Out of the Blue: Everything this Wiggle journey has taught me

by Anthony Field, Greg Truman

A frank and open memoir from beloved Blue Wiggle and national treasure Anthony Field.

Music is brain food and emotional sustenance for little ones. It's audible beauty. Want to give something special to your kids? Surround them with beauty and inspiration.

Out of the Blue is an utterly compelling memoir that begins with Anthony's childhood and delves into the creation of his first band, the Cockroaches, with two of his brothers while still a teenager. Anthony's university studies in early-childhood education led him to form the extraordinary children's music outfit the Wiggles with fellow students and a former bandmate. Over the years, the Wiggles have experienced incredible successes, unexpected failures and exciting reinventions.

Anthony speaks honestly of his struggles with chronic pain and depression, which have at times almost forced him out of his beloved role as the Blue Wiggle. His thoughts on shaping a safe and imaginative place for our children, nurturing the creativity of others in the band, and on music, originality, entrepreneurship and much more make fascinating reading.

In a rollicking account of more than 40 years on the road, he discusses the glory and challenges of his unique fame, and the occasions when he has come perilously close to personal and business disaster. Sports enthusiast, father of three and inspiration to millions, Anthony Field is truly a remarkable Australian.

Genres: Audiobook, Memoir, Biography, Biography Memoir

308 pages, ebook

First published October 29, 2024

Reviews

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written, witty and honest memoir by Anthony Field that chronicles his inspirational personal journey as well as his well known career path starting with the Aussie band the Cockroaches and then onto the establishment of the world renowned children’s band the Wiggles. The fact that the Wiggles are still so incredibly popular say it’s all and after reading the book it’s blatantly obvious exactly why they are still so successful. I studied Early Childhood Education at the Waverly campus at the same time as Anthony and had Murray as my music teacher in my final year so I was a very early fan of the band and the way they encompassed a child centred approach to their music. I especially loved that we also hear the other members stories and that they are quoted throughout the book. Well done to Anthony and Greg on a heartfelt story.

[Tennille Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really well written and well rounded. Loved hearing about how the Wiggles have changed over the years, particularly the work they’ve done on inclusivity and diversity.

[Abbey Cerone · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite memoirs of the year.

[Robyn Noble · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully raw and engaging insight into Anthony and The Wiggles

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars on this memoir. Anthony has written a banger that is SO interesting. Hearing about his early life, where his musical roots have come from, why he is so passionate about early childhood education and how he and the former original members used their qualifications to influence children's entertaingment and learning, and finally, the Wiggles' vision - especially in how they have adapted in the last 5 years, made this a truly transfixing read (well, it was a 'listen' for me).

I appreciate Anthony's honesty and voice in this book. From detailing his journey with mental and physical health (namely depression and Lyme disease, amongst other things), it really goes to show how he (and all the other Wiggle members) have set aside and sacrified so much of themsevles to provide joy for children.

Hearing also about the way their audience 'rejuvenates' every 3-5 years was fascinating. I was a Wiggles kid and now have a 3yr who is just really getting into learning the songs (and retaining them) has been a marvel and a joy before my eyes. The Wiggles have really cracked the code with what captivates children and how music it is so important for young minds. With children as their main drive, focus and vision from 1991 to today has been exemplary and I passionately feel they have never 'sold out'.

The copped a bit of attention when they changed things up in 2020 (introducing new members) but I don't think anyone can deny that this has changed them for the better. They now have Wiggly members in front of millions of young people of different genders, backgrounds, races (and with different pronouns) that would be totally life affirming for so many young kids out there - and how special and important it is for young kids to see that they can do and be whoever they want.

After 30 years and so few controversies, the Wiggles have really cracked producing content and entertainment for the greater good, as opposed to putting ego or an individual at the top and for that, I am so grateful for them and proud that Australia has produced such an awesome group. I definitely recommend this book!

[Jess Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sorry but I am and forever will be such a Wiggles stan ❤️💙💛💜 I have devoured a weird amount of Wiggles interviews and docos for some reason but every time I just love them more and more. I love how passionate they are about not only children’s entertainment, but the research behind the connection of music and early childhood development. Also how intensional every song is when it comes down to the rhythm, movement, lyrics or even the specific notes used and how they link to the first notes babies are able to recognise. It (almost) makes me want to dip my toes back into the world of education. How they managed to adapt over the years and still be equally successful for the ongoing generations is truly incredible!

I LOVED Anthony’s perspective in this, being an OG and still now current Wiggle. He’s been there from start to now and is such a huge brain behind the whole thing. His passion for what they do and how to keep growing, shifting and representing all children is so inspiring!

They created so much magic for us 90’s kids and now it feels wild but so cool to be able to share and sing those same songs that I grew up singing now with my own children

Listened as audiobook

[Trent Bowes · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who grew up watching the wiggles, I was very excited to get a copy of this book. This is a fantastic read for those interested in how the wiggles came to be, the ups and downs of the journey along the way and the development of the wiggles to where they are now. I personally didn’t know Anthony was in a popular Australian band before this, but that adds nicely to the back story of how this group came to be. The level of detail he goes into within both the business and his daily struggles is phenomenal. The finish of this book made my eyes well as he discusses the work they have done with children with disabilities and those who are terminally ill. A must read for all who were fortunate to grow up singing ‘Fruit Salad’

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible insight into the start, growth and strength of the Wiggles. Transported me back in time and made me happy when I was reminded that I had an amazing childhood all because of these guys. Thank you.

[Annie Walder · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 wholesome. 10/10 interesting. 10/10 open and honest.
I wasn’t expecting to love this as much as I did!!!

[Cindy Thang]

100% recommend listening to the audiobook

[Jennifer Coldham · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good but, as I have only recently seen the movie about the Wiggles, it wasn’t really anything new or different. I didn’t realise how big they were/are globally.

[Jane-Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this! such fantastic insight into his childhood and the progression from the Cockroaches to the Wiggles.

Our kids are Wiggly obsessed, and I really enjoyed hearing how their knowledge of music, children and development still remains their core mission from the beginning until now.

He is generously honest with his mental health struggles and - downloading the audiobook in an effort to be 'time efficient' - I found myself sobbing through chapter 19 whilst wandering Bunnings!

[Maddi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having picked this up as a childhood wiggles fan who now has children that are watching the new lineup; I was not expecting to enjoy this as much as I did.

It was very well written and reads very genuine as though you’re having a chat to Anthony as he tells you his life story. Very interesting from a business perspective and provides a lot of insight into the decisions The Wiggles have had to make along the way.

[Ally Marov · Rating 4 out of 5]

”…I want to convey a sense of positivity for the future. That’s what the Wiggles are designed to provide for our beautiful children—a safe and creative space where they can be what they can be.
Thanks for entrusting us with a role in your families, however fleeting, over the years. I promise our commitment will never change while I’m around.
You’re about to understand why.”

✨3.75 stars✨
⚠️TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE YOU READ THIS BOOK/REVIEW: death of a parent, infant loss, chronic illness, child loss, terminal illness, mental health issues⚠️

As an Aussie kid of the early 2000’s, along with shows like Sesame Street, Hi-5, and Blue’s Clues, the Wiggles played a big part in my early years of life.

I grew up with the 4 OG’s. Greg Page, Jeff Fatt, Murray Cook, and the man of the hour, Anthony Field. Between Field and Page, they were my two absolute favourites (but I love them all the same).

Going into this book, I was expecting it to be a memoir that detailed everything. The highs, the lows and the in-betweens while giving some life lessons that being in The Wiggles has given him.

Unfortunately, this was a bit of an underwhelming and repetitive read 🫤

One thing that put a small damper on my reading experience was that the book was narrated by Field’s cousin, Greg Truman.
While I don’t think that Truman’s narration of the book is bad, I think it would’ve been nice if Field had narrated a couple of the chapters (maybe some of the shorter ones if he tends to lose his voice a lot).

The chapters discussing Field’s early family life, childhood, The Cockroaches, and how he got into early childhood education were interesting. But shortly after he talks about how the four OG members got together, it slowly became a bit boring and repetitive quite quickly.

Some of the chapters, I felt like they were just straight up infodumps about the things that have happened over the years and the business side of things. It felt like I was reading a timeline of the Wiggles and the Wiggles memories as a whole rather than Field’s experiences and point of view.

Another thing that made it feel like a drag was the fact that he talked about everybody else and their struggles but he doesn’t mention a single instance about his mental health struggles.
Field does mention some chronic health struggles that he’s faced with over the years but I thought that he would be more open and candid but it’s not until the very end when he mentions;

”Possibly one of the reasons I bang on this drum of positivity so hard within The Wiggles and in my daily chore of coping with life is because depression, for me, is a soup of bitter cynicism and hopelessness, the opposite of what children need. Or I need.”

One of the last quotes of the book is that he isn’t there yet when it comes to coming to terms with his depression.
Which I understand but why would you briefly mention that you went through these mental health struggles and then, at the end, say that you’ll be continue to be haunted by it.

As someone who has on and off struggles with mental health issues, I won’t judge harshly on how he handles mental health issues ❤️

Overall, I didn’t hate but I didn’t absolutely love this read either. This doesn’t change my opinion on Field and what he has done for my childhood and countless others!

I think this would be much better suited to somebody who doesn’t know that much about The Wiggles or would love to learn more about them.

Hopefully, the other 3 OG members will follow in Anthony’s footsteps and release their own book too ☺️🌻✨

[Cameron Chung · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I’m being honest, I’ve never really been keen on reading memoirs. The thought of reading someone's life story just never really interested me. But I thought I might give this one a read because I was curious to know how The Wiggles came to be, especially since they've been a huge part of my early childhood. I actually still remember going to see them live in concert (I think I was about 4 or 5 in the early noughties?) and I still remember the feeling of excitement when the Big Red Car rolled on stage. To say I loved the book would be an understatement.

It really felt like I was taken on a journey through a gallery of Anthony’s life set inside a museum—him being the guide. Each chapter felt like an explanation of an event in his life captured in a photograph or a portrait of hanging on the wall. From his family origins and childhood, to being in a band with his brothers (The Cockroaches) attempting to make it huge, then to dealing with his on-and-off war with anxiety and depression, followed by studying early childhood at Uni after his time in the army. Then came forming The Wiggles with his former bandmate Jeff, and the friends who he met while studying early childhood at Uni (Greg and Murray).

Each explanation of either an important moment in his life or any important person is so in depth but he writes in a way that doesn't bore you!
It was interesting to read how they initially planned on releasing just one album, only to eventually become one of the most popular groups in children’s music. I never knew how hard Anthony and his mates worked to make The Wiggles what it is today (especially with all those big changes with other members and the now extended line-up)!
By diverting his attention away from the scrutiny in the media and using his skills and knowledge in early childhood combined with all his other Wiggly friends, he was able to focus on making The Wiggles not just a money-grabber, but a brand that focuses on entertaining and educating children about the ever-growing world around them in such a unique and play-based way. There’s so much more to say, but I think I’ll leave it at that.

If you’re a parent with a little Wiggly fan or just an old fan (and a sucker for nostalgia like me), then I think you’ll enjoy this little life tour from the man behind the blue skivvy.

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

by Anthony Field and Greg Truman is the memoir of blue Wiggle Anthony Field. It tells his story from the start and how he came to form one of the most successful childrens entertainment band. I was initially exposed to the group when my children were born and have recently become reacquainted with the group after the birth of my grandson. Even though there have been major changes in the group since the early years, the music, magic and messages remain the same. It was interesting to read how the group came about and how they were impacted by various changes along the way. Anthony is the only original Wiggle remaining as part of the group and we learn of his struggles with pain, anxiety and depression along the way. He is very open with his health problems, which were compounded as his fellow Wiggles experienced their own issues. It is remarkable how the current line up has come about and still regards childhood education and learning through music as its main goal. A well written and entertaining memoir of an extraordinary and talented Australian, and an amazing account of the Wiggle history including some photographs at the end.

[Norrie Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of one of the Wiggles and his take on the Wiggles journey. And it has been an incredible trip. Like many of the household names of long standing entertainers, it is easy to forget that they started from nothing and have had many peaks and troughs since. Anthony has long had to deal with depression and feelings of inadequacy and his success must surely be inspirational to many.

This is an entertaining read, and Wiggles’ lovers will delight in the detailed chronology of their long and successful journey. For those who know less about the Wiggles, it is a remarkable story of how four ordinary (but talented) blokes created an empire that still delights children across the world.

See the full review at: https://www.queenslandreviewerscollec...

[Jenna Vidal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read so many autobiographies and I am rating this as one of the best. I listened to the audio version and loved every second. I was about 9 when the Wiggles were starting to really take off and was sister was a toddler, so even though I was a bit old, my sister was obsessed and I think our whole family were acutally taken with them a little. I had the oppotunity to go to a concert with said sister in about 1999 (when I was 12) and boy was it amazing.

Reading this book and getting an insight into why and how the Wiggles came about as well as Anthony personal struggles felt really special. I loved every second of listening to this book.

[Molly press · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed learning more about the Wiggles background - How they were formed, where the passion came from, and how they evolved as they grew. The background on Anthony's family wasn't always as interesting when it wasn’t relevant to the Wiggles, and some of the language used surprised me given they are in a position to be keeping up with appropriate use of language. It was often very of the generation and very Australian, sometimes painfully so. But none the less I did enjoy it and listening to the audio book there were little conversations at the end of some chapters that are not in the physical book which was a fun bonus!

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! As a long‑time, loud‑and‑proud Wiggles fan, it felt like getting a heartfelt peek behind the scenes of a group that’s shaped so many childhoods. Anthony’s honesty about his struggles with depression adds a depth I wasn’t expecting, and it made me appreciate even more what he and the rest of the “OG Wiggs” pushed through to build something lasting.

What really stayed with me was how inspiring their journey is. Their commitment to creating developmentally meaningful content—while introducing kids to a whole world of music and storytelling—shines through every chapter. It left me with a real admiration for the heart and purpose behind everything they do.

[troublingtrash · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who grew up with the OG Wiggles this bio really got me thinking. I found it facinating to learn about how the Wiggles actually came together, and it's amazing to know that it was an organic arrangement, I always thought it was planned by business executives, but to know that the Wiggles have always derived from passion... I am glad, and I know that they will continue to thrive with the newer generations.

Anthony Field's whole life is interesting to say the least, and I can recommend it for a good read. If you listen to the audiobook, find the unabridged version, it's very fun.

[Toneea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this witty and interesting memoir. As someone who works in an early years, it was awesome to see the behind the scenes that led to the most famous children's group in the world.
Not ashamed to say, I shed a few tears during some of the anecdotes, what amazing and inspirational blokes those Wiggles are. Anthony shares some of his battles and challenges in such a way as to not diminish the intensity but emphasise how he managed and where the lights were at the end of his own personal tunnels. I will be recommending this to my coworkers for sure.

[Dragonf1y · Rating 3 out of 5]

This came from a street library. Having never been a Wiggles fan (found them too commercial with all the merchandising) I wasn't overly interested but I was curious. I wanted to know where the drive came from and why they were so prolific, seemingly not content with maintaining their initial success, there was more and more added over time. The book was well written, giving factual history of the development of the Wiggles as well as personal insight into Anthony Field's life and to a lesser extent the other wiggles, as part of the Wiggles brand.

[Kay-Anne Archdeacon-Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Being the first autobiography I’ve read, I’m not sure how it compares to others but for me this was top tier. I’ve always loved The Wiggles (my 18th birthday cake was the big red car) and this book was an insight to the amazing work and passion that has been behind the project from the beginning. Reading some of the stories had me laughing or shedding tears. This Wiggles fan is grateful to have a better understanding of all things wiggly.

[Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

brb crying and desperately trying to find my old Cold Spaghetti Western dvd (update: i was joking about that but when i googled it to make sure thats actually what its called, i found out its on amazon prime so i will in fact be watching that after i finally watch the documentary). its so beautiful that the wiggles have managed to stay true to their message and stay independent the way they have <3

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and found it an easy pleasurable read. I resonated with Anthony, having trained as an early childhood teacher at the same uni. Anthony and Murray were ahead of me and Greg Page was a year behind me. I used the Wiggles music as a teacher in child care and I brought my children up on the Wiggles. Anthony was honest and funny and I enjoyed reading about the evolution of the group and the band members.

[Bronn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read that gave me a range of reactions.

Four stars because I thought it could've been a little more concise, although it was quite articulate.
I also didn't enjoy the beginning and generally long renditions of Australia's history that doesn't touch on the stolen land situation. But, glad I muscled through it, because it got better.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about the background of the wiggles from a very different perspective. Having worked at the original wiggles concerts and finding them the scariest event ever, to taking my daughter and nephew to a concert in the prime of the Dorothy the dinosaur’s success… This book provides a fascinating insight.

[Marieclaire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having grown up with and seen the evolution of The Wiggles, I found this memoir engaging and interesting. I enjoyed the look back at his family history and early life, understanding the wiggles philosophy and openness around health struggles. It's worth listening to, as you get to hear some samples of song building and the rapport of the authors bring it to life.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This made for fascinating reading most of the time. It ranges from Anthony’s early days through to the current Wiggles, with explanations about the changes. There is a bit of repetition of ideas, but overall interesting and easy to read.