This past year was a long year for all of us. No restaurants, movie theaters, parties, or concerts. The lockdown came just as Colin Hay was preparing to leave for what he considered his most comprehensive North American tour ever. Now the acclaimed singer-songwriter – best known as the voice behind 80s anthems “Down Under,” “Overkill,” and “Who Can It Be Now?” – is ready to get out on the road with his brand new “I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself Tour.” Backed by a full band, Colin Hay makes his only Connecticut tour stop at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Friday, August 13 at 8 pm as part of the Ridgefield + Wilton Magazines Singer-Songwriter Series. Renowned globally as frontman in the Australian band Men at Work, Hay has since proven himself as a solo artist, touring with his own L.A.-based band and as part of Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band. Colin Hay is a featured artist of media sponsor 90.7fm WFUV.
Colin Hay’s love for music was born in his native Scotland, where, working at his parent’s record store, he heard all the hits of the day, from the Kinks’ “Waterloo Sunset” to Faces’ “Ooh La La” to Dusty Springfield’s “I Just Don’t Know What to Do With Myself.” At home during quarantine in early 2021, he read that Gerry Marsden had died and found himself strumming the Gerry and the Pacemakers’ Merseybeat hit, “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying.” He decided to turn on the tape machines and share with his frequent collaborator/producer, Chad Fischer, who asked for more of the same. What followed was the recording of I Just Don’t Know What to Do With Myself, a new studio album set for August 6 release featuring ten versions of some of Colin’s particular favorites — songs tied to memories and eras in his life. These lushly arranged versions showcase Hay’s ability to interpret a song and remind one just how instantly recognizable his voice is. While most of the songs are from the ’60s, Hay does a moving version of Scottish group Del Amitri’s heartbreaking “Driving With the Brakes On,” which he calls “simply one of the best songs ever written.”
In addition to I Just Don’t Know What to Do With Myself, Hay is at work on a collection of originals. Those who attend his summer shows may get a preview of those songs, as well as a retrospective of his Men at Work and solo years.
For more information or to purchase touchless print at home ticket ($65) go online at www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org or, you can visit or call the box office (203) 438-5795. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a non-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT, and is committed to keeping the arts alive and available to all.
