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Men At Work music biography continued...

The band was formed in 1979 by Colin Hay, who was originally from Scotland, and Ron Strykert, as an acoustic duo. They were later joined by Jerry Speiser playing drums, John Rees playing bass and Greg Ham playing sax, flute and keyboard. In 1981 Columbia Records signed Men at Work to a recording contract. Their first single "Who Can It Be Now?" reached Number 1 on the Australian chart in August 1981. A subsequent single and their first album, Business as Usual, also went to Number 1. Despite their strong showing overseas, Men at Work had difficulty breaking in to the American market. Their management persisted, however, and the album was eventually released in the US and the UK six months after its Australian release. Men at Work toured the USA to promote the album, supporting the likes of Fleetwood Mac. October 1982 "Who Can It Be Now" hit Number 1 in the US. Then, in November of that year, Business As Usual began a 12 week run at Number 1 on the US album chart. By January 1983 Men at Work had the top album and single in both the US and the UK - a feat never achieved previously by an Australian act. In 1983 they beat out The Stray Cats, Asia, Jennifer Holiday and Human League for a Best New Artist Grammy.
In 1985, Men at Work disbanded to pursue other interests. Responding to the demand for the group, some of the band members briefly reunited for a tour in South America, resulting in Men at Work's fourth album, the live Brazil '96, released in 1997 only in South America. Men at Work were the closing act for the Closing Ceremonies of the 2000 Sydney, Australia Olympics, playing "Down Under" live for the first time in 17 years. When Paul Hogan released the movie "Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles" he put a new version of "Down Under" on the soundtrack. Colin continues to record as a solo artist, but there will always be a place in his fan's hearts for the now defunct Men at Work.