The Wiggles lost a fan today...

Me.

I have been a big Wiggles supporter along with my kids since they were able to sing and dance (the kids, that is, the Wiggles talents in this domain are questionable!)

We weathered through the replacement of Greg when he stood down to take care of himself. Good on him, and their choice of replacement was great. Sam fit right in, brought with him a fresh younger look and a wonderful voice to the group.

But today's announcement that 'Greg is back' intrigued me. I understand that Greg's health condition is now diagnosed and understood and able to be managed. So I watched a couple of interviews with Anthony and Jeff (and a token word from Greg himself) and was satisfied enough that Sam was an employee 'on a 5 year contract' to take on the yellow role which had come to an end. I assumed they had negotiated the finishing terms with him in good nature and that he had graciously stepped aside when asked to allow Greg to return.

Until I saw this.




Am I right in reading between these lines that nobody actually spoke to Sam about this? That maybe he read it all in the paper today too? And that their working relationship for the past 5 to 9 years was just 'good' whilst with Greg for the previous 15 years it was 'amazing'. That the energy of the group was the important factor in their decision, the implication being that all was not as wonderful with Sam as it could have been?

Wilkins asks, "What about Sam?" and Anthony replies, "what about Sam, what do you mean?" Really? How can you wonder what that question meant? For Anthony to claim (or admit) he 'had nothing to do with it' and 'that yes, it was news to him' (as in, being news to Sam) and also that he hasn't 'spoken to him about it' floors me. I had judged these men to be incredible businessman, in charge (with help of close family and partners) of their own business model, image and direction. To imply that he didn't have a hand in the decision is insulting. Or perhaps it was as simple as contract over, do you want back in Greg? No decision to be made by the group, out with the new and in with the old. That he appears mystified by the interest and questions about Sam's departure beggars belief.

To front up to an interview about a radical turn of events for a group so well known with a return for a member that would attract much attention and so publicised, and to not have had a conversation with the affected party is disgusting. To me it shows they had little respect or care for Sam and his contribution to the group.

Obviously I know little about what goes on behind the scenes and can only go by what I heard here. I hope Sam can rise above and keep the details private and go on to have some amazing success of his own. I really hope Greg is up to the task, because I am not sure where they would find themselves now if he is not.

But honestly Anthony, your vague and bumbling handling of this one sucks.