R.I.P Greg Ham of "men at work" fame...

song turned sour

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April 20, 201213 yr

How the song turned sour for a 'beautiful man'

'I'm terribly disappointed that that's the way I'm going to be remembered - for copying something.''

IT WAS an upbeat, sunny riff, but the legacy of the flute solo in Men At Work's mega-hit single Down Under had long soured for Greg Ham.

After Down Under was found by a court to have reproduced ''a substantial part'' of Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree in 2010, the flautist told The Age he felt the song - and his reputation - had been tarnished.

Two years on and it seems the musician was still affected by the court decision, which is believed to have had a significant impact on his financial situation. The 58-year-old's body was discovered by friends at his North Carlton home yesterday - in a modest house he recently moved into after being forced to sell a grand property nearby bought during the Men At Work days and later turned into a studio where Archie Roach's Charcoal Lane was recorded.

Very Sad, very very sad way to go, for someone who gave much happiness.

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April 20, 201213 yr

I imagine (or at least, hope) the powers that be at Larrikin Music won't be sleeping too well tonight. A sad loss.

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April 20, 201213 yr

The Courts should feel ashamed at this.....

Greg was a good person....i saw this band many times in '81 & '82....They were tight as

when Bands played the Pub scene 4-5 night a week..

Rest in Peace Greg....your name is not tarnished.

http://youtu.be/ImKPzEGCYZI

Edited April 20, 201213 yr by why you little

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April 20, 201213 yr

RIP Greg .

Not an appropriate site to joke but I'm sure Greg Ham would know and love this one .

What's the difference between a flute player and a flautist?

A:About a grand a night .Boom tishhhh...

Forget about he courts and their interpretation of "Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree"-sh!t song I detested as a kid .

"Land Down Under" is a million times better and well known.

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April 20, 201213 yr

Rest in peace Greg Ham . Very sad day .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJKl_kGWekM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHFI817dJbM

Edited April 20, 201213 yr by Macca

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April 21, 201213 yr

I think most people recognise that the court case was motivated by pure greed and the decision by the courts was absurd.

It's sad that he's gone thinking that would be his legacy. I don't see that blight on his name.

Men At Work are one of the most world renowned and iconic aussie bands, I'll remember him that way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swQi4CAzmrA

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3 weeks later...

May 11, 201213 yr

Been listening to a bit of "Men at Work's" music since the sad passing of Greg Ham .

Edited May 11, 201213 yr by Macca

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