About
Out of Melbourne, Australia in the late 1970s came Men at Work, a band that would briefly but brilliantly conquer the global charts before burning out almost as fast as they arrived. Frontman Colin Hay and guitarist Ron Strykert formed the core of the group, with Greg Ham's distinctive saxophone and flute lines giving them a sound that was genuinely unlike anything else on radio at the time. Their debut album Business as Usual landed in 1981 and became a phenomenon, topping charts in both Australia and the United States simultaneously, a feat few acts have ever pulled off.
Musically, Men at Work sat comfortably in the new wave and pop-rock lane, blending reggae-tinged rhythms, quirky lyrics, and infectious hooks that felt effortless but were carefully crafted. Hits like Down Under, Who Can It Be Now, and Overkill showcased Hay's sharp songwriting and wry wit. Their follow-up Cargo kept the momentum going in 1983, but by the mid-80s internal tensions and shifting musical tastes saw the band dissolve. Colin Hay went on to a respected solo career, and Down Under remains one of the most recognizable songs of its era, even if a copyright dispute over that iconic flute riff cast a long shadow over its legacy in later years.
