Split Enz at Nambassa January 1979
May 03
Split Enz at the Nambassa festival New Zealand, January 1979
1978 was the band’s toughest year. They lost their Chrysalis contract and spent most of the year without a record deal, a booking agent or a manager. Debts mounted and, unable to get gigs, they were forced to go on the dole. But they continued writing new material at a frantic pace and rehearsing constantly.
It was at this point that the New Zealand Arts Council came to the rescue with a five thousand dollar grant. They immediately booked a tiny 8-track studio in Luton and with the help of 18-year-old English engineer David Tickle, they knocked out demo recordings of around 28 new songs in less than five days. These legendary sessions, (the Rootin’ Tootin’ Luton Tapes), displayed both a newfound edge and considerable commercial potential. Around the same time, they recorded a new single with Tickle, a frenetic new song by Tim called “I See Red”.
Photo courtesy of Peter Terry – Nambassa