Colin Hay - Waiting For My Real Life

Colin Hay - Waiting For My Real Life is a compelling and deeply moving 2015 documentary film directed by Aaron Faulls and Nate Gowtham. It examines the life and career of Scottish-Australian musician Colin Hay, known mostly as the frontman and lyricist of the Grammy-winning pop band Men At Work. This film isn't just your standard rock n' roll documentary, but a heartfelt story about fame, loss, addiction, recovery, and creativity.

The documentary starts by depicting Colin Hay’s rise to prominence in the early '80s when Men At Work achieved instant success with their debut album, Business as Usual. Their music was infused with a unique blend of pop, reggae, and rock that resonated with audiences worldwide, and their single Down Under became the unofficial anthem of Australia. Hay was at the top of his game, enjoying global fame and the perks that came with it.

The film doesn't shy away from addressing the struggles and rough patches that Colin Hay faced post-Men At Work. The band's demise in the mid-1980s, followed by Hay's battles with alcoholism and drug abuse, made for a sharply contrasting phase in his life. His life took an unfortunate turn once more with the tragic loss of his parents and a lengthy legal battle over the copyright of Men At Work's iconic song, Down Under.

Despite these challenges, the film also focuses on Hay's resilience and determination to reclaim his place in the music industry. The directors beautifully capture Hay’s journey to recreate his career and return to performing as a solo artist. His struggle in achieving recognition as a solo artist, his determination to scale down from stadium-sized audiences to intimate gigs, and his relentless pursuit of his passion and artistry, provide potent grounds for inspiration for not just musicians, but anyone undergoing a similar journey of rediscovery and reclamation.

One poignant section of the film covers Hay's connection with actor and playwright, Zach Braff, who featured Hay's solo music in his television show, Scrubs and his movie, Garden State. This generated a newfound interest and appreciation for Hay and his music among younger audiences, sparking the beginning of his remarkable comeback.

The film features interviews with Hay himself, his family, friends, and fellow musicians. Among them is globally renowned artist Sia, contributing her perspectives on Hay's journey and musical influence. The interviews offer personal insights, providing depth and context to the ups and downs of Hay's personal life and career trajectory. The film also includes a mix of archival footage, contemporary interviews, and live performances that create an engaging and immersive narrative.

Colin Hay - Waiting For My Real Life is more than just a documentary about a musician’s life. It is a deep dive into the realities of the music industry and an in-depth character study. It encapsulates the trials and tribulations, the euphoric high points, and the heartbreaking lows of a musician’s journey. It masterfully portrays Hay's unyielding passion for music, his resilience to rise above his adversities, and his ability to reinvent himself against all odds.

For those unfamiliar with Colin Hay or Men At Work, this film serves as an engaging introduction to his musical world. For those who already appreciate his work, it provides a deeper understanding of the man behind the music. Hay's story, as told in this documentary, is a testament to the power of resilience, reminding us of the universal human experience of battling personal demons, struggling with identity, and persisting through adversities to follow one's passion.

By blurring the lines between a rockumentary and a human interest story, the film goes beyond the glitz and glamour of being a rock star and delves into the realities of being a creative individual in a relentless and often unforgiving industry. In doing so, Colin Hay - Waiting For My Real Life beautifully illustrates how one man’s love for music remained undeterred even in the face of overwhelming odds. This film is definitely a must-watch for music lovers and anyone who appreciates a story about determination and personal struggle.