Like Peter Gabriel-era Genesis, Split Enz started out as a visually stunning progressive rock band that dressed up in wild costumes and performed elaborate stage shows, with the original lineup of Phil Judd, Tim Finn, Mike Chunn, Robert Gillies and Noel Crombie. They formed in 1971, but it wasn’t until 1980 that the band found success outside of their native New Zealand in the USA. That’s when Tim Finn’s brother Neil, who barely knew how to play the guitar, joined the band as their lead guitarist after the departure of Phil Judd. At the time, Neil started taking on second lead vocal duties and writing songs that led to the band adopting a modern new wave sound. By now, they were a big sensation in their native New Zealand and Australia, but it wasn’t until this song from the laser-etched album, “True Colours,” that the band had a bona-fide international hit. After several years of non-stop touring and no huge follow-up hit, Tim Finn left the band in 1983 and Paul Hester was added to the lineup on drums. The band soldiered on as Split Enz for one more year before Neil Finn and Paul Hester went on to form Crowded House.
