Colin Hay and Ron Strykert formed Men at Work as an acoustic duo in Melbourne in 1978, which quickly expanded to become a full band in 1979 with John Rees (bass guitar), Greg Ham (flute, saxophone and keyboards), Jerry Speiser (drums).
Hay revived their name this summer for tours using new musicians under a different group name – and thus revived sales charts worldwide with “Down Under.” Although the group disbanded in 1986, its name will return.
Who Can It Be Now?
Men at Work, an iconic Australian band that gained popularity during the ’80s with hits like “Who Can It Be Now?” and “Down Under,” will be touring throughout this summer, performing 16 solo and co-headliner shows across America (including one in Atlantic City on Aug 19 with fellow ’80s hitmakers Rick Springfield and John Waite ). When Men at Work takes to the stage fans can expect an eclectic blend of Men at Work classics as well as songs from lead singer Colin Hay’s expansive solo discography.
In 1979, they formed in Melbourne, Australia. At first they consisted of just an acoustic duo comprising Colin Hay and guitarist Ron Strykert as the core. Soon thereafter they added drum player Jerry Speiser and saxophonist/flutist Greg Ham; Strykert eventually left and died April 2012 [6][7]
Men at Work disbanded in 1996 but later reunited a year later to release two albums before parting ways again in 2002. Hay revived Men at Work again in 2019 by touring with an all-new backup band which includes none of its original members.
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Down Under
Men at Work, an Australian rock band best known for their hits from the 1980s, will embark on a summer tour this year with co-headliners Rick Springfield and John Waite – also performing solo shows throughout. Men at Work’s tour will showcase both its classic songs as well as songs from lead singer Colin Hay’s extensive solo catalog.
This band formed in Melbourne in 1979, becoming widely renowned for their worldwide hit singles such as “Down Under,” “Who Can It Be Now?,” “Be Good Johnny,” and “Overkill.” Their debut album Business as Usual reached #1 on charts worldwide including Australia, New Zealand, UK and US; Cargo followed in 1983 and also went platinum worldwide while Two Hearts followed shortly thereafter and made the top 20.
In 1986, Men at Work disbanded, though they reunited briefly for tours in 1996 and 2002. By this point only drummer Jerry Speiser and multi-instrumentalist Greg Ham were left from their original lineup; Ham died later that month but Hay revived its name while continuing touring with a live backing band.
Men at Work will take to the stage once again in January 2024 as part of the Santos Tour Down Under, offering fans an all-inclusive experience that includes air-conditioned bus transfers and delicious food and beverage experiences – with direct access to some of the world’s greatest cyclists at events in Stirling, Lobethal, and Mount Lofty. Fans can watch some of cycling’s greatest riders at events held in Stirling, Lobethal, and Mount Lofty as part of this all-inclusive experience! Guests can experience relaxed scenic rides while hearing directly from athletes about race preparations goals etc – which allows guests to hear directly from athletes about race preparations, goals etc…
Overkill
Men at Work rose to international renown during the early ’80s due to their unique debut album, quirky music videos and catchy hit singles. Business as Usual spent an unprecedented 15 weeks at #1 on Billboard charts; Cargo reached #1 across America, Australia and New Zealand and garnered them a Grammy award as Best New Artist!
However, success did not come without its difficulties; among them was an increasing sense of disconnection among members of the group. This was evident in Hay’s song, “Overkill,” written to address this challenging period in their career and featuring lyrics addressing anxiety, isolation and the pressures associated with success; its music video depicts this with futuristic cityscape settings exacerbating this disconnection he experienced during this period.
Men at Work’s live performances are truly a treat to see, with lead vocalist Colin Hay known for his humorous yet welcoming demeanor setting the atmosphere at each show. Greg Ham, on flute, saxophone and keyboards respectively, makes up an impressive trio that should not be missed by rock fans!
Vivid Seats makes buying Men at Work tickets an unforgettable experience, with all tickets covered by our 100% Buyer Guarantee and Best in Class customer service. If a Men at Work show isn’t on your radar soon, follow their Tour Map so that you’re the first to know when they’re coming to your area – otherwise explore our 2023 concert tickets collection and discover other great acts performing their unique rock sound.
It’s a Mistake
Men at Work was one of the great surprises of the ’80s, emerging from Australia to quickly become global hitmakers with their Police-esque rhythms, catchy guitar hooks, and wailing saxophones. Their debut LP Business as Usual spent 15 weeks at number 1 on American charts; MTV viewers loved their humorous, irreverent music videos too! Unfortunately by the time Men at Work recorded its follow up album Cargo things started unravelling again.
In 1984, Speiser and Rees left Men at Work for solo careers, leaving Hay and Ham as the sole surviving members. Together they toured as Men at Work until its dissolution; recording two Hearts prior to disbanding officially. Hay revived Men at Work as a touring band under various members and never brought any original members back into his lineup again.
After Men at Work’s demise, Ham went on to release two solo albums and embark on an acting career. Meanwhile, Hay revived Men at Work under a different moniker and began touring once more – this time around with an entirely different lineup of musicians.
Hay’s fun, down-to-earth comedy keeps audiences laughing from start to finish and his impressive timbre makes for fine singing even in his later years. Scheila Gonzalez on flute, saxophone and keyboards is there providing support – this show should not be missed by fans of Man at Work!
Be Good Johnny
Men at Work’s song Be Good Johnny became one of Australia’s greatest bands after it achieved massive popularity as one of its defining hits. The message behind it resonates with everyone and stands the test of time, reminding people to heed advice and be good people no matter how difficult that might seem at the time. Over time, several artists (such as Colin Hay) have covered it, while it has also been used in movies and television series.
Men at Work emerged from Melbourne in 1978 and recorded several hits throughout the ’80s, such as Down Under, Who Can It Be Now?, Overkill and It’s a Mistake. Unfortunately, they eventually disbanded in 1986, yet drummer Colin Hay has continued releasing solo albums under Men at Work’s name as a solo performer or with new musicians under its umbrella name.
Men at Work will team up with fellow ’80s hitmakers Rick Springfield and John Waite on this tour, featuring classic Men at Work songs as well as solo material by Hay.
The tour runs through September and includes stops in various U.S. cities. Tickets for select dates are now on sale through Vivid Seats, offering a 100% buyer guarantee and being named Newsweek’s #1 ticketing company; in addition they feature mobile apps with no-fee exchange policies – starting from as little as $N/A for tickets purchased.
