Quick Read
- Split Enz announced their ‘Forever Enz’ tour in New Zealand for May 2026.
- The tour features shows in Wellington (May 6) and Auckland (May 9) with original members.
- This follows their first reunion performance in 18 years at Electric Avenue Festival in Christchurch.
- The band’s 1,000th gig was played to 45,000 fans at the reunion.
- The tour coincides with the 51st anniversary of their debut album ‘Mental Notes’ and re-release series.
WELLINGTON (Azat TV) – New Zealand’s pioneering musical legends, Split Enz, have announced their highly anticipated ‘Forever Enz’ tour for May 2026, marking their first major local performances in nearly two decades. The announcement follows a landmark reunion performance at Christchurch’s Electric Avenue Festival, where the band played their 1,000th gig to an enthusiastic crowd of 45,000 fans. This tour reinforces Split Enz’s enduring legacy as the first New Zealand band to achieve significant international recognition, celebrated for their innovative sound and energetic stage presence.
Presented by Live Nation and The Sound, the ‘Forever Enz’ tour will feature two exclusive arena shows: at the TSB Arena in Wellington on Wednesday, May 6, and at Spark Arena in Auckland on Saturday, May 9. The current lineup includes original members Tim Finn, Eddie Rayner, Neil Finn, and Noel Crombie, joined by Matt Eccles on drums and James Milne on bass. This configuration promises to deliver the distinctive sound and visual flair that defined their groundbreaking career.
Split Enz Returns to New Zealand Stages
The upcoming tour represents a significant homecoming for Split Enz, whose last live concert in New Zealand took place in March 2008 at what is now Spark Arena. Their recent performance at the Electric Avenue Festival served as a powerful reminder of their enduring appeal, drawing a diverse audience eager to witness the band’s iconic music performed live. Tim Finn, a founding member, expressed the band’s excitement, stating they were ‘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!”
A Legacy of Innovation and International Acclaim
Formed in New Zealand in 1972 before relocating to Australia in 1975, Split Enz quickly rose to prominence, becoming widely regarded as one of the most important antipodean groups of the last five decades. Their unique blend of art-rock, new wave, and pop, coupled with their eccentric stage costumes and theatrical performances, set them apart. Over their recording career, Split Enz released a string of era-defining hits across the late 1970s and early 1980s, including ‘I Got You,’ ‘I See Red,’ ‘Message To My Girl,’ ‘Six Months In A Leaky Boat,’ ‘History Never Repeats,’ and ‘One Step Ahead.’
Their 1980 album, ‘True Colours,’ reached Number 1 in New Zealand and achieved multiple-platinum status, selling over 250,000 copies and earning 5x platinum certification in Australia. This commercial success, alongside critical acclaim, solidified their status as international pioneers. The band’s profound impact on music was further recognized with their induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2005.
Celebrating 51 Years of ‘Mental Notes’ and Re-releases
This year also marks the 51st anniversary of Split Enz’s debut album, ‘Mental Notes,’ released in 1975. This milestone coincides with the ongoing ‘Enzyclopedia’ re-release series, which began in November 2025 with the first installment via Chrysalis Records globally and Warner Music locally. The series aims to bring the band’s entire catalogue to new generations of fans, ensuring their innovative sound continues to resonate. The combination of the anniversary, the re-releases, and the reunion tour highlights a renewed appreciation for Split Enz’s contribution to global music.
Ticket Information for the ‘Forever Enz’ Tour
Tickets for the ‘Forever Enz’ tour are expected to be in high demand. Presale tickets became available starting Tuesday, March 3, 2026, with various presale windows for Mastercard holders, fan club members, and Live Nation subscribers. General public tickets are set to go on sale Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 12 pm local time. Fans are encouraged to visit Livenation.co.nz for complete tour and ticket information.
The enduring appeal of Split Enz, evidenced by their sold-out reunion and the anticipation for their upcoming tour, underscores their irreplaceable position in music history. Their ability to blend innovative artistry with mainstream success, while maintaining a distinct New Zealand identity, continues to inspire and resonates with audiences across generations.