Colin Hay to embark on Summer 2021 tour of U.S. highlighting new album of covers, 'I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself'

Colin Hay will be on the move this summer! 

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — This past year was a long year for all of us. No restaurants, movie theaters, parties or concerts. The lockdown came just as Colin Hay was preparing to leave for what he considered his most comprehensive North American tour ever. A few dates were played before venues were sealed shut. Now, as the world slowly and surely resumes some semblance of normalcy, Hay is heading out on the road for real.

 

The tour commences August 4 in Hyannis, Mass., and works its way through the East Coast, South, Midwest and West, ending September 11 in Redondo Beach, Calif.

 

Colin Hay and Ringo Starr at the Greek Theatre in
Los Angeles, CA on Sept. 29, 2018.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Renowned globally as frontman in the Australian band Men at Work, Hay has since proven himself as a solo artist, touring with his own L.A.-based band and as part of Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band. But his love for music was born in his native Scotland, where, working at his parents record store, he heard all the hits of the day, from the Kinks’ “Waterloo Sunset” to Faces’ “Ooh La La” to Dusty Springfield’s “I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself.” At home during quarantine in early 2021, he read that Gerry Marsden had died and found himself strumming the Gerry and the Pacemakers’ Merseybeat hit, “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying.” He decided to turn on the tape machines and share with his frequent collaborator/producer, Chad Fischer, who asked for more of the same. 

 

Thus followed the recording of I Just Don’t Know What to Do With Myself, a new studio album set for August 6 release featuring ten versions of some of Colin’s particular favorites — songs tied to memories and eras in his life. These lushly arranged versions showcase Hay’s ability to interpret a song and remind one just how instantly recognizable his voice is. While most of the songs are from the ’60s, Hay does a moving version of Scottish group Del Amitri’s heartbreaking “Driving With the Brakes On,” which he calls “simply one of the best songs ever written.”

 

In addition to I Just Don’t Know What to Do With Myself, Hay is at work on a collection of originals. Those who attend his summer shows may get a preview of those songs, as well as a retrospective of his Men at Work and solo years.

 

According to Hay, "I recorded an album of songs written by other people that have meant a lot to me ever since I was a young fellow. I can’t wait to play them for you on this upcoming jaunt across the land. Old songs, new songs, and everything in between. It will be good to again make a good noise after so long, and transport you to a place of beauty, hope and wonder.”

Summer 2021 tour dates:

Wed., Aug. 4  HYANNIS, MA Cape Cod Melody Tent

Thu., Aug. 5  COHASSET, MA South Shore Music Circus

Fri., Aug. 6  SALISBURY, MA Blue Ocean Music Hall

Sat., Aug. 7  LOWELL, MA  Boarding House Park

Sun., Aug. 8  HAMMONDSPORT, NY  Point of the Bluff Vineyards

Tues., Aug. 10  OCEAN CITY, NJ  Ocean City Music Pier

Wed., Aug. 11  BETHLEHEM, PA Wind Creek Steel Stage at PNC Plaza

Fri., Aug. 13  RIDGEFIELD, CT  Ridgefield Playhouse

Sat.-Sun., Aug. 14-15 NEW YORK, NY  City Winery New York

Tues.-Wed., Aug. 17-18  ALEXANDRIA, VA  Birchmere

Thurs., Aug. 19 CHARLOTTE, NC  McGlohan Theater

Fri., Aug. 20  ATLANTA, GA  City Winery Atlanta

Sat., Aug. 21  PELHAM, TN  The Caverns

Thurs., Aug. 26  GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Sat., Aug. 28  WASHBURN, WI  Big Top Chautauqua

Sun., Aug. 29  CHICAGO, IL  Park West

Wed., Sept. 1  ARVADA, CO  Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities

Thu., Sept. 2  SALT LAKE CITY, UT  Red Butte Garden

Sat., Sept. 11 REDONDO BEACH, CA  BeachLife Festival 2021

Visit www.ColinHay.com/Tour for all the details!