30th Anniversary Re-Release of ‘Down Under’
A newly recorded version of the iconic song ‘Down Under’ is globally released this Friday July 27th through iTunes in celebration of the song’s 30th year anniversary. The Down Under 2012 EP, exclusive to iTunes will include three new versions of the song; a re-recorded studio version, an acoustic version and a live solo version highlighting the birth of the song. This will coincide with the national Olympics campaign with Telstra using the track as the bedding for an advertising campaign featuring Colin Hay celebrating the song with all walks of life as it was captured to camera in various locations around the world. The single ‘Down Under 2012’ is available through other digital outlets including www.compassrecords.com
Colin Hay explains,
“People kept mentioning to me, that it’s the 30 year anniversary of the release of Business As Usual, and Down Under as a single around the world. I didn’t much feel like celebrating, because when I ponder 30 years ago, Greg was alive and well, more than well, was thriving. He was, amongst many other things, saving us from dust storms, high above the Arizona desert, on a helicopter trip, on our way back to Phoenix, from the Grand Canyon. The pilot deferred to him, as I used to, and asked his advice, because he was intelligent, decisive, and good in a crisis. So, regarding the 30th anniversary of our first and fabulously successful first disc, if I were to celebrate with anyone, it would have been with him, and he has gone. I wish he was still here. Cheers!
Fortunately on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the song Telstra, the communications company, through an advertising agency, have decided to license Down Under and are about to show it on the telly, as well as the cyber-world to hopefully inspire our athletes at the upcoming Olympics. I was happy to help and along with my friend Dorian West, created a suitable version of the song, featuring footballers, pub goers, sailors on the Thames, school kids in Sydney, and, well you get the idea.
This led me to the idea of re-releasing Down Under 2012, (without the so-called infringing flute line), through Compass Records, to re-establish the song in the consciousness of the public, and in so doing, highlight that the power and strength of the song, lies in its original words and music. It speaks for itself.
The song is ultimately about celebration, what you feel inside, what has a ring of truth to it. I am proud to have co-written this song, happy that people still like singing along to it, and that they will continue to, long after I’m gone. I am also proud of Greg Ham, he was my friend, and in the end, that’s all that really matters. Enjoy!”
Colin Hay
‘Down Under’ 2012 re-release – EP exclusively available on July 27th through iTunes
