Men at Work

Formation

Men at Work, an iconic Australian rock band, was formed in Melbourne in 1979. The group originated from an acoustic duo featuring Colin Hay and Ron Strykert, who had been performing together since 1978. They expanded their lineup by adding Jerry Speiser on drums and later welcomed Greg Ham on flute, saxophone, and keyboards, along with John Rees on bass guitar. This lineup solidified their sound and helped them build a reputation as a pub rock band.

Breakthrough

The band achieved significant success in the early to mid-1980s, propelled by their debut album, "Business As Usual," which featured hits like "Down Under" and "Who Can It Be Now?" Their unique blend of new wave, pop rock, and reggae resonated with audiences, leading to international acclaim. Men at Work's music was characterized by catchy melodies and thoughtful lyrics, which contributed to their popularity.

Legacy

Despite disbanding in 1985, Men at Work left an indelible mark on the music scene, selling over 30 million albums worldwide. They were recognized with numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best New Artist and induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1994. Their songs, particularly "Down Under," continue to be celebrated as quintessential Australian anthems, showcasing the band's lasting influence on both local and global music.