LIVE: SPLIT ENZ – Perth | Boorloo, 22 May 2026

LIVE: SPLIT ENZ – Perth | Boorloo, 22 May 2026
RAC Arena, Perth, Western Australia
Reviewed by Tia Pinnegar
Photography by Damien Crocker

Split Enz graced Perth with a brilliant concert at RAC Arena as part of their reunion tour around Australia and New Zealand. Not only does this tour mark their first shows in Australia since 2009, it’s their first tour as a reformed band in 16 years.

Support act Vika & Linda Bull:

This lauded band of whimsical men is famously known for their bold approach to costume and style, as well as their psychedelic pop/rock music.

“We haven’t played here in maybe 19 years or so – babies have been born since then, the world has changed so much and yet here we are” said lead vocalist Tim Finn after opening with “Shark Attack” and “History Never Repeats”. The reunion band was comprised of original members Tim Finn on lead vocals/acoustic guitar, younger brother Neil Finn (who went on to form Crowded House after Enz broke up) on vocals/electric guitar, Eddie Rayner on keyboard/backing vocals and Neil Crombie on percussion/backing vocals. The band is augmented by touring musicians James Milne on bass (known for his solo work as Lawrence Arabia) and Matt Eccles on drums (son of former The Angels drummer Brent, and former member of Betchadupa with Neil Finn’s son [and thus Tim’s nephew] Liam).

Each band member was wearing a suit with a different pattern and colour scheme – a colourful nod to their past fashion moments. Along with the symbolism of their outfits, the backdrop of the stage design transformed every few songs, displaying everything from red flags in a desolate forrest to a very impressive montage of their past fashion history – during their performance of instrumental song “Double Happy” (in which a massive guitar solo battle took place as well).

By “Dirty Creature” the majority of the seated areas had decided they didn’t want to be seated anymore and were up dancing with each other. Not only was it an absolutely packed stadium – it was absolutely packed with singers and dancers alike – ensuring not one song was sung without the audience.

Tim Finn introduced “Stuff and Nonsense” midway through the show as a love song he wrote that’s “a little bit cruel but also truthful,” discrediting his positive attitude momentarily – ironically enough 30 seconds into their performance of this fragile and vulnerable song every person in sight was up and dancing and clapping along.

During “Hard Act To Follow” all the stage backdrops were transformed into black and white – most likely symbolising their irreplaceable influence on the music industry and original image of their black and white outfits and music videos.

The opening song of their encore was “Spellbound,” with Tim prefacing it with “we haven’t played this song in 40 years, those of you who know – let’s go! Those of you who don’t – who cares, let’s go!”

Half a century since Split Enz released their debut album and they haven’t lost an ounce of what makes them authentic, unique and talented, making this a definite must-see concert.

Set list:

Shark Attack
History Never Repeats
Poor Boy
Nobody Takes Me Seriously
Give It a Whirl
Dirty Creature
Time for a Change
One Step Ahead
Missing Person
Message to My Girl
Double Happy
Stuff and Nonsense
Matinee Idyll (129)
My Mistake
Hard Act to Follow
Pioneer
Six Months in a Leaky Boat
I Got You
I See Red

Encore:
Spellbound
I Hope I Never
Strait Old Line

Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries