The Wiggles bigger than ever despite touring drought
Despite not being to tour anymore, The Wiggles have taken to digital performance like fish to water, and now the Yellow Wiggle has a special treat for birthday boys and girls. NEW PODCAST
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There is no doubt that COVID-19 has crippled the entertainment industry however for The Wiggles, they’ve been surprised to learn they’ve never been more popular.
Emma Watkins, aka the Yellow Wiggle, revealed that the songs and videos they’ve released in isolation, including one aimed at explaining social distancing to children, has introduced them to an even bigger global audience.
“We’ve never had more awareness in countries around the world than ever. Which is exciting,” she said. “I think the more creative we can be and more flexible is how we are going to survive this period, which is like everyone.”
Watkins explains with restrictions putting a sudden halt to any touring plans, which makes up 80 per cent of their business, they had to pivot quickly to a digital format so they could help children and families during this challenging time. In the past six weeks the band, who have been isolating together, have been doing regular Facebook and Instagram Live videos and they are about to release a new series on iTunes.
“The responsibility for The Wiggles for the last 30 years has been trying to be able to provide education for children in a fun and engaging way. I guess that we then feel lucky that we’ve been able to film and that’s our priority. How we can still reach people,” she said.
“The energy now is like that first year we were together, which was eight years ago.”
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To mark their 1 millionth subscriber on their YouTube channel, the band will also release another song about how to still celebrate birthday’s despite restrictions. With over 700 000 Aussie children missing out on birthday parties because of health restrictions, Watkins has also teamed up with Best & Less to host a virtual birthday party on May 16 for children around Australia.
“We’ve had a lot of kids ask us on social media questioning, “will I still turn 4?” because parties have been cancelled,” explains Watkins. “So this is our way of trying to help children, parents and teachers and caregivers through this time.”
To attend the event, parents must register at www.bestandless.com.au by 10 May.