Men at Work, the iconic band from Australia, emerged as a major success story during the new wave era in 1982. With their Police-styled rhythms, infectious guitar hooks, soulful saxophones, and quirky humor, Men at Work’s debut album, Business as Usual, made history as an international sensation. It shattered records in America with the longest time spent by a debut album at the number one spot on the charts. Their humorous and innovative music videos quickly became MTV favorites, propelling hits like “Who Can It Be Now?” and “Down Under” to the number one position. The band’s momentum carried them through their second album, Cargo, in 1983, before facing a decline in popularity leading to their disbandment after Two Hearts in 1985.
Colin Hay, the lead vocalist and guitarist, originally from Scotland, migrated to Australia as a teenager and co-founded Men at Work as an unplugged duo with Ron Strykert on guitar and vocals in Melbourne in 1978. The group expanded to include John Rees on bass, Greg Ham handling saxophone, flute, and keyboards, and Jerry Speiser on drums. A regular fixture at the Cricketer’s Arms Hotel bar and Australia’s pub circuit, Men at Work quickly rose to become the highest-paid unsigned band in the country. By 1981, they secured a contract with Australian Columbia and released their breakthrough single, “Who Can It Be Now?”, followed by the chart-topping album, Business as Usual, in 1982. The album’s massive success in Australia was replicated in the US, where it dominated the charts, aided by hits like “Down Under.” Men at Work’s second album, Cargo, penned mostly by Colin Hay, further solidified their position with hits like “Overkill” and “It’s a Mistak…