Men at Work Star Denounces Anti-Immigration Use of Down Under
Colin Hay, the former lead vocalist and songwriter of iconic Australian band Men at Work, has issued a strong public statement condemning the use of the group's famous anthem Down Under at rallies organised by the anti-immigration group March for Australia. In a post shared across his social media platforms, Hay made his position unequivocally clear, stating he "most strenuously disapproves" of the unauthorised use of his music for such events.
A Song of Celebration, Not Division
Signing his message pointedly as "Colin Hay (immigrant)"—a reference to his own journey from Scotland to Australia as a teenager—the musician articulated that Down Under was never intended to fuel xenophobia. "Down Under, a song I co-wrote, does not belong to those who attempt to sow xenophobia within the fabric of our great land, our great people," he wrote. He emphasised the track's core message, describing it as "a song of celebration" meant for "pluralism and inclusion; unity, not division." His message concluded with a direct challenge to the protesters: "Go write your own song, leave mine alone."
The Enduring Legacy of an Australian Anthem
Co-written by Hay and bandmate Ron Strykert, Down Under became a global phenomenon in the 1980s, topping charts in numerous countries including Australia, the UK, and the United States, where it sold two million copies. Its lyrics, celebrating Australian culture with references to Vegemite and colloquial phrases, have cemented its status as an unofficial national anthem, frequently played at sporting events and cultural gatherings. The song's popularity has endured for decades, surpassing one billion streams in 2022 and inspiring covers by contemporary artists like Luude and King Stingray.
A Growing Chorus of Musical Disapproval
Hay is not alone in his criticism of March for Australia's appropriation of Australian music. The group, which organises rallies on 26 January under the slogan "Our national identity will not be erased," has faced similar rebukes from other prominent artists:
- John Williamson publicly stated that his song True Blue should not be "hijacked by any group that seeks to use the song to sow division."
- Representatives for Cold Chisel and Icehouse disavowed the use of Flame Trees and Great Southern Land at a rally, confirming "no approval was sought, and no permission was given."
- The Living End denounced the use of their songs, stating the marches' goals are "abhorrent to us" and that their music aims to "bring people together not to divide them."
This collective stance highlights a significant cultural clash, as musicians assert control over the meaning and use of their work in the face of political movements seeking to co-opt it for divisive purposes. The incident underscores the ongoing debate about national identity, immigration, and the power of music in Australian society.
