Men at Work?Monday, September 18, 2006 My wife and I had a wonderful time Saturday night. We usually have a great time when we go out, but this date was unique.The day before, I decided it was time to get my hair cut. Penny has cut my hair for fifteen years. She is almost like family. We also share an 80s music obsession, so we started our "hey-do-you-remember-that-band?" ritual. "I was thinking about your wife" she said. "Colin Hay from Men At Work is playing at the Australian festival on Saturday." "Men At Work, Colin Hay?" I said. "Penny, that is Jill's favorite band." "Yeah I know, I think you can still get tickets." she said. I was thrilled. I could hear Jill singing "Down Under" and "Who Can it Be Now." This wildly popular band of three or four hits broke up over twenty years ago. I didn't even know that Colin Hay was still singing and Men At Work had some reunion concerts. I got tickets that afternoon. Actually, I was the first one at the booth. The festival had not started yet and it took several people to get me to the guy with tickets. Ten bucks a piece! What a deal. Later that evening, Jill and I were eating at our local Irish pub and I told her the news. I felt like one of the kids who had found the golden ticket in a Wonka chocolate bar. I was so excited to take Jill to hear her favorites songs performed live by the man himself. She had never seen them "live" back in the 80s. On Saturday evening we went to the outdoor concert. It was a small venue; an intimate setting. Singing along with songs propelled us right back to High School and College. At the end of the concert we had made our way to the edge of the stage. We were in spitting distance of Colin as we danced and sang along to the song "Down Under." You remember, "Vegemite sandwiches." It was magical. We experienced something that was so special and meaningful to both of us. During the concert, I started to think about Colin Hay. He was now almost a quarter of a century older. These songs are a huge part of his life. No matter what he has done, these wildly popular songs follow him like a shadow. I wondered if he actually hated them now. I think I might. But then, the royalty checks would probably cure that for me. At one point he rebuked the audience. He said that the 80s were a great time, but we had to move on (not his exact words). Someone form the audience bellowed out, "Why?" Obviously this guy was stuck, still living in the 80s. Then I started to think about the workforce today. I started to think about my career. Am I stuck or did I move on? Am I too comfortable, or am I on the edge? Are you stuck? Are you carrying around your accomplishments like a trophy? Unlike Colin Hay, one of the most successful Australian singers, we do not have to carry our greatest hits around with us. The music business is not very forgiving. It is not always possible to continue building on your success. Those of us in other professions have the opportunity to take our success and build upon it. posted at 9/18/2006 08:00:00 PM |
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Copyright © 2006 Beat Your Own Drum
1 Comments:
I have their first album. On vinyl.
Let me tell you Eric, that now that I'm forced to alter my career, I'm very much looking forward to it. It took a smack in the face to see what a rut I was actually in. Completely stagnant. Now, once I get over the craziness of trying to find something new, I think I'll be feeling incredibly motivated to give it %110.
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