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Anyone who is exposed to kids under the age of 7 for any length of time has heard of ‘The Wiggles’. A childrens musical act from Australia. The largest export from Australia. Big Bucks. They are four guys in four colored shirts, who sing songs, have a tv show, and put on live performances world wide. Captain Feathersword is one of the reasons my son wanted to be a pirate for Halloween a few years back.

The oldest of these guys was born in 1954 (Jeff) and the youngest was born in 1972 (Greg). Well, today, Greg announced he’s got to leave the Wiggles because of an illness that causes him to be dizzy when he stands up, gets hot, etc. Can’t very well dance all over the stage trying not to fall over. Besides being the largest exports of Australia, I’m guessing they have all done alright financially. I’m sure it was a very emotional and difficult decision for him to leave, but his performances will continue over and over and over on TV and video tape.

So why am I telling you this? Because they’ve already settled on a replacement Wiggle. A guy who has toured with them and performed 157 times last year (thanks Wikipedia). That’s just not right. Replacing one of the founder members after years of service to continue the business. The bread and butter for the other Wiggles. Don’t they know what I know? Without Greg, the Wiggles are going Downnnnn!!!!

Come on. Get Real. We saw it happen with Van Halen when Sammy Hager came along. Blues Clues… replacing Steve with Joe then trying to replace Joe with ‘Live’ Blue…Just awful! We’ve seen other examples too that I can’t think of right this minute. But you know what I’m talking about!

I feel sorry for Greg that he has been diagnosed with this rare disorder. And I feel sorry for the remaining Wiggles. I really do. They are responsible for a huge network of people getting feed. They’ve decided that the best route for the kiddies and themselves is to keep on trucking on. Seems a shame though that they are going to drive downhill into the ravine.

Can you think of other examples? Bands, tv shows? People who had really established themselves who were later replaced for one reason or another? Does the ‘franchise’ owe it to the remaining crew to continue their jobs? Hmmm…