes, "you don't have to be for everyone. You just have to be for someone."
Split Enz soon found their audience at the Bondi Lifesaver, where "about 50 people adored us." Their 1975 debut album, Mental Notes, performed reasonably well, and the band continued to evolve and grow.
The Turning Point
In March 1977, Phil Judd left the group, and Tim's 18-year-old brother, Neil, flew to London to join Split Enz. "Neil had adored our band from the outset," Tim explains, "and he was becoming an excellent songwriter and musician in his own right." Neil's arrival marked a turning point for the band, and a key moment in pop music history.
One of the band's most notable songs, I Got You, was a breakout hit that sat at the top of the Australian charts for months. "That song takes me back to Coolangatta," Tim says, "where we did a gig called the Playroom just before breaking with our 1980 album, True Colours." The song's incredible power and the band's excitement about tipping over into the mainstream crowd made it a truly special moment.
The Power of Brotherly Love
Split Enz's success can be largely attributed to the brotherly love that binds Tim and Neil. "Every 10 years, we might do something intense together," Tim explains, "like make a record." Their lifelong creative partnership continues, and they have worked together on several projects, including Crowded House's 1991 album, Woodface, and their own albums, Finn (1995) and Everyone Is Here (2004).
The Future of Split Enz
Today, Split Enz is gearing up for a series of arena shows across Australia and New Zealand, which kicked off earlier this year at the Electric Avenue festival. "I didn't really expect this to come along again," Tim says, "but it really did." The band's desire to continue making music is strong, but figuring out the schedule is another matter.
"It's possible that we might record again," Tim muses, "but it won't be this year because Neil's got a Crowded House album in the works." Despite the uncertainty, Tim remains optimistic, "There may be some writing going on. I think there's kind of a desire." Split Enz's future is an open-ended prospect, but their legacy is secure, and their music continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
In my opinion, Split Enz's story is a testament to the power of creativity, perseverance, and, perhaps most importantly, brotherly love. Their unique style, their ability to find their audience, and their enduring partnership are all elements that have contributed to their success. As Tim Finn reflects on their journey, it becomes clear that Split Enz is more than just a band; they are a symbol of the human spirit and the ability to create something truly special from the most unlikely of circumstances.
