Colin Hay

Colin Hay Artistfacts

  • June 29, 1953
  • Sia Furler is his niece. Colin was big David Letterman fan, and when 11-year-old Sia came to visit him in New York, they watched the show together. When Sia first appeared on the show, it was a very emotional moment for Colin.
  • His band Men At Work was one of the most popular acts in the world from 1982-1985, but they split up after just three albums. Hay launched his solo career with his 1987 album Looking For Jack, but it flopped, as did his next effort, Wayfaring Sons, in 1990. Dropped from his label, he went through a dark period where his first wife left him, as he had become an alcoholic. It took him about five years to get sober, at which point he was able to rebuild his career.
  • Regarding his penchant for touring, he said, "It makes me feel useful. Everybody has to find their place in this expanding universe. This is my place."
  • He got a big break when Zach Braff of the popular TV series Scrubs turned one of the show's writers on to Colin's music. The 2002 Season 2 debut was built around Hay's Men At Work song "Overkill," with Colin playing a troubadour who performs it throughout the episode. He made two more appearances on the show, and four episodes in total feature his songs. To some younger listeners, he is known as "the guy from Scrubs," not "the guy from Men At Work."
  • He had prostate cancer, a topic he would sometimes bring up on stage.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The Remasters

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The RemastersSong Writing

Brian has unearthed outtakes by Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello and hundreds of other artists for reissues. Here's how he does it.

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet SprocketSongwriter Interviews

The "All I Want" singer went through a long depression, playing some shows when he didn't want to be alive.

Marvin Gaye

Marvin GayeFact or Fiction

Did Marvin try out with the Detroit Lions? Did he fake crazy to get out of military service? And what about the cross-dressing?

Steve Morse of Deep Purple

Steve Morse of Deep PurpleSongwriter Interviews

Deep Purple's guitarist since 1994, Steve talks about writing songs with the band and how he puts his own spin on "Smoke On The Water."

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?