REVIEW: History repeats itself beautifully at Split Enz’s Hamilton show

When Split Enz released their first album 'Mental Notes' just over 50 years ago, my biggest concern in life was whether I’d get the dreaded call up to go to the dental nurse from my primary school classroom!  Fast forward to 2026, and my biggest concern on a chilly night in Hamilton was whether we’d be able to get a park close to the 'Forever Enz' tour at Claudelands.

We didn’t need to worry - getting there early meant we parked right outside the arena and only had to walk about 100 metres to get in the door.  It was obvious when we got inside that the draw to see Split Enz live again after an 18-year hiatus was strong.  The place was packed with middle-aged couples, old friends bumping into each other and a big queue at the merchandise counter.

Support act Hans Pucket was an unexpected addition to the lineup, but the crowd warmed to them, and their last couple of songs really made an impact.  A bit quirky and inventive, they were like an early version of Split Enz.  They told us we were the biggest audience they’d ever played in front of, which made me like Split Enz even more, giving these guys an incredible opportunity to play.

Anticipation for the main act grew after Hans Pucket left the stage, as early black-and-white footage of Split Enz played across red velvet curtains, accompanied by songs like Roxy Music’s 'Over You'.  Then the moment we’d all been waiting for - the lights went down, a quirky instrumental fired up and out shuffled the band, hidden beneath a red fabric rectangle.

It was a classic Split Enz start - creative, unusual, playful and stylish.  When the red cover came off, the crowd erupted as the band revealed themselves and launched into 'Shark Attack'.  I was immediately struck by the quality of the graphics on the backdrop - absolutely world-class with quirky colours that beautifully matched the lyrical content and mood of every song.  Standout moments for me on the big screen were a tribute to all of their Noel Crombie-designed outfits over the years and a stunning floral display.

From 'Shark Attack' it was one hit after another - as anticipated, the audience knew almost every song, and at times it felt like we were at a Pub Choir show.  Who doesn’t love a good sing-along?  Of course, we all like to think of the Finn brothers doing that around the family piano back in the 60s and 70s in Te Awamutu.  

With Waikato being the original home of those boys, it was heartwarming to hear them acknowledge their family and close friends in the audience.  Although Neil’s mates, who had front row seats but chose to stand down the side, looked a bit self-conscious when Tim called them out on it and they were caught on the big screen!

But the band is not just the Finns.  Fellow founding members, Noel Crombie and Eddie Rayner, have still got what it takes, and Eddie was up for some banter with Tim a couple of times through the show.  Newcomers Matt Eccles on drums and James Milne on bass fitted in seamlessly.  Eccles has known the Finns for many years, and it showed.  Neil and Tim’s musicianship and vocal prowess have stood the test of time and conjured up so many magical memories for me.

You know it’s a great concert when you laugh, sing, smile and even cry, and Split Enz delivered it all.  'Message to My Girl' was an absolute highlight for me - moving me to tears - while 'History Never Repeats', ' I Got You', 'Dirty Creature', 'Straight Old Line', 'I See Red', and all the rest were right up there.  You also know it’s a good concert when you’ve still got the songs going through your head almost a week later, and you’ve looked up how much tickets to the Auckland show are to go again….  

Just go - you won’t regret it.

Split Enz take their 'Forever Enz' tour to Auckland's Spark Arena on Saturday, May 9th, for a sold-out show, and have added a second on Sunday, May 10th, with some tickets still remaining.

Photos by Tom Grut.