"Overkill" - Colin Hay

Colin Hay formerly of Men at Work stopped by to sing acoustic versions of his classic hits. You may remember this one from Scrubs.
www.bobandtom.com

[@cyclepowered8799]

Who else misses the 80s so much that it just makes you sigh...................

[@Aegilops]

You think "there's just no way he's going to pull off that octave shift" and then Colin goes and absolutely nails it. Fantastic performance.

[@slzavec1]

exactly!! the most powerful moment of the song and a big surprise in this version...he did it the same way as 38 years ago!!

[@dbk5618]

I thought "he's not getting to that note and then...nailed it!

[@godoftone]

Yeah. No kidding. Wow. I loved this song as a punk high school kid. I love it even more now after hearing this version.

[@Bladerunner4924764]

I thought the same thing. Most singers like Elton John and even Freddie Mercury would hit lower notes. Now I know in a concert they have to stretch their voices for the duration of the show and I'm sure they could still hit those notes but they go low instead of high.

[@davidanania5618]

It’s ridiculous, how large and powerful his range is, after all these years. I’d be falsetto-ing that mess….he’s not.

[@xxstormbringerxx]

Such a great vocalist, guitarist, and entertainer. Men at Work was my first concert, 12 years old. My sister Mary Alice took me to see them at the Salt Palace. She just passed away two weeks ago and I am going to perform this song at her funeral. Rest in peace dear sister. Thank you for the gift of this concert. I still love Men at Work and think Colin Hay is amazing.

[@djbc64]

In younger days, I was a fan of Men At Work. This version of "Overkill" is seasoned and absolutely beautiful 🌹

[@ORLOSTguy]

"Seasoned". Yes, perfect description. I would say all of his music has this....feel. And it is beautiful.

[@tylermorris33]

Colin Hay is not given enough credit!! This man is a legend! Thumbs up if you agree! I can't wait to see the movie about him!

[@deniecebasso5367]

What??? When? I love him and MAW! Such an underrated group.

[@deniecebasso5367]

Thumbs up hell! I'll give two hands up! LOL

[@alexisvenezia4246]

We saw him last month in new Jersey. His voice and melodic sound along with his witty personality are awesome ! We love him

[@lobitome]

Seeing him in a few weeks with Ringo Starr's band. Can't wait!

[@charlieranger4598]

Indeed, he's a legend and should be much more worshiped by more people. I love this guy.

[@junglejamesie]

Colin Hay is such an under-appreciated musician.

[@eby1033]

Agreed!

[@solepropt]

Not by me. Very appreciated. He keeps it up and he's gonna be good some day.

[@larjkok1184]

Why don’t you appreciate him? There’s at least an entire continent that loves him - Australia.

[@seamusjones5516]

The Roman Catholic Church is such an under disassembled intercontinental banco cartellio pedophile ring....with love...💀

[@tonymolino7337]

A Beatle appreciates him...

[@rstump3293]

“I know most of my songs!” Love this guy

[@blucat4]

Yeah people kept asking him to cover "Norwegian Wood" and other songs and he was getting a little annoyed with it. This version of Overkill is just beautiful. I think it shut them up! :-)

[@ursusbavaricus4761]

I remember seeing him ages ago, probably around the time he started doing solo tours, at the Bardentreffen open-air festival in Nuremberg. Small stage, very intimate, good crowd, and somewhere way into his gig, he said "here's an old song. Paid me a lot of money... spent most of it!", and the he played "Down Under". Wonderful.

[@roberta.6399]

Love his deadpan sense of humor. A regular guy along with a gift from God and endless practicing..

[@BrettSchles]

The look on everyone's face in the studio is the same as everyone watching, and it's saying .... "wow, I didn't really realise how amazing this man is !!!! He's incredible "

[@WalkerTexas]

This one of the best songs ever written in my humble opinion

[@charlieranger4598]

I agree. ;)

[@vanceoverstreet4182]

Neil i agree

[@smwrbd]

Theres a psrt thst reminds me of "barely breathing" hmmm where he says "and fade away"

[@jonathanngaira1072]

Well in my highly opinionated opinion.... I agree.

[@vanceoverstreet4182]

@@jonathanngaira1072 super highly agree. Lol

[@MsAnnonomyous]

Colin Hay...thirty years later and the song is even more powerful now. This song has stood the test of time. Well done

[@shaindaman13]

I never paid attention to these lyrics when I was young and this was a new song. Man, It makes so much sense now.

[@kbanghart]

I saw him last night in concert in Sacramento, he was awesome

[@mejp5409]

Yes, I heard it they are busted. Thank you

[@rb032682]

AND, Colin Hay has stood the test of time as well. lol.

[@stewartquark1661]

Song really gets to me. God, can I ever relate

[@areb8579]

Better than the original. Voice got sharper. Bravo Colin.

[@whiskeybrown262]

I know, right. better than the original

[@ahngele28]

For sure!

[@sbpsychology1109]

Yeah ; completely changes the whole feel of the song. Quite beautiful...

[@tylerthompson1842]

Imagine Colin Hay, Sting, and Peter Gabriel singing in harmony

[@bandawhat33]

replace sting with phill collins and you got yourself a great dream team

[@clintadams8451]

Add Steve Winwood too that combo.

[@MyCleverHandle]

Ya man!

[@theodorebennett7938]

Kinda cringey

[@arquitecturacomercial5767]

Beck

[@johngallacher]

jaw dropping control on his vocals!!!

[@robertsboysgaming6487]

Totally

[@jayblue5310]

Yes he does

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

Hell, yeah! Especially in a setting that intimate where you can't get away with any slop at all, that was an absolutely stellar performance.

[@clacicle]

Killer performance!

[@patriciaseaton1522]

Seriously! The man has such perfect pitch and strength after all these years.

[@pauloxley3701]

He still plays in local pubs in Melbourne Aus. Very clever funny man .

[@007bogossemre007]

The general consensus seems to be that he's a very funny man in real life. He can sing AND be funny, what a great dude :)

[@jckzz]

Where!? Would love to see him play.

[@jonoswift1371]

Yeah where??

[@caro_on_the_go]

Was already considering visiting Melbourne. Makes even more sense now !

[@vanceoverstreet4182]

Frosty very cool song

[@thatguyyoudontknow]

This is one of the most amazing live recordings I've seen. The emotion literally jumps out of the speakers.

[@blucat4]

Sound is everything. The sound of the guitar is superb, and his voice mixes with it very well. He can still sing so well also, and even hit that high note. Everyone likes it. 🙂

[@thegroovyhead]

Please check out "choir! choir! choir! with Colin Hay doing this song ... amazing and moving. I never expected the way it got to me. From there I was led to another of his performances, recent, a video entitled, called "Colin Hay - I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You (Live on eTown)." Or if you're cruising his songs, for this one, choose the thumbnail where he looks the oldest and it is phenomenal. His voice sounds better than ever. Stunning. Cheers.

[@thatguyyoudontknow]

@@thegroovyhead I absolutely will. Thank you for these!

[@Kafka02]

@@thegroovyhead yep. I did the same, cried listening to the choir choir choir performance and am absolutely obsessed with his talent and loving presence. Also, if you look up his name + interview, the first one is so entertaining and hilarious. I am now following him on twitter

[@kevingriffin9893]

His voice reminds me a bit of Sting, especially when he goes into the higher registers. Fantastic acoustic version ~

[@JL-eo1bv]

It's the Anglo accent. Lovely

[@dibyong7699]

Yeah..

[@c.l.hammond912]

better vocalist. let's all hope he get's with the guys. sting is no bueno

[@matthewsmith1547]

I thought the same just now.

[@suzannejane1035]

​@@JL-eo1bv He's Scottish!! Not English.

[@mickflynn9130]

Me: "No way he's gonna hit that top note...Colin Hay: "Hold my beer!"

[@samc4383]

"Ghost appear and fade away" or "goes to be and fade away" ??? ROFL

[@joelanderos23]

@@samc4383 ghosts

[@npc2071]

Hold my Foster's

[@EdPosey]

He is a master!

[@pixelslappa7948]

Lol no doubt with Colin 👍

[@suntzu02908]

Met Colin in OZ while deployed. This man is so down to earth and gave me a harmonica. Still have and still playing.

[@ynot3187]

Never ages. Class artist. Acoustic is definitely great. Colin is a really nice person too. I first met him in Canberra, Australia around 1990-91 - after Men at Work had split. He was solo at Tilley Devine's Cafe (Lyneham). Only a small audience - perhaps 30. I am sure he walked around and spoke to every patron during the breaks and after. I have seen him a couple of times since in DC. He just gets better. I regret never seeing Men at Work.

[@StevenW1955]

No auto tune, just great lyrics, vocal, and guitar

[@dondraufi]

"I know most of my songs." Gotta love him haha

[@JeffMcNeal]

I heard this the other night and just had to come back and listen again. What a perfect, live performance. No special lighting, no auto-tune, no backing musicians or vocals. Just a supremely talented artist and his gifts. I didn't appreciate this song enough when I played it on the radio as a DJ back in the 1980's. In fact, I'd forgotten all about "Overkill" until about a week ago. Now, with the fullness of time, age and I'd like to think, a little wisdom, I've gained a whole new perspective and appreciation for the soul in this song. The way he sings "ghosts appear and fade away" is as haunting as witnessing the actual event.

[@thegroovyhead]

Please check out "choir! choir! choir! with Colin Hay doing this song ... amazing and moving. I never expected the way it got to me. From there I was led to another of his performances, recent, a video entitled, called "Colin Hay - I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You (Live on eTown)." Or if you're cruising his songs, for this one, choose the thumbnail where he looks the oldest and it is phenomenal. His voice sounds better than ever. Stunning.

[@terraintrax2104]

@@thegroovyhead omg incredible. thank you ❤❤

[@jackyjonesy123]

Can we all collectively thank scrubs for introducing a bunch of us to great artist.

[@annunacky4463]

That’s why I learned it!!! Saw the show and loved this song…

[@wpb.sailor]

40 years after I first heard this song, Men at Work and Colins voice it still has the same thought provoking, memory recalling, melodic affect it did to me as a younger man! Thank you Colin! THANK YOU

[@1kerednotsobig]

Thumbs up if you are listening to this full blast... living the dream and in lockdown 2020.

[@margovallen]

Genius + guitar skills + voice = This perfect masterpiece.

[@bigtrouble4447]

THATS what makes him Colin Hay... not just the song.... the ability.... the performance.... the story telling..... its just brilliant.... other level... ty 4 posting peace

[@thegroovyhead]

Please check out "choir! choir! choir! with Colin Hay doing this song ... amazing and moving. I never expected the way it got to me. From there I was led to another of his performances, recent, a video entitled, called "Colin Hay - I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You (Live on eTown)." Or if you're cruising his songs, for this one, choose the thumbnail where he looks the oldest and it is phenomenal. His voice sounds better than ever. Stunning.

[@dynamixii3228]

A perfect song delivered flawlessly by a great music artist.

[@iBLookinATu]

Goddamn, Colin Hay is a blessing to this world. Overkill is probably the most dynamic song in my mind. Most songs are just recorded version and not-recorded version, but I've heard Overkill in so many different forms that it just feels natural, and yet a brand new experience every time. It's amazing, really.

[@EadsB7002]

yes. this one blows my mind!

[@christophgrambach8835]

yes, genius

[@christophgrambach8835]

i agree, hes wondeerful, and overkill , every form is genius, the accustic is my fav, and maggie, is sooo good! i love this guy, so underrated,a shame

[@tylermorris33]

totally Overkill is one of the best songs ever written! i'm so stoked he's coming out with a documentary about his life as a musician!

[@euph77]

for sure. all of those things you said.

[@dougpeters1625]

Holy moly he still has the pipes. Bravo.

[@joycerichardson1810]

Amen!

[@asusd6161]

the guy at the mix table says it out of all, jaw hanging out. He knows he has just had a fucking amazing experience. So surprised.

[@1whamster]

I've never in my life seen one man and a guitar make such a a powerful and atmospheric statement, he doesn't just play the guitar he brings it to life like its some sort of living breathing, at times snarling yet majestic beast, capable of hitting you straight in the heart while taking you on an emotional roller coaster ride and that key change is almost inhuman for anyone without having to hit falsetto, I take my hat off to Colin Hay, he is indeed a bona fide legend who in my opinion is up there with Marley, Elton, Clapton, Stewart and Lennon

[@daviddowie828]

The man and his songs are timeless...like Sting,his voice has got better with age. Would kill for a ticket to see him....especially back in his homeland of SCOTLAND. Lang may his lum reek...

[@chicoandtheman7599]

Always liked this guy's voice & he still sounds as good as ever.

[@red-winged_blackbird]

Gives me chills..... SO beautifully done. Artistry at its FINEST!

[@williampercival7662]

After all these years " Overkill " has stood the test of time, absolutely. William Percival New Zealand Kia Orana.

[@tinglyshunn1029]

I think this one will stand the test of time.

[@migsyt]

At an age when many singers are mumbling their way through old songs, it's great that Colin still has the range to nail that octave shift. It makes most of today's "artists" look like the second rate, glorified karaoke singers they really are.

[@MrTibbs90]

I was too. I couldn't believe he could hit those high notes the way he did. It was awesome!

[@aptaylor75]

Daryll Hall (of Hall and Oates) is the same. He can still sing Sara Smiles. It's very impressive at their ages. Clean living I suspect!

[@TheCooderix]

People didn't suddenly get worse at singing. There has just been a shift in sound, but also in availability of music. There were some absolutely terrible sounding musicians back in the days, many of which still went on to make hit songs because they had the right sound. Likewise there are tons (probably more than before in fact, because the bar is actually higher) of great sounding artists today with incredible vocal ranges. But chances are if you don't like the artist or the sound, then you're going to judge them unfairly. I'd never listen to Charlie Puth, but the guy has perfect pitch for god sake. Technically he could sing better than most artists, yet do I think he sounds great or makes great music? No. It's subjective at the end of the day. Colin Hay isn't a very technically great artist. He just sings in a way I like and makes music i'd listen to.

[@migsyt]

@@TheCooderix I agree, and that's partly my point. Many artists today make it into the mainstream via a deliberate search for a very generic sound. Those with, let's say, a more interesting voice or vocal style are facing a much bigger challenge to get noticed

[@TheCooderix]

@@migsyt That's very true. Also, I just realised I was replying to a 6 year old comment. Hope you're doing well o/

[@lucknow1940able]

Hi guys, Only a true star can sing live without any band and still sound great later on in life. Love Men At Work and saved a few on my favourite play list's. Hope that Colin announces some concert's in Britain . Regards to all fan's of Colin Hay

[@RodriguezAJN]

First time I heard this song was on Scrubs show and it fit perfectly with the emotions of the episode. So great Colin Hay!

[@visualware]

When the world seems impossible at times, music like Colin's brings peace and tranquility. Outstanding!!

[@johnflanagan2684]

Neil Finn and Colin Hay get no credit in America for how wonderful they are. Love the down under boys who made great music in the 80's and 90's.

[@blank557]

They did win a Grammy for album of the year. I know, I watched it.

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

Colin's a Scotsman. And he is appreciated here--along with Finn--in the US by people that enjoy real music made by actual talented people. Colin is a musical treasure.

[@RobertJW]

@@thedevilinthecircuit1414 Scot-Australian!

[@markberryhill2715]

You must not have lived in America in the eighties. They ruled MTV and the airwaves as much as MJ and Madonna. Any American kid that was alive then knows the words to all their hits.

[@TheBlueCream]

@@thedevilinthecircuit1414 Finn is a Kiwi..a New Zealander.

[@tomf9292]

2021 I was in the Plainville , MA LOWES. And this song comes on the music… I had chuckle. GREAT BAND.

[@mark6jazzman]

Big fan in the 80's and then I heard Collin doin' his thang on the second season of "Scrubs" on NBC and was completely blown away at his voice singing his hits. Sounded BETTER than the original recordings from the 80's, more powerful and dead on! Such an underrated talent. Probably because he's not a sell-out. More power to you bro!!!

[@jmobbinfoo4838]

Saw the same episode when it aired but couldn't figure it out right away lol, didn't have the ability to just "Google it"..... man I miss the simpler days. 😢 good luck 👍🏼

[@tipytipytipy]

So I m 43. I ve been hearing this song on the radio my whole life. I’ve always liked it. But in this version, it just grips me to the point I can’t do anything but listen to it over and over again. Much respect Sir!

[@bassshred37]

Wow he still sounds fantastic,,,,,,,,

[@mgebremedhin]

Colin Hay is pure genius. His song writing is unparalleled.

[@johnmontague69]

The Man is A LEGEND

[@jjbrowned313]

What a song to write still love it....... Dec2019

[@Swoleheart]

One the best songs of the 80's (and of all-time in my opinion). Always love his final verses!

[@SDSsongs]

That man is blessed with a superlative vocal instrument.

[@JCtheROD]

Colin Hay is the man, he's a great song writer and a very underrated artist. Men at work were one of the best bands of the 80s, i grew up listening to them and they are always on my playlist. Greetings from San tan valley Arizona USA and Merry Christmas to all the 80s fans.

[@mrfester42]

There's absolutely no substitute for talent.

[@robinbachman7218]

Always loved Colin Hay and Men At Work, I saw them live in Miami 1983.

[@lethaloutdoors001]

God Colin is an amazing musician. This performace hits so hard on the last verse hes pulls out the record vocals damn. Aussie National Treasure

[@gcros45w]

That would be a Scottish National Treasure

[@mjmorgan2114]

Yeah, Colin made his name “Doon Under” but he’s an expatriate Scot from Kilwinning, Ayrshire. Proud to share him with Aus…

[@chriskinsley4922]

That’s the reason the romans built Hadrian’s wall

[@TheBlueCream]

@@gcros45w theres always one,,,,ok, hes both

[@jasonleesinclair2749]

Another Great Scottish singer/musician, he's got soul

[@contourbody]

Guy on the desk-totally gone and lost-in the moment! One of the best songs ever written, period. Mr.Hay, you most certainly nailed it, writing this masterpiece.....👍

[@wambathewisefool2893]

Yuup ❤

[@ZumaDogg]

Stunning! Seriously, one of the best acoustic/vocal performances Ive ever heard. He's magic.

[@amyparra1881]

That voice has not changed all these years. ♡

[@colinhay4273]

Hello dear friend, nice to meet you.

[@Christopher-xn8qk]

Gotta be one of his best live performances

[@sgtlamancha805]

‘Ghosts appear and fade away’...killer lyric. Colin and MAW, so underrated

[@travesham]

I don't listen to Colin all that often, but there always comes a time when it's exactly what I need to hear. Cheers, man.

[@timothymcgivern6883]

This song is so very beautiful. He is such an underrated lyricist. AMAZING and I am very excited to see him in 2021, in Philadelphia.

[@larrymasterspowerbuildingc4477]

I heard this at the gym tonight. To my pleasant surprise and amazement, A 22 year old kid had it on his playlist. I am 47. I was just a pup when Colin Hay wrote this. I love that voice.... bravo

[@gregorycharrier3087]

I've heard this song a thousand times and I'd gladly hear it a thousand more times!

[@chowderpilot3843]

Thank you so much for this. It's great to hear Mr Hay belt out this stunner of a song from my teen years. If you turned on a radio in the 80s in Australia you'd hear some of the best rock and pop ever - and so much of it made by Aussie bands. They wrote songs that were uniquely Australian but could be enjoyed anywhere in the World. It made me proud as an Aussie teenager that our small country could produce so much great music; music that still stands up, decades after it was recorded...🙂

[@AleisterCrowleyMagus]

“Ghosts appear and fade away…” such a beautiful lyric. Colin has never gotten the praise he truly deserves as an outstanding songwriter and a great performer.

[@nursiecookie1805]

Love this artist! Always have.

[@okrajoe]

Great acoustic version.

[@thedys70]

Other than the 77 tone-deaf oxygen thieving fucktards, who disagree with you...

[@ralphchunksoup4234]

Even better when he does it

[@MrGandharva108]

Brilliant Mr. Hay !!! You belong in The RnR Hall of Fame(Shame).

[@seanrossdennis]

Hell yeah he does!

[@h.i.mcdunuogh6396]

My favorite Men at Work song. His voice is like no other.

[@joycerichardson1810]

Very true, and his voice is one you could listen to on and on.

[@darykinnaman2319]

Colin Hay is so talented. He plays multi instruments, sings and writes good songs.

[@osubucks69]

Damn. Most artist today couldn't hope to come close to this type of live performance...

[@GM-kz4qw]

after all these years is nice to hear his phrasing at the end of each verse still intact, can’t fake it when it’s just you and the guitar. Love this song, their best imo…

[@moosehose]

I've had this song stuck my mind for days for some reason. It's a lovely song, makes me feel very emotional.

[@Mikee22ification]

The song builds and you can't think it can reach higher and then he gets to the top at the end - what a song about overcoming!

[@plasteredbastard]

Underrated as a unique vocalist, with an instantly recognizable pitch along with the intelligent lyrics he wrote. An original.

[@8188ify]

Australia's wonderful classic ... Men At Work one in the great bands of the 80

[@nickyvanderlinden8203]

I still love this man... so much.

[@n13roy]

Just a Stunning Version of the classic " Overkill "......Colin Hay on top form here......

[@Mujcanal]

What a classic song, thank you Mr.Hay

[@jasoneldridge3680]

Bob & Tom you both need to thank your lucks stars. Their expressions say it all. You have just witnessed a musician who is in a class of his own. I love it...they say "I think we have time..." and Colin...lets give this a crack. There are few people on the planet UNPLUGGED who come close to this. Thanks for posting!

[@big.cofficial7963]

I know this was 11 years ago and me just be in my 20's, I love the sounds of classic rock and this guy and the band men at work was just one i listen to alot.

[@int53185]

What a way to wake up in the morning! Epic performance!

[@thommuseddard537]

Great singing voice.

[@janemillerick9614]

wonderful!!

[@nickjaramillo8005]

Thommus Eddard He has always sounded like Dave Weikling from English Beat

[@pw1615]

They don't make music like this anymore !🤘🏻🤘🏻✌🏻✌🏻👍🏼👍🏼

[@ariessweety8883]

Omg there's that lovely voice! Sounds just as lovely as it ever did. Better in some ways ❤️

[@colinhay4273]

Hello dear friend, nice to meet you.

[@colinhay4273]

Nice meeting you

[@colinhay4273]

Thanks for your incredible support and love towards my music for a long ago. I really appreciate it all, you have been a great fans and May God bless all my lovely fan’s ❤ how long have you been my fan?

[@CosmoandLucy]

I have loved this song since the day it came out and this version just takes it to another level. Wow.

[@bodeghost]

2019? That voice. Those songs! Sigh! 🍀💜

[@jamesguffey7749]

Let's see Kanye do that

[@lukemcdonald5596]

Absolute Aussie legend, Mr Hay!

[@nf5055]

Born in Scotland!

[@jamesfalconer8522]

Definitely Scottish, just listen to his beautiful accent.

[@anthonymartin8769]

Listening in 2020...still is relevant and haunting. Colin Hay is so great.

[@georgehorniman]

What a voice - amazing resonance and a sweetness to it

[@thebeastlacey]

This is just plain COOL !

[@mikeclark3013]

This song blew me away when I first heard it many years ago, and it does still. Just gets better with age. What a talent.

[@user-lt7jf4ns9g]

I’ve loved this song since I was a teenager. He is amazing!

[@davem6410]

Great artist and singer

[@adspur]

Can you be underrated and legendary at the same time.This is Colin.Brilliant man

[@tramlad2]

Magic, Colin's voice just gets better and better, a true legend , and a very decent guitar player, lovely song

[@dannymeyers5240]

I will come back to this performance many times to have another listen.

[@joaoneves2489]

This feels sooo nostalgic!! Used to go on surfing listening to Men at Work, just magical...

[@gmoney2103]

Just saw his performance in "Scrubs". Quarantine music That's wasssup

[@dffydee]

Same here. Had to see wether or not he was cheating the bar chords on his guitar the same way I do by quieting some of the strings. 😉