"History Never Repeats" is a single written by Neil Finn and recorded by Split Enz. It was released in March 1981 as the second single from their album, Waiata. The song remains one of their most popular. It was also used as the title of two compilation albums by the band.
The guitar bridge in this song, played by Neil Finn, was originally featured in an old Phil Judd song, "Bergen Aan Zee". The band only played the latter song live.
The video was the 12th to be played by MTV upon its launch in 1981. In 2001 the song was voted by members of APRA as the 57th-best New Zealand song of the 20th century.
Reception Bernard Zuel said "History Never Repeats" was "a synth pop song that forgot to get rid of guitars."
Track listings Australasian release "History Never Repeats" – 3:00 "Holy Smoke"
International release Released in the UK, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal with different artwork and track listings.
UK/Portugal track listing "History Never Repeats" – 3:00 "Shark Attack (Live)" "What's The Matter With You (Live)"
Netherlands/Spain track listing "History Never Repeats" – 3:00 "What's the Matter with You (Live)"
Personnel Neil Finn – vocals, guitar Tim Finn – vocals Noel Crombie – percussion Malcolm Green – drums Nigel Griggs – bass Eddie Rayner – vocals, keyboards
Charts Weekly charts Chart (1981) Peakposition Australia (Kent Music Report) NOTE: Used for Australian Singles and Albums charting from 1970 until ARIA created their own charts in mid-1988. 4scope="row"UK Singles Chart63US Mainstream Rock33
Year-end charts Chart (1981) Position Australia (Kent Music Report) 49
References