Split Enz reuniting for first time in 17 years | 7.30

Key Concepts

• Split Ends: A New Zealand rock band formed in the early 1970s, known for their unique sound and stage presence.
• Musical Muscle Memory: The ability to recall and reproduce musical skills and knowledge after a period of inactivity.
• The Oz Pub Circuit: The challenging environment of performing in Australian pubs, known for its demanding audiences and practical limitations.
• True Colors: A significant album and song for Split Ends, representing a turning point in their career and enduring popularity.
• Cult Band: A band with a dedicated, passionate fanbase, often outside of mainstream popularity.
• David Tickle: Producer who worked with Split Ends on the True Colors album, instrumental in shaping their hit singles.

The Split Ends Reunion: A Deep Dive into History and Musicality

Early Influences and Formation (1970s)

The conversation centers around the recent reunion of Split Ends and delves into the band’s origins. Tim Neil, a founding member, explains that the band’s musical inspiration stemmed from the explosion of creativity in the 1960s, particularly British bands heavily influenced by American music. The Beatles were cited as “paramount,” with other groups contributing to their formative sound. Split Ends formed around 1972, with members aged 21-22, building upon this foundation. Neil emphasized that while the music of the time was readily available, New Zealand radio played a limited selection, making the exposure to a wider range of influences less common.

Neil’s Initial Encounter and Joining the Band

Neil (the interviewee, not band member) recounts discovering Split Ends as a 14-year-old, immediately captivated by their distinct approach to music, imaging, and artistic perspective. He describes the band as “incredibly romantic,” contrasting them with the popular music of the time, like The Partridge Family. He attended as many of their early shows as possible. Tim Neil joined the band in 1977 after Phil Judd’s departure, a move initially unexpected but ultimately embraced. He hadn’t played electric guitar before, only acoustic, but his vocal ability and understanding of the band’s aesthetic made him a suitable fit. Notably, Tim Neil checked with his mother for approval before officially joining, highlighting a familial dynamic.

The Australian Pub Circuit and Developing a Sound

Split Ends gained traction in Australia in 1975, transitioning into a professional band. This period involved playing three to four shows a week, often to small, divided audiences – some enthusiastic, others hostile. This experience on “the Oz pub circuit” was described as “unforgiving and challenging,” but crucial for honing their live performance skills. The band learned to adapt to varying conditions, abandoning “preciousness” about equipment requirements and embracing a more flexible approach. A memorable experience was sharing a bill with AC/DC, where Split Ends’ reception was lukewarm, marked by the presence of “sharpies” (a subculture known for aggressive behavior) who disliked their music. Bond, from AC/DC, made a dramatic entrance flying over the crowd in a Tarzan suit.

Rediscovering Musicality and the Power of Equipment

Tim Neil describes the remarkable return of “musical muscle memory” after a long hiatus from live performance. He found that approximately 80% of the songs came back naturally, with only minor details initially forgotten. He deliberately avoided rehearsing beforehand to test this phenomenon. A significant moment was rediscovering a Roland 120 amplifier, previously a Roland 160, which he had used during the True Colors recording sessions. Plugging into it was described as “being transported…back to the future,” instantly recreating the distinctive guitar sound of that era.

The True Colors Era and Production Insights

The discussion highlights the importance of the True Colors album and its impact on the band’s success. Producer David Tickle, who had previously worked with Blondie, The Knack, and Mike Chapman, played a key role in shaping the album’s sound. Tickle focused on refining the songs, particularly ensuring a solid rhythmic foundation. Neil recalls a “magic feeling” while hearing “I Got You” and “Cool and Gather” played live during rehearsals, with Tickle mixing the sound at an exceptionally high volume. He specifically remembers the tingling sensation he felt.

Enduring Legacy and the Reunion

The conversation concludes with reflections on the band’s enduring legacy and the significance of the reunion. Neil notes a shift in perception regarding band reunions, moving away from purely nostalgic interpretations towards recognizing the continued vitality of the music. He emphasizes that the songs have taken on “second and third lives,” and performing them now feels like a celebration of the music’s ongoing relevance. He observes the emotional connection of audiences, many of whom have grown up with the music but never had the opportunity to see Split Ends live. Tim Neil expresses surprise and gratitude that, at age 73, the band is able to tour and play these songs to enthusiastic audiences. He attributes the reunion to a spontaneous alignment of interest and a feeling that “the moment was right.” The band’s approach has always been guided by “instinct and feeling,” which he believes is central to their enduring appeal.

Notable Quotes:

• “It was apparent straight away that there was something completely different about the way they approached music and imaging and their perspective on life.” – Neil, describing his first impression of Split Ends.
• “It was like being transported…back to the future.” – Tim Neil, on rediscovering the Roland 120 amplifier.
• “It doesn’t feel like you’re just doing a tribute to yourself. It feels like that music is alive again.” – Tim Neil, on the experience of performing live after a long hiatus.
• “We’ve always been like that. We’ve sort of operated on instinct and feeling and that’s the beauty of the band, I think.” – Tim Neil, reflecting on the band’s creative process.

Technical Terms:

• Precinct March: A specific type of marching band performance or style, referenced in relation to His Majesty’s Theater in Auckland.
• Sharpies: A subculture in Australia during the 1970s and 1980s, often associated with aggressive behavior and a distinctive fashion style.
• Cult Band: A band with a dedicated, passionate fanbase, often outside of mainstream popularity.

This summary aims to provide a detailed and specific account of the conversation, preserving the original language and focusing on actionable insights and specific details.