06/29/2012

Michael Berick

This tour is the swan song for Jeff, Murray and Greg, as they will retire afterward. Jeff, the purple Wiggle, shares his thoughts on this tour and his upcoming retirement.

Few children’s music acts have been bigger than the Wiggles. For over 20 years, Jeff, Murray, Greg and Anthony have entertained millions around the world. This tour is the swan song for Jeff, Murray and Greg, as they will retire afterward. Anthony (the blue one) will then welcome three new Wiggles – Lachlan, Simon and, the first female Wiggle, Emma. Jeff, the purple Wiggle, shares his thoughts on this tour and his upcoming retirement.

What will you remember most about being a Wiggle?

I’ll miss the daily camaraderie with my mates, and the wide-eyed excitement coming from our young audience – and never forget meeting the countless number of families who have allowed us the honor of becoming a part of their lives.

Having traveled the world as a Wiggle, what was the most interesting place that you visited?

We’ve visited so many diversely interesting places: England, China, Japan and The United Arab Emirates. I found the USA to be so fascinating with its wonderful mix of accents, languages, landscapes and urban environments.   

What do you feel is the legacy or contribution that you have helped to create being part of the Wiggles?

The thing that I hope will endure into the future would have to be the music. We are also overwhelmed by the response from parents about the positive effect we have had on children who are ill or with special needs, with autism being an area deserving specific mention.

What should audiences expect from your final tour?

We’ll be playing songs familiar to our audience, such as “Hot Potato,” “Toot Toot Chugga Chugga,” “Rock a Bye Your Bear,” “Can You Point Your Fingers and Do the Twist.” There will be some songs we haven’t performed for awhile, as well as some new ones recently recorded. We will have Greg back demonstrating his vocal and dancing talents, Murray playing guitar, Anthony doing gymnastics and – I might just fall asleep!

What are your plans for the future?

My plans for the future include a continued involvement in song writing for the Wiggles, spending more time with my family, and a bit more fishing and surfing. You might see me make some cameo appearances in future Wiggles DVDs and TV, and perhaps some concerts (if I start getting restless because the fish aren’t biting!) … and I’ll  also catch up on some sleep!