Icehouse frontman Iva Davies explains why the Australian synth-pop legends love New Zealand

Icehouse famously sung about their home being the Great Southern Land, but frontman Iva Davies says nothing compares to New Zealand.

Surprisingly, the legendary singer and multi-instrumentalist explains that the iconic Aussie rock and synth-pop band have enjoyed greater support in Aotearoa than anywhere else throughout their 43-year career.

"New Zealand's actually statistically at the top," Davies tells TimeOut down the line from his home in Sydney.

"I was the one that actually drove the initiative to get back to New Zealand because the fact of the matter is, apart from always having a fantastic time there, we've actually had more success in New Zealand per head of population than any other market in the world."

Icehouse are returning to our shores for the first time since 2017, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the group's first singles Can't Help Myself and We Can Get Together and their debut self-titled album.

The six-piece outfit will play in front of a sold-out crowd at Auckland's Aotea Centre next Thursday, before hitting Selwyn Sounds in Christchurch on March 7.

Icehouse's affinity with New Zealand goes back to a memorable Split Enz show in Sydney, Davies explains.

"One of the pivotal concerts that I went to during my youth, was their very first show in Australia, at Bondi Lafesavers," he says.

"It was a lightbulb moment for me and introduced the whole idea of the theatre of a show. It was an extraordinary sight to watch this collection of musicians.

"It was an incredible experience. I've got a very vivid picture in my mind of watching Tim Finn in his make-up and the antics with all of the guys."

He also says he's long admired Kiwis' open-minded appreciation of different musical styles.

"Andy Partridge from the English band XTC once said, 'New Zealand has got the most interesting charts - it's the only place in the world where XTC is ever had a number one album'.

"I just thought that's incredibly interesting and a bit of a mystery, but it does explain in part why New Zealanders produce such amazing bands."

After forming in 1977 as Flowers, the band changed their name to Icehouse in 1981 having made a name for themselves among Sydney's thriving pub rock scene.

Davies recognised the key to holding an audience was keeping the girls dancing and his pop sensibilities would steer the group towards a succession of hit singles and records.

This article was originally posted at NZ Herald and reproduced here with permission.