Music fans often wonder about the people behind their favorite bands’ chart-topping hits.
Men at Work, the Australian group that took the world by storm in the early 1980s, is no exception.
Their catchy tunes and distinctive sound left many curious about the talented individuals who created this music.
In this post, we’ll introduce you to the creative minds behind Men at Work’s success.
You’ll get to know the original lineup that propelled the band to international fame, as well as the changes they experienced over the years.
We’ll explore each member’s role in shaping the band’s unique sound and their journeys beyond their time with the group.
How Men at Work was Formed
The story of Men at Work begins in Melbourne, Australia, in 1978.
The band’s roots can be traced back to the musical partnership of Colin Hay and Ron Strykert. This duo soon expanded to include Jerry Speiser on drums, forming the initial trio.
As the group’s sound evolved, they welcomed two more talents into the fold.
Greg Ham joined, bringing his skills on flute, saxophone, and keyboards, while John Rees rounded out the lineup on bass guitar.
The band’s name has an interesting origin. When they needed to advertise for a performance at The Cricketer’s Arms Hotel, Colin Hay suggested “Men at Work.”
The other members agreed, and thus, a legendary name was born.
In their early days, the group honed their skills and built a loyal following through energetic pub performances. This grassroots approach laid the foundation for their future global success.
Men at Work Members
1. Colin Hay
Colin Hay is the frontman of Men at Work and the driving force behind many of their hit songs.
As the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, he shaped the band’s sound with his distinctive voice and songwriting talents.
- Birth Date: June 29, 1953
- Role: Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist
- Contribution: Co-founder of Men at Work and main songwriter for many of their hits
- Departure: After the band’s split, Hay continued his music career, gaining recognition as a solo artist.
- Post-Band Career: Successful solo career and collaborator with Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band
2. Ron Strykert
Ron Strykert co-founded Men at Work with Colin Hay, starting as a bass guitarist but soon switching to lead guitar.
His contributions to the band’s early hits and his unique guitar work were crucial to Men at Work’s signature sound.
- Birth Date: August 16, 1957
- Role: Lead guitarist and co-founder
- Contribution: Co-wrote many of the band’s early hits and helped shape their guitar-driven sound
- Departure: Left the band in 1985 during the production of Two Hearts
- Post-Band Career: Released a solo album Paradise in 2003
3. Greg Ham
Greg Ham was the multi-instrumentalist whose flute and saxophone riffs became a defining feature of Men at Work’s sound.
His flute work on “Down Under” is instantly recognizable and became synonymous with the band. Ham remained with Men at Work through their reunion tours in the 1990s and early 2000s.
- Birth Date: September 27, 1953
- Role: Flute, saxophone, keyboards, and vocals
- Contribution: Known for the iconic flute riff in “Down Under” and his versatility across multiple instruments
- Departure: Stayed with the band until its disbandment in 1985, later reuniting for tours
- Legacy: He continued performing until his death in 2012
4. Jerry Speiser
As the drummer of Men at Work, Jerry Speiser provided the band’s rhythmic backbone.
His tight and energetic drumming contributed significantly to the band’s early success. He was fired from the band in 1984 but remained musically active afterward.
- Birth Date: August 12, 1953
- Role: Drummer and percussionist
- Contribution: Delivered energetic, tight rhythms that became key to Men at Work’s distinctive sound
- Departure: Left the band in 1984 following internal disputes
- Post-Band Career: Played in local Australian bands and worked as a management consultant
5. John Rees
John Rees was the bassist for Men at Work from 1980 to 1984, contributing to the band’s most successful albums.
His steady basslines were essential to the band’s groove. He left the band along with Jerry Speiser after internal disputes but continued playing music locally.
- Birth Date: March 14, 1951
- Role: Bass guitarist and backing vocalist
- Contribution: Provided steady basslines and backing vocals during the band’s most successful years
- Departure: Left in 1984 due to disputes within the band
- Post-Band Career: Played in local bands like Beggs2Differ
Evolution and Revival of The Band
Men at Work’s journey to stardom began with their debut album “Business as Usual” in 1981.
Songs like “Down Under” and “Who Can It Be Now?” became worldwide hits, establishing Men at Work as a pioneer among Australian bands achieving international fame.
Their second album, “Cargo” (1983), also found success, though it didn’t quite match the phenomenal impact of their debut.
However, the band’s rapid rise was followed by internal challenges. By 1984, tensions within the group led to the departure of drummer Jerry Speiser and bassist John Rees.
The remaining members – Colin Hay, Greg Ham, and Ron Strykert – continued with session musicians.
Yet, during the creation of their third album, “Two Hearts*” (1985), Strykert also left.
This album didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences, signaling a shift in the band’s fortunes. By 1986, Men at Work had disbanded.
In 1996, Hay and Ham breathed new life into the Men at Work name, touring South America, where their fan base remained strong.
This revival led to the live album “Brazil ’96” and continued performances with various musicians. Sadly, this chapter ended with Ham’s passing in 2012.
Since then, Colin Hay has kept the band’s legacy alive, performing under the Men at Work name with a new lineup.
He continues to tour, both with the band and as part of other musical projects, ensuring that the distinctive sound of Men at Work endures for fans old and new.
Legacy of Men at Work
Let’s look at the legacy of Men at Work members who left a lasting impact.
1. Grammy Recognition
In 1983, Men at Work became the first Australian band to win the Grammy Award for Best New Artist.
This milestone achievement celebrated their talent and opened doors for other Australian musicians on the global stage.
Their unique blend of rock, new wave, and reggae elements helped define the early 1980s musical landscape.
2. ARIA Hall of Fame Induction
The band’s lasting impact on Australian music was further cemented in 1994 when they were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame.
This prestigious honor recognized Men at Work as one of Australia’s most influential rock bands, ensuring their legacy would continue inspiring future musicians.
3. Global Impact and Sales
Men at Work’s success extended far beyond their homeland. With over 30 million albums sold worldwide, their music reached a truly global audience.
Their debut album, “Business as Usual,” set records for its long-running position at the top of international charts.
The enduring popularity of their music is evident in the continued radio play and cultural relevance they enjoy today.
4. Influence on Australian Music
The band’s breakthrough on the international scene paved the way for other Australian acts to pursue global careers.
Their success story showed the world that Australian rock could dominate international charts, effectively putting the country’s music scene on the global map.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our journey through the world of Men at Work, it’s clear that this Australian band left an indelible mark on the music industry.
From their Grammy win to their ARIA Hall of Fame induction, they’ve shown how a unique sound and talent can transcend borders.
Their story isn’t just about chart-topping hits; it’s about opening doors for Australian musicians globally and shaping the sound of an era.
As we reflect on their legacy, let’s appreciate how Men at Work’s music continues to resonate with audiences today.
Why not revisit their classic albums or explore Colin Hay’s solo work? Better yet, share your favorite Men at Work song with a friend and spread the joy of their music.
After all, great tunes are meant to be shared!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Did Men at Work Disband?
Men at Work broke up due to internal conflicts, mainly between Colin Hay and bandmates Jerry Speiser and John Rees, over the band’s management. These tensions, which began during their 1983 tour, ultimately dissolved the group.
Do Men at Work Still Play?
Yes, Men at Work is currently active. The band, now led by Colin Hay with new members, is touring and has 19 upcoming concerts scheduled across one country.
What Genre is Men at Work?
Men at Work is an Australian pop-rock band that became popular in the early 1980s.
How Many Albums Did Men at Work Make?
Throughout their career, Men at Work released three studio albums, three live albums, multiple compilations, three EPs, 14 singles, three video albums, and 11 music videos.
