Drummer Tom Larkin reflects on their origins, their storied career, and why now is the right time to bow out
Saying goodbye is never easy. There’s no formula for it—no guidebook or movie that can fully prepare you. It’s not something you can ever learn either. For some, a hug suffices; for others, it’s a whispered sentiment in an airport. For New Zealand rock legends Shihad, their farewell comes in the form of one final tour.
Naturally, the first question that comes to mind is: why? After a monumental 37-year career, why call it a day now? Drummer Tom Larkin has the answer.
“Shihad is a narrative—a 37-year-old narrative. Within that, there are chapters and bodies of work. To deliver on that narrative, we’ve always needed to dedicate time and attention. But now, we all have competing obligations. So rather than let the air slowly seep out, we felt it was best to leave it as it is.”
It goes without saying, Shihad —comprised of Larkin, Phil Knight, Jon Toogood, and Karl Kippenberger—didn’t make the decision lightly.
“It took months. We all have different perspectives, and that can sometimes loosen the collective agreements—spoken or unspoken—that have held us together. Those weren’t always being upheld,” Larkin admits.
But before we dive into the end, let’s rewind to the beginning.
Shihad’s story stretches back 37 years, an astonishing feat by any measure. Formed in 1985, when they were just teenagers, their journey began in high school with Larkin and Toogood bonding over their mutual love of metal.
“In the mid-’80s in New Zealand, hip-hop was exploding, but we were metal kids,” Larkin recalls from his home in Melbourne. “We even graffitied the school toilets with metal logos. That got us suspended. And to make it worse, Jon’s dad worked for the Wellington City Council and made him clean it up.”
The band officially became Shihad in 1988, drawing their name from watching the original Dune movie. Inspired by heavyweights like Metallica and Slayer, they began playing local pubs. It was during this time where the band members agreed that they would dedicate their lives to making it work.
“We decided this was it. We put every egg in this basket and ignored everything else,” Larkin explains. “We embraced each other’s strengths and worked around each other’s deficiencies. That’s what held us together for 37 years.”
Their perseverance worked. With tireless creativity, the band created ten studio albums and toured around the world. While life eventually started to chip away at the band’s foundation, Larkin believes their relentless determination is what kept them going. “That bloody-mindedness is a big thing.”
Of course, there were missteps along the way, too—most notably, the controversial 2002 name change to Pacifier, a decision the band openly regrets. “It was a huge mistake—a fork in the road with no clear way forward,” Larkin says. “But mistakes teach you a lot about yourself.”
Ultimately though, it was life’s demands that made them wrap it up. Now, as they prepare for their final tour, Larkin reflects on their career with pride. But I ask, what about the inevitable grief that comes with saying goodbye to something so important?
“Right now, I’m in a good place” Larkin says through a bright smile. “It’s about putting one foot in front of the other. The heavy emotions come earlier, when you prepare yourself for the idea that it’s ending. But grief can catch you by surprise. I’m okay right now, but that might change.”
This farewell tour is also shaping up to be quite the send-off. Since making their decision, the band have been working tirelessly to make sure that this is the tour they deserve. “We combed through the back catalogue and picked songs that resonate with our audience. Every show will include the tracks people expect but with variations night to night. I hate when artists avoid their biggest songs at shows.”
As for what’s next, Larkin plans to stay rooted in music. “I work in music, so I’ll keep doing that. We’ll see what shakes out.”
So, while Shihad may soon no longer exist, the friendships within the band will continue. As will the safely stored memories of this truly legendary band.
Shihad’s Loud Forever The Final Tour tickets are on sale now. They will be performing in Adelaide, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne. Tickets are available here.
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