Colin Hay

When I first saw Colin Hay play solo, in Manchester some years back, he broke off from regaling the crowd with a tour anecdote to reassure them, “don’t worry, we’ll get through at least three songs tonight.” He was on stage for well over two hours, but got through maybe sixteen songs in that time; the rest of the show was taken up by stories, jokes and interaction with the crowd. Frankly, you wouldn’t have it any other way; the former Men at Work frontman is a genuinely funny guy, and it was as much a delight to hear him share stories of awkward dinners with a soon-to-be-divorced Paul McCartney and Heather Mills, or drinking sessions with Russell Crowe, as it was to hear him play tracks from a formidable back catalogue. The crowds at his shows are looking a little younger these days, and it’s telling as to what - or rather, who - has afforded him some recent popularity; Hay guest-starred on Scrubs and had a song featured on the soundtrack for Zach Braff’s Garden State. Often backed by his wife on backing vocals, he includes plenty of his finest solo cuts - ‘Waiting for My Real Life to Begin’ and ‘Beautiful World’ included - as well as classic Men at Work material, reworked for the acoustic guitar, including ‘Overkill’ and the recently-contentious ‘Down Under’. Should he return to the UK on his current ‘Finding My Dance’ run, you’d be as well-advised to track him down for his quick wit as his fine songwriting; Hay’s a real entertainer.

I was really looking forward to the concert, and he exceeded my expectations in every way.

I knew he was a fantastic songwriter, but the stripped-down acoustic show (with two accompanying artists for about half of the songs) allowed his songwriting chops to really shine.

I was also very impressed with the quality of his voice. Flawless. I would go so far as to say his voice sounded better live than it does on many recorded tracks (excellent acoustics in the City Winery opera house probably helped).

Good mix of older, more recognizable Men At Work songs with newer originals.

An evening with Colin Hay was a unique and special show.

He alternated between telling stories and singing acoustic songs, often tying in the previous story to the song that followed.

The music was a good blend of his solo work, with some of his Men at Work songs sprinkled in.

The show gives some real insight into Colin's life and career. He is a superb storyteller and an even better musician. There were profound moments, and many good hearty laughs.

It was a very enjoyable evening, and I would be happy to go back and see it again.

Colin is the consummate entertainer - such a presence on stage, with his self-deprecating, cheeky Scottish humour!
The band were top notch musicians and the sound in the Recital Centre was superb. You can tell I thought it was a great concert!

He played a wide range of songs from new and old, and of course, did the big hits.
We had a wonderful night - and great value, playing for around 2 and a half hours straight through.
Thank you Colin!

Great show. Highly recommended if you like a show with melancholy music. Not much upbeat music in the show but Colin lightens it up with his stories between songs. If not a musician, he would have been a wonderful comedian. Very entertaining show and will see him again should he come through our area in the future.

Colin Hay was so much more than I expected! Not only is he a fabulous singer and songwriter, he's an all around down-to-earth funny guy and tells some great stories in between songs and how the songs came about. Don't let this concert slide by if you have the opportunity!

There wasn't one song he played that I didn't love but the best part was the story telling. What a funny guy!! A most enjoyable evening with an old friend playing in my living room is what this was like. Loved the Franklin Theater. Well done Colin.

Awesome show. Venue was perfect, songs were awesome and I never knew Colin was so funny. He should do stand up as a career also. He told great stories as well. I highly recommend seeing his show. Played some Men at Work tunes, so bonus.

I thought Colin Hay put on a really uplifting show, interspersing his own and Men at Work's songs with anecdotes and tales of his career. Just him and his guitar on the stage; everyone in the crowd singing along and having a great time.

Great performance by Colin. Great songs and great banter from Colin. Only spoilt by the behaviour of the audience who seemed more interested in beers from the bar and consequently having to go to the toilet constantly.