Yesterday morning we took Baby G to a Wiggles concert. She was so excited, she could hardly contain herself. The night before, she hand-made roses for Dorothy the Dinosaur out of patty-pans, pipe cleaners and play-doh and then she sang her little heart out in bed until she fell asleep, so huge was her anticipation.
[wpvideo hMGXX1TD]It was the original Wiggles’ last show before they retire and hand over to the new Wiggles and it was quite moving, really. I managed to get us press passes (ooh la la) in to the meet and greet before the show, so we got to see the Wiggles (old and new) face to face – or as Baby G put it when she told her big sister, “We saw the REAL Wiggles – with SKIN!” Baby G was UTTERLY star-struck and went completely mute. Let it be known that shy and star-struck looks to the outside world like demon-possesssed. She was the most miserable-looking child at the meet and greet and gave her heroes a giant snub. Not embarrassing AT ALL.
Now to the part where I cried.
In the meet and greet room, there were a lot of really sick kids. I’m talking about profoundly disabled kids, kids with portable oxygen tanks and so on. Not only did The Wiggles take special time to chat and make dreams come true, but they did so with grace, sincerity and joy. Considering they’ve been performing for 21 years, this was quite something for me to see. Their energy and commitment to making the kids smile was as fresh as if it was their first concert ever, and it was contagious. One of the little girls told them she loves Twinkle Twinkle Little Star so they did a special spontaneous performance just for her. Her smile was radiant and that was when I started to cry.
You cant NOT love The Wiggles after seeing this.
These guys have sold more albums in Australia than Michael Jackson and won more awards than they can count with all their little piggies combined. They are legendary. They are about to retire. They are probably weary after performing the same songs non-stop for over two decades, and they certainly don’t have to do things like this. But they did. They did it with genuine care and love for the children and it really touched my heart.
After the meet and greet, we went into the arena and the show started. It was upbeat, fun, friendly and wonderful. Baby G and I danced and sang our hearts out while Darren took pictures. I may have been caught on camera enjoying it more than Baby G.
[wpvideo uutoKFrR]The new Wiggles were introduced – two male and one female (!) Wiggle. They fit in perfectly and seamlessly and might I say that the new Purple Wiggle is quite the hottie. Mmmmmm hmmmmm. Another reason for moms to bring their kids to concerts in the future. (you can’t say they don’t cater to the masses, now can you?) I’m delighted that I got to take Baby G to their last tour because it was really spectacular.
I love them and how they connect with the kids.
Even though their dancing is kinda weird and I can’t get my head around that finger-waggling move.
If you think that’s where the love fest ends, you’re mistaken. During the show, I noticed one of the ushers twirling a little girl, who was giggling and loving every minute. I also noticed that he had a very worried look on his face and was scanning the crowd, all the while, not letting on to the little girl that she had anything to worry about. It was then that I saw a seriously distressed mum searching the crowd, yelling her little girl’s name. He immediately flagged her down, indicating that he had her child. Her relief was palpable, as was his. He handed the little girl over to her extremely grateful mum, with the hugest grin on his face.
I was blown away by the way this young guy handled this very stressful situation. He ensured that the little girl and her mum were reunited without the little girl feeling any distress whatsoever. I don’t know who he is, but I salute this man. He more than did his job. As for the other ushers at the Perth Arena – when we were leaving, they all smiled, high-fived the kids and told us to “keep on Wiggling”. It was an incredible venue, but even more incredible are the people they have employed.
All up, it was a soul-touching day and I am immensely grateful to have been witness to so much goodness.
What do you think of the Wiggles? Do you agree with me or think I’m crazy? Comment below!
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They’re retiring?? My last 4 kids were part of the orginal Wiggles fan club and I enjoyed watching their show too. We still have their first videos and DVDs. In the words of my now-15 year old son, “I loved the doghouse and the pirate.” So did I.
Memories to treasure forever Michelle! We never saw the Wiggles in concert, but we did see Barney. Ah the good ole days!!!
Awww…glad she had fun! I’ve been trying to get my son to a Milkshake concert forever, but Murphy seems to keep throwing up roadblocks.
I’m rather ashamed to say I had to look these guys up, as i had no clue who they were…that whole no cable TV in my house thing…
Thanks for sharing!
My kids loved the Wiggles and seeing them live was magical. I think it affected me more than them, but it was a concert to never forget. We got to meet Murray, despite our nosebleed section seats. I am glad you guys had a wonderful time. It’s so amazing when people walk the walk they sell to kids. This whole post made me smile.
So I’m in the U.S. and while the Wiggles enjoyed some popularity here I don’t think they were ever as big here as they were in Australia. However – your description of how kind and generous they were with the young fans makes me want to start watching the old and new Wiggles! I love when pop stars are also good, good people.
“The purple wiggle was a hottie.” Things that sound dirty but aren’t.
Oh, it’s the end of an era! I am so sad about that! I would have cried too. I think it is amazing that you got to be part of that experience! How wonderful for you and your daughter. I loved reading that post.
BTW, the new purple one is hotter than Anthony??? Hmmmm…
I will miss the old wiggles and will embrace the new. I loved your article . I went to school with Greg and he was a top bloke then. I took my 2 year old to Syd concert 23 dec 2012 and it was one of the best days of my life to see my son so happy. The staff at the ent centre were all great and everyone had a great day
Nice to hear another positive story on such positive people
Cheers phil
I believe you when you say Greg was a top bloke back then, because in person they are sincere and lovely – such a breath of fresh air. Glad you and your son got to see them before they retired 😀