As anticipation builds around the Forever Enz Tour, Split Enz have now confirmed special guests for their first major run of shows in nearly two decades.
Joining all Australian dates will be Vika & Linda, whose harmony-rich catalogue and towering live reputation make them an inspired choice. The sisters are expected to perform fan favourites alongside previews from forthcoming ninth album Where Do You Come From?, due 5 June.
Across the New Zealand leg, support duties fall to Wellington four-piece Hans Pucket. Their latest album No Dramasharpened their knack for hook-heavy, danceable indie rock, but their strongest currency has long been live energy. In other words: a sensible booking for rooms likely to arrive already buzzing.
The tour follows Split Enz’s widely celebrated return at Electric Avenue Festival in February, where the band played their 1,000th show in front of 45,000 people. Reports from the night described a crowd spanning generations, with Tim and Neil Finn’s performance of Message To My Girl landing as one of those rare communal moments no phone camera can properly keep.
The current line-up features Tim Finn, Neil Finn, Eddie Rayner and Noel Crombie, joined by Matt Eccles on drums and James Milne on bass.
New Zealand dates begin in Hamilton on 2 May before heading to Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland. The Australian leg then opens in Melbourne at Rod Laver Arena on 13 and 14 May, followed by Brisbane, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide.
Formed in 1972, Split Enz remain one of the most important acts to emerge from this side of the world. Their catalogue, from I Got You to Six Months In A Leaky Boat and History Never Repeats, still sounds eccentric, melodic and unmistakably theirs.
For complete tour and ticket information, head to livenation.com.au and livenation.co.nz
