In their thirty-year career, the group has done just that, keeping generations of children around the world entertained.Gearing up for their milestone anniversary, Blue Wiggle Anthony Field is as pumped as ever to perform, and reflect back on his extraordinary career, which began while he was studying early childhood education.“I got the idea of The Wiggles from (studying) education. It was part of being a good teacher” he said.He said success was “a total surprise”, with original bandmates Murray Cook, Jeff Fatt, and Greg Page all leaving their teaching jobs as their popularity grew.“It blew us all away.” Within a few years their success in Australia was cemented. They were selling out large shows regularly, and their DVDs were popular in families all over the country. So they decided to head to the States and try their luck.“It’s the biggest market. It was exciting. We were in our 20s and wanted the adventure. We didn’t think it would get to the heights it did.”While their success was slow to grow, once they landed a spot on the Disney Channel the group was on a meteoric rise, eventually selling out Madison Square Garden in New York.“It was surreal. We have a photo under the electronic billboard at the Garden. Just being at this iconic stage.He said the audience included huge stars such as Robert De Niro, Jerry Seinfeld, and Sarah Jessica Parker, who all asked to go backstage and meet the band.“At the time The Wiggles were the show to see if you were a parent, and they all came.”It wasn’t all glamour, with a few awkward lost in translation moments.“I asked a mother if I could ‘have a nurse’ of her baby. That means something very different over there!”But there has never been any cultural misunderstandings for the children watching, as they all connect with the music.“We’ve played orphanages in China where kids didn’t speak English and they still loved the show.”By 2012 three of the original members were ready to retire, but Field said he never once thought of stepping away.“I just loved it as I still do now. I’ve always known that the sum of the parts was more important than the individual. The ethos behind it was right for the children. Good music and good messages and it will still resonate.”In the nine years since, the ‘new’ Wiggles have entertained a generation of children, with many girls in particular attached to Yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins.“Early on we got a lot of criticism unfairly directed at Emma. It was very strange, but I purposely placed her in the front.”The move paid off, with children soon idolising the talented dancer and musician.Another very deliberate choice has been to try and be more inclusive. Most recently The Wiggles have expanded their cast to include four new members from a mix of cultural backgrounds.“It was playing on my mind. I wanted to reflect our audience. Of course you get people who don’t like change, but I just knew we had to do it.”Field said the response has been “fantastic”, and he is thrilled the new team will be a part of the 30-year anniversary celebrations.The group is set to perform an online interactive concert, and fans will even be able to pick up a set of commemorative coins, which have been released by Woolworths to mark the occasion.“They’re fair dinkum coins. They’ve got the Queen on the back!” Field enthused.“The Wiggles are a much loved Aussie icon not only for kids, but a whole generation of parents who grew up singing and dancing along to their songs.” said Woolworths chief marketing officer, Andrew Hicks.But while getting your face on a coin would be an honour for anyone, Field said it’s always been about enjoying the moment.“The whole thing has been a lovely ride in the big red car.”Tune in to the Biggest Wiggly Birthday Party on BIG W’s Facebook Page, at 9am AEST, Friday October 1.There will be interactive activities, and fun for the whole family. Register to join here. Following the virtual birthday party, Woolworths in partnership with the Royal Australian Mint, will launch limited-edition Wiggles collector coins at stores across Australia.
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