Walking into the iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre that night, you could feel the anticipation buzzing through the crowd. Fans of all ages had gathered, a mix of die-hard ’80s enthusiasts and younger listeners discovering Men at Work through streaming playlists and viral social clips. Neon tour shirts, kangaroo emblems, and vintage hats dotted the seats, signaling this was a night for both nostalgia and celebration. While the opening act warmed up the audience with some lively indie-rock tunes, chatter and excitement about Colin Hay and his band filled every corner. By the time the lights dimmed, the crowd was electric, ready to dive into a set that promised both hits and hidden gems.
Full Setlist
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Touching the Untouchables
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Who Can It Be Now?
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Dr. Heckyll & Mr. Jive
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Overkill
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It’s a Mistake
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Be Good Johnny
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Underground
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No Restrictions
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Down by the Sea
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Catch a Star
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Blue for You
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Down Under
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Everything I Need
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Helpless Automaton
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I Like To
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People Just Love to Play With Words
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Stay at Home
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High Wire
Encore: Down Under (Reprise)
The Energy
From the first strum of “Touching the Untouchables”, Men at Work set a tone that was both playful and commanding. Even early in the evening, the crowd was swaying, clapping, and singing along, a mix of longtime fans and newcomers equally captivated. The energy didn’t just come from the band—the audience played an integral role. The back-and-forth between Colin Hay and the crowd, especially during the saxophone lines of “Who Can It Be Now?”, created a lively, communal experience that felt like a conversation rather than just a performance.
The amphitheater’s acoustics amplified the band’s tight arrangements without overpowering Hay’s vocals. The rhythm section kept every song moving, the horns punched at just the right moments, and the lighting shifted to highlight each quirky, melodic twist. Even in the quieter moments, like the intro to “Overkill,” the room hummed with anticipation, showing that the energy didn’t need to be constant—it just needed to be perfectly timed.
Highlights & Crowd Moments
A standout of the night was undoubtedly “Overkill”. The stripped-back arrangement allowed Hay’s vocals to carry the emotional weight, and the crowd hung on every note. It was a powerful reminder that Men at Work weren’t just a novelty act—they were songwriters capable of creating genuine intimacy on a stage.
Then there was the raucous singalong during “Down Under”, which was pure, unadulterated joy. From the first iconic guitar riff to the infectious chorus, the amphitheater erupted. Hay stepped back, letting the audience take over, and the sheer volume of voices made it clear how deeply embedded this song is in pop culture. The encore reprise drove this moment home, leaving everyone exhilarated.
Other highlights included “It’s a Mistake”, which still feels eerily relevant today, and “Underground” and “No Restrictions”, which delighted die-hard fans with their offbeat energy. Hay’s between-song anecdotes—about touring in the ’80s, the origins of certain songs, and his playful jabs at fame—added texture and charm, making each song feel like part of a larger narrative.
The Vibe
The overall vibe was a perfect blend of nostalgia and present-day fun. Men at Work didn’t lean on retro gimmicks; instead, they let their music and personalities carry the show. You could see older fans singing every lyric from memory while younger concertgoers discovered the band’s quirks in real time. There was a warmth to the performance, a sense of shared joy, and a cheeky humor threaded through the set that made even the quirkier tracks land effortlessly.
The stage production was understated but effective. Lighting shifted subtly to match song moods, and the horns and guitars were always balanced, letting each instrument shine without overshadowing the others. Moments like the quiet build of “Down by the Sea” contrasted beautifully with upbeat tracks like “Dr. Heckyll & Mr. Jive,” keeping the pacing dynamic and engaging.
Tiny Quibbles
If there was any minor quibble, it was that some of the deep cuts might have flown over the heads of casual listeners. Songs like “Helpless Automaton” and “People Just Love to Play With Words” were brilliant musically, but the audience reaction was noticeably more subdued than for the big hits. That said, these tracks added variety and depth, giving longtime fans special moments of connection that balanced the crowd-pleasing anthems.
Another small note: the sound mix occasionally buried some of the subtler keyboard layers in faster songs. It was never enough to detract from the performance, but audiophiles might have noticed. Overall, these are minor nitpicks in an otherwise tight, energetic show.
Final Thoughts
By the end of the night, Men at Work had reminded everyone why they remain relevant decades after their MTV-era dominance. The combination of tight musicianship, charismatic stage presence, and timeless songwriting created a show that felt both nostalgic and fully alive. From the first quirky groove to the triumphant finale of “Down Under (Reprise),” it was a concert that balanced hits with deep cuts, humor with emotional depth, and audience engagement with musical skill.
West Palm Beach got more than a nostalgia tour; it got a masterclass in how a band can honor its history while still feeling vibrant and present. Fans left singing, smiling, and discussing their favorite moments long after the lights went down—a true testament to Men at Work’s enduring charm and talent.