Major shakeup of kids super-group The Wiggles

Kids super-group The Wiggles is breaking up, well sort of.

Three of the four founding members announced on their website Wednesday that they’re retiring, ending a 21-year run that has seen them play some of the world’s biggest stadiums, including Toronto’s Rogers Centre.

“We are writing to let you know about a big decision which will lead to some exciting changes for The Wiggles,” they said.

“Jeff, Murray, and Greg have decided it’s time to step off the stage and hand over the Purple, Red and Yellow skivvies to a new generation of Wiggles.”

The three departing members (Greg Page, Jeff Fatt and Murray Cook) will be replaced by Emma, Lachlan, and Simon — who will put on the yellow, purple and red outfits beginning next year. Member Anthony – the “blue wiggle” – will stay with the band.

The original version of the band plans to circle the globe one more time beginning later this month, with shows planned for Canada, the United States, Europe, Singapore and their home country of Australia.

The retiring members said the need for more family time was behind the big decision.

“Singing, dancing and making music with you all has been great fun but it has also meant spending a long time away from our own families and friends,” a statement on The Wiggles’ website said, “… and Murray, Jeff and Greg have decided it’s time to spend more time at home.”

The Canadian shows will take place in October and November. The exact dates and locations will be announced in August.

The band has performed more than 6,000 shows since they began in Sydney in 1991. Every year, The Wiggles perform for nearly a million people across the world, the band said. They have sold 23 million DVDs and seven million CDs, according to their website.

Page, Fatt and Cook will continue play backstage roles.

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