Split Enz’s long-awaited reunion is quickly becoming one of the most significant live music events on the Australian calendar, with the band expanding their 2026 tour following strong demand for tickets.
What began as a one-off return for Christchurch’s Electric Avenue festival has grown into a full-scale arena run across Australia in May, marking the band’s first major performances here since their appearance at the Sound Relief concert in 2009. For many fans, it’s the first real opportunity in over a decade to see the group’s core members back on stage together.
Tim and Neil Finn will lead the lineup, joined by founding members Eddie Rayner and Noel Crombie — a configuration that brings together the creative heart of Split Enz. The band will also be supported by Matt Eccles on drums and James Milne on bass, helping deliver a live sound that honours the original recordings while maintaining a contemporary edge.
Formed in Auckland in 1972 before relocating to Australia in the mid-1970s, Split Enz carved out a distinctive place in music history. Their early work blended art-rock experimentation with theatrical performance, later evolving into sharp, melodic pop that produced enduring tracks like I Got You and Message to My Girl. Their influence continues to ripple through generations of Australian and New Zealand artists, making this reunion feel less like a nostalgia act and more like a reactivation of a defining cultural force.
The timing of the tour aligns with the 50th anniversary of their debut album Mental Notes, which is set to be reissued, bringing renewed attention to the band’s origins and evolution. That milestone adds an extra layer of significance to the shows, positioning them as both a celebration and a reflection on a career that helped shape the region’s musical identity.
Demand for tickets has already led to the addition of a Brisbane show, signalling strong national interest. With no Australian appearances since 2009, anticipation has been building steadily, and the expanded run suggests audiences are eager to reconnect with the band’s catalogue in a live setting.
Split Enz will perform in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, playing major arenas that reflect both their legacy status and continued draw. While support acts have yet to be confirmed, the focus is firmly on the band’s return and the depth of material they bring with them.
Tour dates for May 2026 are as follows:
- Wednesday, May 13 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
- Thursday, May 14 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
- Saturday, May 16 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
- Monday, May 18 – TikTok Entertainment Centre, Sydney
- Tuesday, May 19 – TikTok Entertainment Centre, Sydney
- Friday, May 22 – RAC Arena, Perth
- Monday, May 25 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
Tickets will be released in stages, beginning with partner and Live Nation pre-sales in mid-November, followed by a general public on-sale.
Ticketing Details
Tickets for the Australian tour will be released in stages:
- Partner pre-sale: Wednesday, November 12 (11am local time)
- Live Nation pre-sale: Friday, November 14 (12pm local time)
- General public sale: Monday, November 17 (12pm local time)
Further ticketing information is available via: Live Nation
For Australian audiences, this tour represents more than a reunion. It’s a rare convergence of legacy, influence, and timing — a chance to experience a band whose music has long outlived its era, now returning to the stage with the same creative core that made it matter in the first place.
