“Deeply disappointed”: The Wiggles hit out at council’s “harsh” use of iconic song
The Wiggles have taken aim at the Western Australian city of Bunbury for using their iconic song in a “harsh” way.
The childrens’ entertainers found out the local council had been playing their song Hot Potato on an endless loop to deter homeless people from congregating.
The song had been playing at the Graham Bricknell Music Shell, a stage in one of the town’s parks, that plays host to bands and events.
When not in use for entertainment purposes, homeless people would gather under the shell and pitch tent to seek shelter from the elements.
After being alerted to the fact that their song was being used in such a callous way, The Wiggles contacted The City of Bunbury and banned them from using the song.
In a statement given to the West Australian, they said, “The Wiggles’ music is created to bring joy and happiness to children and families around the world, and we are deeply disappointed to hear that it is being used in any other way.”
The council had been using the Wiggles’ song for around six months before the band issued their ban.
Mayor of Bunbury Jaysen Miguel defended his decision to play the music, saying, “The City of Bunbury has been running music on and off there for the past six months, as happens across Australia and across the world where you can have music in certain areas to deter anti-social behaviours.”
“But... there has been a known problem where people are getting in and turning the music up to full bore.”
Local homeless cafe provider Intown Centre said the council needed a better response to the homelessness crisis, as Chair David Bailey said, “In the last couple of days, I have been walking around and I have heard it, but I did not think it was the council.”
“I thought it was someone with a CD player,” he said.
“It did strike me as odd. It is harsh . . . (and) there needs to be a better response.”
Image credits: Getty Images