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The band that made Sam Neill’s “heart swell” with New Zealand pride
The article recalls Sam Neill’s affection for Split Enz, the New Zealand band whose 1980 album True Colours made him feel a powerful sense of national pride. It presents the record as a lasting personal touchstone for the actor and as an important breakthrough for a band that went on to influence New Zealand popular music.
Neill wrote that first hearing the cassette in London made him pull over his car, describing its sound as joyful and exhilarating. True Colours reached number one in New Zealand and Australia, while its single ‘I Got You’ brought the band wider international attention; it also marked Neil Finn’s growing creative role alongside his brother Tim. Neill later became friends with the Finn brothers and continued to praise the album decades after its release.
In short
- Sam Neill’s favourite New Zealand band was Split Enz.
- True Colours filled him with pride and joy.
- The album became Split Enz’s commercial breakthrough.
Explained simply
Split Enz was a New Zealand rock band that emerged in the 1970s and released their album True Colours in 1980. The record became significant in the band's career, reaching number one in both New Zealand and Australia whilst introducing their distinctive sound to a wider audience.
True Colours marked an important moment for New Zealand popular music, helping to establish the band as major figures in their home country's musical landscape. The album also showcased the growing creative partnership between brothers Neil and Tim Finn, with 'I Got You' becoming one of the band's best-known singles internationally.
Actor Sam Neill has spoken publicly about his deep emotional connection to the album, describing how hearing it for the first time moved him powerfully as a New Zealander. Neill remained friends with the Finn brothers and continued to champion True Colours as a landmark recording throughout his life.
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