February 1, 2006 10:59

Split Enz to reform

The art rockers announce return

Split Enz have announced they will reform and play a five-city tour of Australia in June.

The influential pop band - who began in New Zealand in 1972 - last re-formed for a performance at their induction into the Australian Recording Industry Association Hall Of Fame in 2002.

Speaking at a press conference in Melbourne today (February 1), co-frontman Tim Finn said that despite a total of thirteen lineup changes over Split Enz' original 12-year history, the band would be touring under the 1980 line-up which recorded their fifth album 'True Colours' - Finn and brother Neil, keyboardist Eddie Rayner, bassist Nigel Griggs, percussionist Noel Crombie and drummer Malcolm Green.

"I think (this line-up) built up a 'critical mass'," said Finn. "Some of the other line-ups were much more erratic and temporary. This one felt like a real band."

Neil, who joined the band in 1977 and went on to form Crowded House after Split Enz' demise in 1984, added: "This line-up went to the depths of poverty and whatnot in England, and then had a peak of success, so we kind of went to both extremes. This is the lineup that saw it through."

Tickets for the shows go onsale on February 22.

Split Enz will play:

Brisbane Entertainment Centre (June 7)
Sydney Entertainment Centre (9)
Melbourne Rod Laver Arena (11)
Adelaide Entertainment Centre (13)
Perth (Venue TBC) (16)