As soon as Men At Work hit the radio waves in 1982, we knew the album would be an Aussie legend. These photos were the first live band photos that I made, and while not all sharp, were enough of an inspiration to keep going with a career as a gig photographer. I survived for four years selling band photos to On The Street and Stilleto and ACP and Fairfax magazines until I joined the wire service AAP in 1986 and the focus shifted. This is part of an online exhibition of Australian 1980s Music Scene live band photography. Men At Work was where it started for me. – Words & Photographs by Mark Anning © All Rights Reserved. Prints are available. Advertiser supported website
The Men At Work story
Part 1: The Birth of a Sound
In the late 1970s, the Australian music scene was ripe for a revolution. It was a time when new wave music was taking over the airwaves, and the world was ready for something fresh and unique. Little did they know, that unique sound would come from a group of talented musicians who would soon be known as Men at Work.
The Meeting
The story of Men at Work begins in Melbourne, Australia, with two young musicians named Colin Hay and Ron Strykert.
Colin Hay is a Scotsman with a love for music and a distinct voice, while Ron is a gifted guitarist with a knack for catchy melodies. They met at a local jam session and instantly clicked. Colin and Ron’s musical chemistry was undeniable, and they soon began writing songs together.
Their early compositions had a folk-rock vibe, heavily influenced by Colin’s acoustic guitar and Ron’s intricate guitar work. However, they knew they needed more than just the two of them to bring their music to life.
Colin and Ron began searching for other musicians to join their project. They found drummer Jerry Speiser, bassist John Rees, and flautist Greg Ham, completing the lineup of Men at Work. With a diverse range of instruments at their disposal, they started to craft a sound that was truly their own.
Their music was a blend of rock, folk, and pop, with a unique Australian twist. Colin’s distinctive vocals and witty lyrics, combined with Ron’s catchy guitar riffs and Greg’s quirky flute melodies, created a sound that was instantly infectious. It wasn’t long before they were playing gigs around Melbourne, building a loyal fanbase and catching the attention of record labels.
Part 2: The Rise to Fame
“Business as Usual”
In 1981, Men at Work released their debut album, “Business as Usual.” The album featured some of their most iconic songs, including “Who Can It Be Now?” and “Down Under.” These tracks were an instant hit, both in Australia and internationally.
“Who Can It Be Now?” topped the Australian charts, and its quirky music video featuring a paranoid Colin Hay hiding from unexpected visitors became an MTV favorite. The song’s catchy saxophone riff, played by Greg Ham, became one of the defining sounds of the early ’80s.
“Down Under”
But it was their single “Down Under” that catapulted Men at Work to international superstardom. The song, with its infectious melody and playful lyrics, captured the hearts of music lovers around the world. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and became an anthem for Australia.
The success of “Down Under” was not just a musical triumph but a cultural one. The song celebrated Australian culture and humor in a way that resonated with people worldwide. Men at Work’s music was now a global phenomenon, and they embarked on a world tour that took them to sold-out arenas and stadiums.
The Highs and Lows
With fame came both highs and lows for Men at Work. They received critical acclaim and won Grammy Awards for “Best New Artist” and “Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.” However, the pressure of constant touring and the expectations of a follow-up album began to take a toll on the band.
Their second album, “Cargo,” released in 1983, featured successful singles like “Overkill” and “It’s a Mistake.” While it received positive reviews, it was challenging to follow up the massive success of “Business as Usual.” The band faced internal tensions, and creative differences started to emerge.
Plagiarism allegation
The Federal Court of Australia determined that “Down Under” indeed violated the copyright of the 1930s children’s song “Kookaburra” and granted Larrikin 5% of the song’s royalties, retroactively calculated from 2002. Despite subsequent appeals by EMI and Men at Work, none were successful.
Greg Ham expressed profound distress and deep disappointment over the ruling, stating that it significantly impacted his reputation.
Sadly, Greg Ham turned to heroin after feeling publicly humiliated for his obviously inspired and brilliant flute riff in “Down Under”.
Part 3: The Unraveling
The Breakup
By the mid-’80s, Men at Work was struggling to maintain their creative spark. Colin Hay and Ron Strykert’s friendship, which had been the foundation of the band, was strained. The pressure of expectations and the toll of constant touring had taken its toll.
In 1985, Men at Work disbanded, marking the end of an era. Each member pursued their own musical projects, with Colin Hay releasing solo albums and Ron Strykert exploring his musical interests.
The Legacy
Despite their relatively short-lived career, Men at Work left an indelible mark on the music industry. Their unique sound, blending rock, pop, and folk with Australian flair, remains iconic. “Down Under” is still played on the radio and recognized around the world, and their albums continue to inspire new generations of musicians.
Colin Hay’s solo career thrived, and he continued to tour and release albums. His introspective songwriting and distinct voice resonated with fans old and new. Greg Ham and Jerry Speiser also continued to make music, albeit with varying degrees of success.
Part 4: The Reunion, A New Beginning
In 1996, Men at Work reunited for a brief period to release an album titled “Two Hearts.” While the album did not achieve the same level of success as their earlier work, it allowed the band members to reconnect and rediscover their musical chemistry.
The reunion tour that followed was met with enthusiasm from fans who had missed their unique sound.
However, it was short-lived, and Men at Work once again went their separate ways.
Today, Colin Hay continues to perform and record music as a solo artist, and his songs, both old and new, are cherished by fans worldwide.
Farewell Greg Ham
Tragically, on April 19, 2012, Greg Ham, the beloved flautist and saxophonist of Men at Work, passed away at the age of 58.
His death marked the end of an era for the band, as his iconic flute melodies had been an integral part of their sound.
It was widely reported that Greg Ham turned to heroin after the stress of the court ruling. The cause was listed as a heart attack.
Friends of Ham note that he was depressed and suffering anxiety over the copyright lawsuit filed against him and the members of Men at Work for the alleged similarities between “Kookaburra” and the flute riff in “Down Under”.
The legacy of Men at Work lives on, as their music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by generations. Greg Ham’s legacy includes some amazing riffs on Who Can It Be Now? and Land Down Under on the flute and saxophone which linger in our memories of youth Down Under.
The story of Men at Work is a tale of creativity, success, and the challenges that come with fame. Their unique blend of musical influences and their celebration of Australian culture made them stand out in a crowded music landscape. While their journey had its share of ups and downs, their music remains timeless, a testament to the enduring power of great songwriting and musicianship.
As the years pass, new generations of music lovers continue to discover the infectious rhythms and clever lyrics of Men at Work. Their music serves as a reminder of a time when a group of talented musicians from down under captured the world’s imagination with their catchy tunes and playful spirit.
Photographer’s notes
These photos of Men At Work were the first band photos that I made. Their first studio album “Business as Usual,” was released in November 1981 in Australia and it was obvious that the album would do well.
The photographs aren’t the best live event photos but they were enough to inspire me to start a long career photographing bands and in venue and event management.
Men at Work seen here performing at Cronulla Workers’s Club early in 1982, Olympus OM2-n camera with a 70-210mm zoom lens on Ektachrome 400 film.
All images are copyright, please contact before using them or please share on social media with credit, ta.
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Yes. we can send out prints of these images or license them for posters. This one of Men At Work evokes a feeling of Metropolis and alien or man emerging from the light. I’m looking at collaborations if someone wants to rework this space man, please contact. This could make a poster for Colin Hay’s tour gigs.
