How a Sydney pub band conquered the world and redefined the rock frontman
In short: Formed in 1977 as the Farriss Brothers, INXS evolved from a local Australian pub act into a global powerhouse. Led by the magnetic Michael Hutchence, the band navigated massive commercial success, internal tension, and a tragic end, leaving behind a legacy of iconic hits and a unique place in pop history.
The band's origins trace back to 1977 in Sydney, where Andrew Farriss convinced his classmate Michael Hutchence to join his group. Originally performing as The Farriss Brothers, the lineup featured brothers Andrew, Jon, and Tim Farriss, alongside Garry Beers, Kirk Pengilly, and Hutchence. By 1979, they adopted the name INXS—a play on 'in excess'—and began honing their craft on the Australian pub circuit. Their early sound, characterized by new wave and ska influences, was captured on their 1980 self-titled debut, which they recorded during midnight-to-dawn sessions to stay within a $10,000 budget.
International breakthrough arrived in the mid-1980s. After the success of 'Original Sin' in 1984, the band’s 1987 album Kick propelled them to global superstardom. Despite Atlantic Records initially rejecting the album and offering $1 million to record a different one, the band persisted. Kick yielded four US Top 10 singles, including their only US number-one, 'Need You Tonight'. By 1991, they reached their live peak, performing to 74,000 fans at Wembley Stadium. This era solidified their reputation, with Musician magazine once naming them the best live band in the world.
The band's trajectory shifted dramatically following a 1992 altercation in Copenhagen, where Hutchence suffered a fractured skull and subsequent brain damage, leading to increased aggression and depression. Following his death in 1997, the band struggled to find a permanent identity, eventually utilizing reality television to select a new lead singer in 2005. Despite these efforts and various guest vocalists, the original chemistry remained tied to Hutchence’s 20-year tenure. INXS officially performed their final concert on 11 November 2012, having sold over 50 million records worldwide.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: INXS
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