Died On This Date (April 19, 2012) Greg Ham / Men At Work
themusicsover Greg Ham
September 27, 1953 – April 19, 2012
Greg Ham was an Australian musician who made an indelible mark on pop music by way of his flute work with popular ’80s new wave band, Men At Work. It is Ham’s flute riffs that can be prominently heard in the band’s mega hit, “Down Under.” The album from which it came, 1982’s Business As Usual, topped the charts in both the US and Australia as it sold upwards of 15 million copies worldwide. Formed in 1978 by Colin Hay, the band brought Ham on shortly thereafter to handle saxophone, flute, and keyboard duties. He remained with the outfit until 1985 but then rejoined in 1996. He continued to play with the band until recently. Away from Men At Work, Ham worked as an actor on the Australian television series, While You’re Down There. He also taught guitar at a Melbourne primary school. On April 19, 2012, Greg Ham was found dead in his home. Cause of death was not immediately released. He was 58.
Thanks to Anne Bentley for the assist.
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