Conversations Encore: Colin Hay's wild ride to fame with Men at Work, and the heartbreak in the aftermath
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Mar 12, 2026 Colin Hay, singer-songwriter and Men At Work frontman known for 1980s hits, reflects on sudden superstardom and the band’s rapid unraveling. He talks about writing hits like Who Can It Be Now? fast, battling alcoholism, rebuilding a solo career, the Kookaburra copyright fallout, and how small, sober shows renewed his connection to audiences.
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Growing Up Above The Music Shop
- Colin Hay grew up above his parents' music shop in Saltcoats and Hamilton Street, which immersed him in instruments, records and his father's DIY DJ sessions.
- His father played Beatles records, tuned pianos, and created a childhood filled with guitars, drum kits and the smell of french polish that sparked Colin's musical path.
How Men At Work Found Its Songwriting Core
- Colin met Ron Strykert at a friend's backyard and immediately recognized him as the songwriting partner he'd been searching for.
- They formed the nucleus of Men at Work because Colin brought finished songs and Ron brought complementary guitar ideas.
Who Can It Be Now Was Written In 40 Minutes
- Colin wrote Who Can It Be Now? in about 40 minutes while sitting on land in Bermagui with his then-girlfriend Linda.
- He used drop D tuning to create the drone-like hook and Linda predicted it would be his first hit.