Live Review: Split Enz – Brisbane Entertainment Centre – May 16th 2026

HEADLINER: SPLIT ENZ
SUPPORT: VIKA AND LINDA
DATE: MAY 16TH 2026
VENUE: BRISBANE ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
REVIEWER: HAYLEY TREADWELL (REAL WOMAN REAL REVIEW)
PHOTOGRAPHER: ANDREW TREADWELL (ANDREW TREADWELL PHOTOGRAPHY)

Split Enz Proves History Can Repeat, And In Brilliant Fashion In Brisbane

As we drove into the Entertainment Centre, both my husband and I were excited to see Split Enz, who delivered a 2 hour set full of dancing, singing, colour and music, as only Split Enz can, an absolute masterclass in live music. 

Brisbane was not originally on the tour schedule for Split Enz, being close enough for the die hard fans to see them at Byron Bay Blues festival, but when the festival was sadly cancelled, Split Enz added new dates and cities to their tour and we were very excited to announce Brisbane was on the list. 

Opening the night was the amazing sister duo, Vika & Linda. These ladies know how to sing, and while I have seen them at more festivals than I can count on my hands, I don’t think I had ever had the privilege of seeing them in an arena setting such as the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, and their beautiful voices and harmonies engulfed the room. 

Singing fan favorites, ‘Raise Your Hands’ and ‘Pigface and Calendula’, a song from their beloved former band, The Black Sorrows, ‘Never Let Me Go’ and introducing us to ‘That’s How I Pray’ and ‘Bliss’ from their new album out June 5th, Vika & Linda certainly showed the Brisbane crowd exactly why they are being inducted into the Aria Hall of Fame in 2026. But more than their amazing voices and songs, I loved hearing the stories behind the songs, one of their parents’ wishes, and another about recording at Tim Finn’s house, story tellers in their songs and in between, Vika & Linda were the perfect openers for the main act ahead. 

As the changeover of the stage took place, the screen behind the stage lit up with a red curtain, every now and then, opening to give us a little peak of what was behind, before quickly closing again. This continued until the house lights went down and a tall figure adorned in satin appeared on stage. Moving along to the music, then seeming to exit with little purpose, until my eyes were pulled to the other side of the stage where there was a larger satin covered figure appearing up the stairs and into the middle of the stage – and that when silk cover came down the crowd erupted at the sight of Split Enz, as the members of the band all took their places on stage. 

Straight into ‘Shark Attack’, ‘History Never Repeats’ and ‘Poor Boy’, Split Enz immediately showed that after 19 years away, they are still amazingly, breathtaking live. 

Tim & Neil Finn are music royalty. I feel so honoured to be in their musical presence each time I have been fortunate enough to witness their mastery. And with original members Noel Crombie on Percussion and Eddie Rayner on Keyboards, and touring members James Milne on Bass and Matt Eccles on Drums, you could feel the joy emanating from the stage into the crowd making the whole night the most enjoyable experience. 

Highlights for me were when Tim told us the story of, and then sang ‘Stuff and Nonsense’, a beautiful stripped back performance that captivated the crowd; my husband holding me close and softly singing along to ‘Message to My Girl’, and watching Noel Crombie with all

his instruments! From a Kazoo, to a triangle, maracas, bongos, a gong, flute and I am sure there were many many more, I was thoroughly entertained watching him take to each instrument like it was purely an extension of his soul. What an incredibly talented man. 

The images that played and changed on the screen behind the band added to every part of the show, but nothing like the moment Tim talked about the amazing costumes the band has worn over the years, made by Noel and his wife, and then as the band played one of their famed instrumental hits, written by Eddie ‘Double Happy’, images of the costumes and funky suits appeared on the screen. This was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen at a live show. Often during an instrumental or solo at a gig, you see hoards of people darting off quickly for their toilet or drink break, but not this time. The crowd were glued to the images on the screens. This was a really beautiful tribute to the work put into the costume designing, and a celebration of the contribution Split Enz made to the fashion industry. 

Which brings me to another one of my favourite things about this gig, the fans I saw in the most gorgeous, bright, out there outfits! I even shared a hug with a stranger after commenting on his very bright and dapper suit that couldn’t be missed in the crowd, to which he replied, I also couldn’t be missed in my purple heart covered dress ! It was certainly a night to wear your favorite bright and colourful outfits! 

Split Enz closed out their main set with Neil Finn telling security to leave the crowd alone,  as he invited them to come closer to the stage and be up close with the band as they played ‘Six Months in a Leaky Boat’, ‘I Got You’ and ‘I See Red’. The crowd on their feet cheering and clapping as the band left the stage and we didn’t stop until they returned for the encore. 

At this point, I will say to the 3 people next to me and the 5 people behind me that left before the encore, you guys missed out! 

Coming back onto the stage with ‘Spellbound’ the crowd was thrilled to see the band back, and the party continued. And then, in a moment that will forever be one of my favorite concert memories, Tim Finn sang ‘I Hope I Never’ with such passion, yet with such sadness in his voice, I sat there in complete awe, unable to take my eyes off him for the entire song. For me this was the moment of the night. And the reason you stay for the encore. 

The night closed out with a spirited rendition of ‘Strait Old Line’ where we saw Noel play the drums, before taking to the spoons in the finale of the show. 

Split Enz is a band I grew up listening to in the back seat of my parents car, and never expected I would see them live, and to have the opportunity to not only see them, but share my thoughts on the show is an incredible honor. 

As always, our deep gratitude to Nicole at Revolutions Per Minute, the team at Live Nation and to Split Enz for having us along. Another amazing show for the music lovers of Brisbane. 

Until the next gig 

Hayley