They’ve been described as The Beatles for kids, and now after more than a decade the original four Wiggles- Anthony, Murray, Greg, and Jeff - are reuniting on-screen again for their tell-all documentary.
The infectious rhythm of Hot Potato and the zesty tones of Fruit Salad are tunes synonymous with countless childhoods across the globe. And now, the performers behind these timeless classics, The Wiggles, have rolled out the red carpet to showcase their very own feature film: Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles.
Held at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Sydney festival, the premiere was not just another film event. It was a homecoming of sorts for a band. Among the usual parade of interviews and camera flashes, a particularly Kiwi moment stole the spotlight.
During a 1News interview, the group humorously woke up their famously sleepy member Jeff with a resonant "Go the Wahs!", not quite right, but a clear nod to the New Zealand Warriors.
Diving into the film it was clear this was no ordinary journey. This documentary detailed how four friends who met during their university days studying early childhood education began singing on the streets – something very few people knew.
They hit the red carpet in Sydney for the release of a documentary about how the group formed. (Source: 1News)
“I think Anthony’s nervous because he hasn’t actually seen it yet,” said Red Wiggle Murray Cook.
Greg Page - the Yellow Wiggle - said it was a vulnerable but full-circle moment to see their lives that no-one had seen played out to the world.
“I think we look back and think ‘how did we do that?’ because we weren’t really trying to become a global success. We just wanted to create good quality children’s songs and entertainment, that was our only goal. Because we held true to that, it’s what led to our success.”
That success Page said started on the street.
One Australian showgoer described the Wiggles concert as more wild than Metallica. (Source: Seven Sharp)
"We were busking, Anthony, Jeff, Murray, myself and Anthony's brother John."
It was during that first performance Anthony’s brother had a song idea. “Hot tomali hot tomali,” he sang, before turning to the group and urging them to join in. Some creative reimagining was in order, though. Greg chimed in, "Kids won't know what hot tomali's are." And thus, Hot Potato was born.
The light-hearted approach to children's music became their signature and they went on to become global phenomena and changed children’s music forever. “We were described as The Beatles for toddlers,” said Cook.
But it wasn’t all upbeat songs and colourful skivvies.
The tell-all film also sheds light on the lesser-known struggles, particularly highlighting Field’s mental health journey during a time when the topic was often shrouded in silence.
The group said it was for the adults and a chance for those who grew up with the children’s entertainers to really get to know them.
“It is an amazing journey, it’s quite emotional at times,” said Cook.
And through highs and lows, The Wiggles built an indomitable bond with children worldwide. A bond so strong that the Southern Hemisphere saw one of its very own don the famous skivvies – Robert Rakete, who gave voice to songs like Kia Pai To Ra.
Greg paid tribute to Rakete and said the way he was able to connect to Kiwi kids was “special” and something the original four learned from during their time in New Zealand.
While new faces have now taken the mantle and donned the skivvies, the original four said their group’s ethos remains unchanged. "It doesn't matter who is behind the skivvies as long as we reflect our audience," said Page.
Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles is streaming on Amazon Prime from October 24.
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