Saturday, January 21, 2012

The Yellow Wiggle Spin Cycle


   Talk about getting your message wrong at a celebratory time announcing the return of Greg Page to the Wiggles yellow skivvy!! Not only was the business decision carried out without grace, the presser interview with heavy hitting journo Richard Wilkins was an absolute shocker for Anthony Field. He behaved like a 'rabbit in the headlights' about the impact on Sam Moran as the replacement... note the stagemanaged image of the handover above...

What's happened:
- Four blokes, a creative promoter and one of the fours brother [who became Manager] launch an early childhood assignment from kids backyard birthday parties to a multi million dollar worldwide entertainment phenomenon...
- Greg Page, the yellow Wiggle, succumbs to a mystery illness and steps down 5 years ago
- Team dancer and understudy Sam Moran takes over from Greg
The original four were stakeholders and the remining three bought out Greg's share and employed Sam [reportedly for $200,000 pa]
- Greg Page joins the group at the ARIA Awards Hall of Fame moment and it's clear he has his illness under control
- In the background it's alledged that Sam had asked more than once for a greater share of profits and been rebuffed. The partnership appeared uneasy at times.
- Manager Paul Field negotiates a salaried return for Greg and doesn't renew Sam's contract for 2012 onwards.

- The moves are finalised and announced during the Wiggles January break and they demonstrate a rare lack of composure and forethought in announcing Greg's return while being dismissive of Sam's role in the Wiggles, his contribution or how this might effect his future. They acted surprised that anyone was interested in that part of the story... disingenuous!!

Classic media brouhaha ensues and you can read a more analytical account here rather than in the Daily Telegraph or coming to an evening 'current affairs program' near you!
The Wiggles closely guard thier image and product so this will have them in a total spin...

   All they needed to do was to announce Greg's return acknowledging Sam's contribution, wishing him well and looking forward to a new future with the originals back together...

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