ShowBizRadio

The Wiggles are coming! The Wiggles are coming!

That’s right, folks, the legendary children’s music group from down under is coming to our nation’s capital. This Tuesday, The Wiggles, who formed in Sydney, Australia more than 20 years ago, are bringing their farewell “Celebration” Tour to the Warner Theatre in Washington DC.

If you are a parent of younger children, or even older children for that matter, then one way or another, The Wiggles have probably crossed your path. Whether a diehard fan or parent of a diehard fan, you know how big a deal this is.

For those who unfortunately have not had the pleasure of being entertained by The Wiggles, here is a short history. The Wiggles are Anthony Field (the blue Wiggle), Murray Cook (the red Wiggle), Greg Page (the Yellow Wiggle), and Jeff Fatt (the Purple Wiggle). Page retired in 2006 due to ill-health and was replaced by Sam Moran, but returned in 2012, replacing Moran. In May 2012, The Wiggles announced that they will be doing a farewell tour, and, after the tour, Cook, Page, and Fatt will be leaving the group. Three new members will be joining Field, as The Wiggles continue to entertain and educate children all around the world. The Wiggles have left us with memorable and beloved characters, such as Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, and, of course, Dorothy the Dinosaur and a cornucopia of songs. We will never forget “Big Red Car,” “Rock-a-bye a Bear,” “Hot Potato,” and the ever iconic “Fruit Salad (Yummy, Yummy).”

ShowBizRadio was very fortunate to be able to get a quick interview with Jeff Fatt. Here is what the purple Wiggle had to say:

SBR: You were originally a member of The Cockroaches. In what ways has being a Wiggle been different and similar to being part of an adult rock band?

JF: Well, (Jeff responds with a reminiscing chuckle), The Cockroaches was a rock band, and our audience was a bit different, but the similarity is that I was playing music and entertaining audiences.

SBR: How has this last tour been? Is it great to have Greg back? How is he doing?

JF: It has been a blast! And very busy. It is great having Greg back; we have all missed him greatly. He is doing absolutely great.

SB: Are you excited or sad about leaving the group? Why did you all make that decision at this time? What are the future plans for Anthony and the three new Wiggles?

JF: Well, a bit of both obviously. It has been long time, and it’s sad to leave. But we all agreed that this was the right time. Anthony will be joined by three brand new Wiggles: Emma, Simon, and Lachlan. And the journey will continue.

SBR: I hear that you really do fall asleep all the time. Is that art imitating life, life imitating art, or just a rumor?

JF: A bit of both actually. It actually started as a joke a long time ago with the guys. Sometimes I nap; I’m naturally a very laid back person (he adds with another chuckle).

SBR: When you were a teenager, who were some of your early musical influences?

JF: Well it was the sixties. But mostly The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin.

SBR: Is there anyone current on the music scene that you are really into?

JF: No not really, I tend to stick with what I like, and for me that’s still the same.

SBR: Jeff, what is your plan after you leave The Wiggles?

JF: Not quite sure really. But I am excited to see where life takes me.

SBR: Jeff, one last question: Is there anything in particular that audience members should know before coming, like to bring flowers for Dorothy?

JF: They should know that they are in for a great show and a ton of fun. And Yes, Yes, Yes, Of Course, Bring flowers for Dorothy!

I got a very genuine feeling from Jeff, and it is crystal clear that Jeff is a Wiggle for life and will miss the joy and honor of performing for children from around the globe. He will be greatly missed. The Wiggles perform at The Warner Theatre in Washington, DC on Tuesday October 9th. Show times are 2pm and 6:30pm.