Split Enz

Split Enz became the first New Zealand band to achieve worldwide success.

Tim Finn and Phil Judd founded the group in 1972 in Auckland, New Zealand. Initially, the band was a light acoustic combo called Split Ends. Finn and Judd were the main songwriting force of the band’s early years. Judd drew his inspiration from a wild variety of often non-musical sources while Finn’s tastes leaned toward the British pop of The Beatles, The Kinks, and The Move. In a creative rush that lasted several months, the two bashed out songs on acoustic guitars.

In 1974, keyboardist Eddie Rayner was added to the band and they changed their name to Split Enz. In March of 1975, the group travelled to Australia — at this time, all members except Judd switched to using their middle names.

Eddie Rayner and Neil Finn are also solo performers.