The Wiggles have been creating a buzz all over the world for 21 years, but this year we say goodbye to three of the original four Wiggles and welcome three new Wiggles to the stage.
We spoke to the original yellow Wiggle, Greg Page, about his short return to The Wiggles, the 2012 U.S. tour and what we can expect from The Wiggles in the coming years.
How The Wiggles became stars
Greg Page, Murray Cook, Jeff Fatt and Anthony Field all come from an education background, which is what ultimately led them to form the hit group, The Wiggles. By sticking with their beliefs on what quality educational children’s entertainment should be, the group has wiggled its way to worldwide fame and has sold 23 million DVDs and seven million CDs. Their international fame has earned them multi-platinum records, their own TV show on Sprout and numerous philanthropic achievements.
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But did they know this was the direction it would go 21 years ago and is this what Page wanted to do as a career? “I had an inkling about it. I did feel I wanted to do something with children’s entertainment,” said Page, the yellow Wiggle. “I never expected it would be anything like The Wiggles… I never dreamed it would be anywhere as successful as it was.” And will continue to be, now that the new Wiggles line-up has been announced.
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What to expect from the new Wiggles in 2013
The most exciting development for The Wiggles is the addition of the first official female Wiggle, Emma Watkins. Emma, the new yellow Wiggle, Lachlan Gillespie and Simon Pryce will join blue Wiggle Anthony Field on stage and on tour to continue the legacy of The Wiggles. “Emma will naturally be portrayed as a female role model to young girls — without being overly girly,” said Page. Behind the scenes, when she’s not dancing and singing in a skirt and bow, Watkins drives Rally cars and is the adventurous type. Viewers won’t see a stereotypical girl character according to Page, but there will be enough to portray Emma’s femininity and connect her with the young female viewers.
Greg, Murray and Jeff are not fully retiring
Even though Greg, Murray and Jeff have decided to step out of the spotlight at the end of the year, they will continue to be a part of The Wiggles moving forward. Having been a Wiggle for 21 years, Greg Page knows just how hard it is to be away from home and away from his young family, but felt his return was essential. “I knew I was going to be back only a short time; I actually extended my return through the end of the year to finish up with the original line-up, with all of us on stage,” said Page. Even though the three have annouced their retirement, they will continue with The Wiggles from behind the scenes — spending time in the studio, providing new songs and quality content to help and nurture The Wiggles and make them the best they can be.
The Wiggles Celebration U.S. tour 2012
The Wiggles are touring one last time with the original line-up. The U.S. tour kicks off July 12, 2012 in San Diego, CA. and concludes August 19, 2012 in Long Island, NY. More information and tour dates can be found on TheWiggles.com.
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