Almanac Book Review: ‘Out of the Blue’ by Anthony Field

 

 

Out of the Blue
By Anthony Field
Allen & Unwin, 2024
RRP $34

Out of the Blue, by Anthony Field and Greg Truman was published by Allen & Unwin, in 2024. It is the autobiography of Anthony Field, the Blue Wiggle. It tells the story of Field himself, and of The Wiggles. The Wiggles is an Australian children’s music group formed in 1991 by Anthony Field, Murray Cook, Greg Page and Jeff Fatt. The Wiggles grew into a world-wide phenomenon. They continue performing and selling millions of dollars worth of CDs, DVDSs and other merchandise.  As I was part of the first generation to grow up with The Wiggles. I was interested in this book. So, join me, in taking a look at Anthony Field’s autobiography.

 

Anthony Field was born in 1963 and was the youngest of seven siblings. Growing up in Sydney, New South Wales, he was surrounded by music, forming his first band The Cockroaches soon after school. Seeing success with this group, Field later enrolled in an early childhood education course. This is where he met the fellow future Wiggles.

 

At this point, I was reminded of a comment I once heard from someone I worked with. He, a teacher, said that he was enrolled at the same university, doing the same course, at the same time as The Wiggles. He was musing that he must have chosen the wrong career path, given that he wasn’t raking in millions of dollars like The Wiggles. Anthony Field goes on to discuss this success, but also of his struggles. Namely his mental health. Even at the height of The Wiggles success, Field was falling into a deep depression.

 

This book was an interesting read. The Wiggles’ music is nostalgic for me, as much a part of growing up as any of my other interests at the time. It is a look behind the curtain to the inner workings of this music group.  It was interesting reading about Anthony Field’s more personal struggles. How he dealt with them, and how he sees himself and those past struggles now. And how his daughter, now a part of a new Wiggles line up, continues performing to new generations of kids.

 

Being my age, The Wiggles are instantly recognisable. I’m reminded of their music, their costumes and their voices at the sight or mention of them. I’m sure many people younger than me can say the same thing. This book was an insightful look at Anthony Field’s life. I can recommend this book to just about anyone asmany people could relate to, or sympathise with, its contents. Anthony Field life’s experiences offers many pieces of advice that many readers can understand.

 

To read more by RagingBull click here.

 

To return to our Footy Almanac home page click HERE.

 

Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.

 

Do you enjoy the Almanac concept?

And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help things keep ticking over please consider making your own contribution.

 

Become an Almanac (annual) member – click HERE.