WELCOME TO SPLIT FRENZ
OUR MUSIC: NEW WAVE SYNTH POP ART ROCK
Experience it All at a Frenz Show!
Split Enz, a New Zealand rock band active from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s, was known for their eclectic and experimental musical style. Their sound blended a variety of genres, including progressive rock, art rock, new wave, and pop, with elements of glam rock and synth-driven sounds. Their music evolved significantly over the years, moving through distinct phases which we channel in our tribute to this amazing band.
I Got You
True Colours · 1980
Six Months in a Leaky Boat
Time and Tide · 1982
Message To My Girl
Conflicting Emotions · 1983
PLAYLIST PARADISE
Discover the Original Split Enz
Split Frenz are the UK’s number 1 tribute band to the mighty Split Enz and Crowded House. We recreate the 80’s New Wave pop of the band once dubbed as the New Zealand Beatles with an added touch Mancunian swagger. The original Split Enz featured two legendary members: Tim Finn and Neil Finn; in full vocal and instrumental prowess. A Split Enz live performance would be a combination of avant-garde sound, eccentric style, and a captivating stage presence, offering not just a concert but an unforgettable theatrical experience. We are on a mission to emulate the joy and chaos of the original Split Enz to warm the soul of old school fans and open the hearts of first time listeners.
If you are new to Split Enz, discover their studio album discography below and use the links to learn more.
3. Dizrythmia
Dizrythmia marked a significant step in the band’s evolution. It blended art rock and progressive rock influences with a more defined pop sensibility. The album represented a bridge between the band’s early, avant-garde work and their later, more commercially successful sound. It reached number three in the New Zealand charts and earned them critical acclaim.
4. Frenzy
With Frenzy, Split Enz moved further into the realm of new wave and pop rock. The music on Frenzy is punchier, more direct, and tighter in its production, with a noticeable emphasis on rhythm and melody. Frenzy marked a breakthrough for Split Enz, with “I Got You” becoming their first major international hit, helping the album gain significant attention and solidifying Split Enz’s place in the new wave movement.
6. True Colours
True Colours is a vibrant, catchy, and polished record that blends elements of new wave, pop, and rock, while still retaining the band’s signature quirky, theatrical approach. The songs are catchy, with many upbeat tempos, hooks, and memorable choruses. The album showcases Split Enz’s ability to balance their eccentric musical personality with mainstream appeal, creating a record that feels both fresh and innovative while remaining radio-friendly. True Colours was a major commercial success, catapulting Split Enz to international fame.
7. Waiata (titled Corroboree in Australia)
Waiata was a commercial success and further cemented Split Enz’s place in the international music scene. It blended pop rock, new wave, and elements of art rock, much like its predecessor, True Colours, but with a slightly more polished sound. There is a sense of maturity in the album’s thematic approach, with more direct and emotionally resonant storytelling. Waiata helped Split Enz to stay relevant in the rapidly changing music scene of the 1980s
8. Time and Tide
Time and Tide saw Split Enz move further into the mainstream, embracing a more polished, synth-driven pop-rock style while maintaining some of the quirky, distinctive elements that had characterized their earlier work. The album is often seen as a culmination of the band’s evolution into a more radio-friendly and commercial sound, featuring polished production, catchy hooks, and a more cohesive, streamlined musical approach.
9. Conflicting Emotions
Conflicting Emoitions reflects some of the internal tensions and changes within Split Enz at the time. It is seen as a transition album, marking the end of an era for Split Enz, as it was one of their final releases before they disbanded in 1984. The album features polished production, lush synthesizers, and melodic hooks, making it one of Split Enz’s more radio-friendly releases. The use of keyboards and synthesizers is still prominent, but there is also a greater emphasis on rhythm and groove compared to earlier releases.
10. See Ya ‘Round
See Ya ‘Round is the ninth and final studio album by Split Enz. It is a reflective, somewhat melancholic release that encapsulates the band’s evolution from their quirky, experimental beginnings to their more polished, mainstream sound of the early 1980s. The themes of transition and change are prominent, with songs reflecting the band’s awareness that they were nearing the end of their creative journey together. There is an undeniable sense of finality in the album’s tone, making it both a celebration of the band’s career and a goodbye to the group as it had existed for over a decade.
MUSICANS AND GUEST PERFORMERS
Meet the Split Frenz Tribute Band
Leigh Hayes
Lead Vocalist
Leigh sings and dances like no one’s watching when they are watching. Especially when they are watching. He can’t fathom why Split Enz aren’t regarded worldwide as the New Wave Geniuses that they so obviously are. He won’t give in till he’s convinced you. Expect Shenanigans, Tomfoolery, Stuff and Nonsense.
Wai Ching
Drummer
Our fabulous drummer Wai Ching originally comes from Hong Kong. His playing is inspired by rock ,funk & jazz fusion. He likes Split Frez music because it makes people feel happy, excited and engaged. Pairing up to perfection with Zsuzsi, this drumming duo will blow your mind when you see them on stage!
Chas Frederick
Guitarist
What is there to say that hasn’t already been said about Chas? The word polymath may have been invented for him. Guitarist, songwriter, producer, photographer, service designer, opening batsman, back row forward, decent pastry chef and undiscovered serial killer – there is nothing he is not at least average at. Chas has been a passionate Neil Finn fan since the 90s and seen Neil perform live 25 times (and counting). When the call to start a Split Enz tribute went out, he answered the call!
Zsuzsi Földes
Percussionist
Zsuzsi was born in Hungary, and from a young age was inspired by rhythms from across the world, particularly from Africa and Latin America. She has an exceptional percussive talent, and with precise coordination and fluid improvisation, is able to command a wide range of instruments with expressive creativity. She loves creating new sounds and rhythms with conga and percussion instruments, contributing to the eclectic music of Split Frenz.
Cameron Stewert
Keyboardist
Cameron is from Ōtautahi Christchurch, in Aotearoa New Zealand. He spent the last 8 years in Wellington, and moved to Manchester in December 2024.
He loves music that makes him think and feel. He grew up listening to country, loved The Beatles from an early age, and has since grown into jazz.
In New Zealand, everyone knows Split Enz and the Finn Brothers. Cameron can’t wait to play this iconic music that he knows and loves, with a great group of people!
David Moss
Bassist
Loud.
Rick Burrows
Trumpeter
Rick was born in Norway but moved to Manchester as a baby. He started to learn a number of instruments as an 11 year old and was ready for the Punk/New Wave scene that arose 7 years later. His teenage influences were Bowie, Roxy Music and the Velvet Underground so he was armed and ready. Most style of music have been explored which includes Rock, Blues, Jazz, Latin and Afrobeat on trumpet, bass or keys. He was lucky enough to see Split Enz in 1980. Wow! what a gig.
PHOTO GALLERY
Split Frenz Live
