Men At Work Proves Great Music Never Gets Old

Some concerts explode from the very first note. Others take a more deliberate path, carefully building momentum until the audience is completely immersed. Men At Work chose the latter—and the payoff was spectacular.

Before the legendary Australian band took the stage, the evening opened under the sweltering South Florida summer heat with an energetic performance by Japanese rock pioneers Shonen Knife. As concertgoers were still finding their seats and escaping the intense temperatures, the Osaka trio wasted no time injecting life into the venue. Their infectious enthusiasm quickly transformed the atmosphere, but it was their drummer who stole the spotlight. Delivering a performance packed with precision, power, and personality, she became one of the early highlights of the evening, earning enthusiastic reactions from an audience that was only beginning to warm up.

Photo: Julisa Sandra Marquez

The second opening act, Toad the Wet Sprocket, continued preparing the stage for the night’s main attraction, setting the perfect transition before the crowd welcomed one of Australia’s most beloved bands.

By the time Colin Hay and Men At Work appeared, the Pompano Beach Amphitheater was filled with anticipation. The audience was largely made up of those who grew up during the band’s golden era in the 1980s, although families and younger fans could also be seen throughout the venue—a testament to the timeless appeal of songs that continue connecting generations more than four decades after they were first released.

Rather than immediately unleashing their biggest hits, Men At Work crafted their set with remarkable patience and intelligence. The evening unfolded like a carefully written story, beginning with strong selections that gradually increased the emotional intensity. Song after song, the energy inside the amphitheater continued to rise until the explosive performance of “Dr. Heckyll & Mr. Jive,” which instantly transformed the crowd into a giant singalong. From that moment forward, there was no turning back. The excitement continued through “Overkill,” “Be Good Johnny,”  “Who Can It Be Now?,” “It’s a Mistake,” “Down Under” and into a finale that reminded everyone why Men At Work’s catalog remains one of the defining soundtracks of the 1980s.

Photo: Julisa Sandra Marquez

Colin Hay’s voice remains astonishingly intact. Rich, expressive, and remarkably faithful to the recordings that made Men At Work famous, his vocals showed virtually no signs of time. More importantly, his warmth and understated charisma continue to make him one of rock’s most engaging front-man, effortlessly connecting with an audience that knew every lyric.

If nostalgia was the emotional heart of the evening, musicianship was unquestionably its backbone.

Drummer Jimmy Branly delivered one of the evening’s finest musical performances. His bass drum technique was flawless, combining power with exceptional control, while his tasteful drum solo demonstrated remarkable musicality rather than unnecessary flash. Every note served the song, reminding everyone that technical brilliance often speaks loudest through restraint.

Guitarist Allen Hinds impressed with stunning precision, faithfully recreating the signature guitar parts that fans know by heart. His playing was so accurate that, at times, it felt as though the original studio recordings had come to life on stage.

Photo: Julisa Sandra Marquez

Bassist Yosmel Montejo provided the solid foundation that anchored the band’s unmistakable groove. Consistently locked in with Branly, his performance demonstrated exactly why great rhythm sections often go unnoticed—they make everything else sound effortless.

Multi-instrumentalist Rachel Mazer proved indispensable throughout the performance. Seamlessly moving between keyboards, saxophone, flute, harmonica, and backing vocals, she recreated the distinctive textures that have always defined Men At Work’s unique sound. Her versatility and confidence elevated every arrangement while honoring the band’s unmistakable musical identity.

Equally captivating was Cecilia Noël, whose contribution extended far beyond backing vocals. Handling percussion, harmonica, and countless subtle sonic textures that characterize Men At Work’s music, Noël also brought an irresistible visual energy to the performance. Dressed in vibrant colors and constantly moving across the stage with infectious enthusiasm, she became one of the band’s strongest connections with the audience. Her dancing, charisma, and joyful stage presence added an entirely new dimension to the show, making her one of the evening’s most memorable performers.

Photo: Julisa Sandra Marquez

Perhaps the greatest compliment one can give this lineup is that nothing felt like a nostalgia act. This wasn’t a band simply revisiting old hits—it was a group of exceptional musicians performing timeless songs with genuine passion, precision, and obvious enjoyment.

Following the concert, the members of Men At Work graciously welcomed Echoes of South Florida, taking time to speak with us despite the demands of a busy touring schedule. Their warmth, humility, and generosity perfectly reflected the spirit that had just filled the stage—a reminder that true professionalism is measured not only by artistic excellence but also by how artists treat the people who support them.

Men At Work may have built their reputation more than forty years ago, but based on what unfolded in Pompano Beach, their music—and their remarkable musicianship—remain as vibrant and compelling as ever.