Split Enz rocked Christchurch… in the best possible way

by Metropol | May 5, 2026 11:06 am

 Metropol’s Nancye Pitt pulled on her glitter boots and rocked the night away with Split Enz in Christchurch.

I’m proud to be a boomer! And to share with Metropol readers how this relates to the Split Enz Show last night at the Forever Enz Tour at Wolfbrook Arena.

My company for the night was my 30-year-old grandson, yet despite the age difference, this show thrilled both of us immensely. Of course, I knew all the words of the top numbers and so did he – because Split Enz has a true Kiwi strong Art-Rock genre that appeals to all ages.’

It was great to witness the original line-up returned to the stage.  Tim Finn, Neil Finn, Eddie Rayner and Noel Crombie, joined by Matt Eccles on drums and James Milne on bass.

Their comeback all started when the band did their triumphant reunion at Electric Avenue in Christchurch in February — the band’s first full show in 20 years and their 1000th gig, in front of 45,000 fans.

We were very lucky, when they decided to do this tour, Christchurch wasn’t on the original venue list, however due to popular demand, we were fortunate to get a second opportunity to witness their brilliance.

I loved the suits.  The band’s legendary flamboyance was on full display. They have always been an inside job. Noel Crombie has long designed the band’s costumes, and I can imagine the excitement when they finally were climbing into “new Noel Crombie suits”  that are such a classic statement on the stage.  I’m pretty sure I have some similar versions in my wardrobe back from when Split Enz were first famous.

The songs that we loved across the generations:

• High-energy openers: Shark Attack, History Never Repeats
• Crowd singalongs: Six Months in a Leaky Boat, I Got You, I See Red
• Emotional peaks: Neil’s swoonsome Message to My Girl, Tim’s “cruel love song” Stuff and Nonsense

This show feels like witnessing history—history that, despite the song’s insistence, has indeed repeated. Split Enz are seasoned professionals at the peak of their powers, delivering a sensory overload of colour, costume, and impeccable musicianship.

This is a  Kiwi music legend, which is internationally recognised as being a deep love for Split Enz.

Photos by Tom Grut.

Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/split-enz-rocked-christchurch-in-the-best-possible-way/

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