Men At Work were an
Australian
reggae-influenced rock band of the early
1980s. They were best known for their 1982 hit
[Down Under]?, a joyful, comic song about Australians travelling the world with confidence in the virtues of their country. The song was commercially successful in many countries - it was re-released as an unofficial theme song during Australia's successful 1983 [Americas Cup]
? challenge and has become an unofficial national anthem for many under 40.
Their first album, Business As Usual, set a record for the most weeks at number one on the US charts for a debut album. As well as Down Under, the hit Who Can It Be Now? was made into a successful and popular video.
The band's second album, 1983's Cargo, was somewhat less succesful, reaching number three on the US charts. Two hit singles emerged from that album, It's a Mistake and Overkill. When their third album, Two Hearts, was released in 1985 to little success, the band broke up.
Band members:
- [Colin Hay]?, lead vocals and guitar
- [Ron Strykert]?, guitar, vocals
- [John Rees]?, bass
- [Greg Ham]?, saxophone, flute, keyboards
- [Jerry Speiser]?, drums