Split Enz, the New Zealand band that launched the career of Crowded House frontman Neil Finn, is set to reunite to play their first live show since 2009.
The band announced on their official Instagram account on Sept. 2 that they have “accepted an invitation to appear at the Electric Avenue Festival in Christchurch, N.Z. on February 27th 2026” along with posting a photo of the two-day festival’s official lineup. Split Enz is headlining the festival’s opening day.
🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬
“This will be the first time the band have performed together since appearing as part of Sound Relief in 2009,” the post reads.
“Original Enz brethren Tim Finn, Noel Crombie, Neil Finn and Eddie Rayner will be joined by Matt Eccles on drums and James Milne on bass,” it adds.
When Was Split Enz Formed?
Split Enz was formed by singer-songwriter Tim Finn and guitarist Phil Judd in 1972 and found their initial success in New Zealand before eventually moving to England in 1976. Neil Finn joined the band in 1977.
The group’s 1980 single, “I Got You,” topped the charts in Australia and New Zealand and reached No. 12 in the U.K. In the U.S., it stalled at No. 53, but became a favorite on the alternative scene, helping to push the band’s 1980 album, True Colours, into the top 40 in the U.S. and U.K.
Split Enz Boxed Set Due for Release
The news of the band’s first performance since 2009 comes on the heels of the announced Nov. 14 release of Enzyclopedia Volumes One & Two, a five-CD, three-LP and Atmos Blu-ray boxed set celebrating the 50th anniversary of the band’s debut album, along with remixes, rare singles and unreleased material. The set features remastered and remixed versions of the band’s 1975 debut Mental Notes as well as their second effort, 1976’s Second Thoughts, produced by Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera.
“I was absolutely enchanted and inspired by Mental Notes as a 17-year-old. It made me believe anything was possible. Fifty years later, it sounds as unique and timeless as it did then,” Neil Finn said in a statement.
Related: Popular ‘80s Band Refutes Embarrassing Fake ED Report: ‘Please Don’t Be Fooled’
Does the Band Plan to Play More Live Shows?
Given the band’s long history, the group acknowledged in their Instagram post that it will be a “challenge” to decide which songs to include in their live set at the Electric Avenue Festival.
“It feels like the time is right to play these songs again. We eagerly await the chance to create a memorable experience for the people of Christchurch Otautahi and beyond,” Tim Finn added, hinting that the band plans more live shows following the festival gig.
Fans in the U.S. are hoping the band returns to America.
“Nobody had this on their 2025 bingo card. Nobody. Please come to California! 😍,” wrote one fan.
View this post on Instagram
