"Down Under" is a popular song by the Australian rock band Men at Work, released in 1981. It's known for its catchy tune and iconic flute riff. Here are some interesting facts about the song and the band:
Cultural Icon: "Down Under" is often considered an anthem of Australian culture. It celebrates Australian identity and references various aspects of Australian life, including Vegemite sandwiches, kangaroos, and men playing cricket.
Grammy Award Winner: The song won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1983, and the album it was featured on, "Business as Usual," was a massive success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Flute Solo: The distinctive flute melody in "Down Under" was played by Greg Ham, the band's saxophonist and flautist. This catchy flute riff is instantly recognizable and became one of the most memorable parts of the song.
Controversy: The band faced a copyright lawsuit over the flute riff. The riff bears a resemblance to the children's folk song "Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree." In 2010, a court ruled that Men at Work had plagiarized the riff, leading to a settlement and a payment of royalties to the original songwriter.
Chart Success: "Down Under" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and stayed there for four consecutive weeks. It also topped the charts in various other countries, including Australia and the United Kingdom.
Australian Tourism: The song was used by the Australian tourism industry in the 1980s as part of their advertising campaigns to promote Australia to international tourists. It contributed to the country's image as a fun and welcoming destination.
1983 America's Cup: The song gained additional popularity in the United States during the 1983 America's Cup yacht race when Australia II won the competition. "Down Under" was played frequently during the televised coverage, further associating it with Australian pride.
Landmark Music Video: The music video for "Down Under" featured iconic Australian landmarks, such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It showcased the beauty of the country and helped to reinforce its image internationally.
Legacy: "Down Under" remains a beloved classic rock song and is often played at sporting events and celebrations in Australia. It continues to be a symbol of Australian music and culture.
Band Breakup: Despite their early success, Men at Work disbanded in 1986. The members pursued their individual careers in music, and the band members have had mixed success in their post-Men at Work endeavors.
"Down Under" remains a timeless song that continues to bring joy to audiences around the world and is a lasting tribute to Australian culture.