The Wiggles break up

pjfan31

It just won't be the same

AND then there was one. After entertaining children for 21 years the Wiggles will undergo a massive makeover with three of the original band members - Murray Cook, Jeff Fatt and Greg Page - departing in favour of younger performers.

The new Wiggles will see a female donning the trademark skivvy for the first time.

Only the blue Wiggle, Anthony Field, will remain.

For millions of toddlers and parents across the world, it is comparable to John, George and Ringo leaving the Beatles.

The seismic shake-up follows revelations last January that the Wiggles, who regularly led the rich lists among Australian entertainers, suffered a $2.5 million loss last financial year. Those financial figures became public less than a fortnight after a public outcry about the axing of the former yellow Wiggle, Sam Moran, in favour of the original performer Greg Page.

The Wiggles issued a statement yesterday confirming the changing of the guard at the end of the year.

The original Wiggles will embark on a ''celebration tour'' with shows planned for Singapore, Britain, the US, Canada and New Zealand. The group will head home for their final Australian tour in November and December.

"We've been entertaining children around the world for 21 years and it's important that we plan for the future so that the Wiggles can keep wiggling in the years to come," red Wiggle Murray Cook said yesterday.

"The touring and performing over the past 21 years has meant that we've spent a long time away from our own families and friends. We miss them and want to spend more time at home, which is a major reason why three of us decided it was time to hand on our skivvies to a new generation.''

The original Wiggles are all aged over 40. Cook, Fatt and Page will hand over the red, purple and yellow skivvies to younger performers, including the band's former back-up dancer, 20-year-old Emma Watkins, Lachlan Gillespie and Simon Pryce.

Over its 21 years, the group became one of Australia's most loved acts, and remained humble to their roots in suburban Sydney, despite being the nation's wealthiest entertainers.

The news of the departing three yesterday came as a shock to fans, young and old.

The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, paid tribute last night to the three Wiggles who announced their retirement. "Millions of Australian children have watched and adored the Wiggles over the past two decades.

"I congratulate Jeff, Murray and Greg on their amazing careers, and for all the joy they have brought to Australian families,'' she said.

"It's also great to see a female addition to the Wiggles.'' Former prime minister Kevin Rudd tweeted: ''Bit sad about Jeff leaving the Wiggles. My kids grew up with the Wiggles.''

At their peak the Wiggles were named Australia's top earning entertainers for four years running, with earnings of up to $45 million a year.

rick1zoo2

I read that the other day. They were the most tolerable of all of the music my kid's mother made them listen to. I remember we had a Wiggles CD on repeat for a 16 hour drive to South Carolina. I bet I remember all the words to all of those songs.

pjfan31

rick1zoo2 wrote:

I read that the other day. They were the most tolerable of all of the music my kid's mother made them listen to. I remember we had a Wiggles CD on repeat for a 16 hour drive to South Carolina. I bet I remember all the words to all of those songs.

Toot toot chugga chugga Big red car?

Hot Potato?

Wake up Jeff?

Some of the classics...

Carey

I am just glad the blue Wiggle is sticking around. He's good eye candy for all of the over-worked moms out there

Stardog3..

Carey wrote:

I am just glad the blue Wiggle is sticking around. He's good eye candy for all of the over-worked moms out there

Out of sheer curiosity regarding what he looked like, I did a little research.



I like the tats.

pjfan31

Carey wrote:

I am just glad the blue Wiggle is sticking around. He's good eye candy for all of the over-worked moms out there

He also has a very good name...

rick1zoo2

Carey wrote:

I am just glad the blue Wiggle is sticking around. He's good eye candy for all of the over-worked moms out there

haha!

didn't the wiggles have several touring groups of look-a-likes that did shows all over the world?

Carey

Stardog3.. wrote:

Carey wrote:

I am just glad the blue Wiggle is sticking around. He's good eye candy for all of the over-worked moms out there

Out of sheer curiosity regarding what he looked like, I did a little research.



I like the tats.

Isn't he a cutie? My duaghter has know for years the the "blue one is mama's favorite!"

Not to mention, take a hot guy that seems to be so kid-friendly = sizzle.

DS1119

There will be a reunion tour in 5 years.

mikalina

I remember my kids watching this all the time.... good times

fruit salad, yummy yummy.... I would have this ringing in my ears all day :wtf:


http://youtu.be/S8C09cwYdh0