Men at Work facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Men at Work
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Men at Work in 1983
Top: John Rees; middle: Jerry Speiser, Ron Strykert, Colin Hay; bottom: Greg Ham |
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 1979–1986, 1996–2002 (occasional reunions until 2012) |
| Labels | M. A. W, Columbia/Legacy, Epic, Sony, BMG |
| Associated acts | The Black Sorrows |
Men at Work was a famous rock band from Australia. They started in 1979 and became very well known for their hit song "Down Under" in 1981. This band made history by becoming the first Australian artists to have a number one album and single in the United States at the same time.
Contents
Who Were Men at Work?
The main person in Men at Work was Colin Hay. He sang lead vocals and played guitar. He first played music with Ron Strykert in 1978. Then, they formed the band with Jerry Speiser on drums. Soon after, Greg Ham joined, playing flute, saxophone, and keyboards. John Rees also joined on bass guitar, and Ron Strykert switched to lead guitar.
Their Big Success
This group of five musicians became very successful in the early 1980s. In January 1983, they achieved something amazing. They were the first Australian band to have both a number one album and a number one song in the United States. Their album was called Business as Usual, and their hit song was "Down Under."
They also had number one hits in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Their next album, Cargo, was also very popular. It reached number one in Australia and was a top album in other countries too.
Awards and Recognition
Men at Work won a very important award in 1983. They received the Grammy Award for Best New Artist. This award is given to the best new music artist of the year.
Later, in 1994, they were honored by being added to the ARIA Hall of Fame. This is a special place for famous Australian musicians. The band has sold more than 30 million albums around the world! Their song "Down Under" was also listed as one of the top Australian songs ever.
A Legal Case
In 2010, there was a legal case about the song "Down Under." A company called Larrikin Records said that the flute part in "Down Under" sounded too much like an old Australian children's song called "Kookaburra." The court agreed that there was a similarity.
Changes in the Band
Over time, the band's members changed. In 1984, Jerry Speiser and John Rees left the group. This left Colin Hay, Greg Ham, and Ron Strykert. While making their third album, Two Hearts, Ron Strykert decided to leave. Soon after that album came out, Greg Ham also left. This meant Colin Hay was the only original member left.
However, Colin Hay and Greg Ham toured together as Men at Work again from 1996 to 2002. Sadly, Greg Ham passed away on April 19, 2012.
See also
In Spanish: Men at Work para niños
