INXS
Biography
INXS emerged from the sun-soaked suburbs of Sydney in 1977, when three Farriss brothers – Andrew, Jon, and Tim – joined forces with charismatic vocalist Michael Hutchence, guitarist and saxophonist Kirk Pengilly, and bassist Garry Gary Beers. Originally called The Farriss Brothers, they quickly evolved into INXS (pronounced "in excess"), a name that would become synonymous with the perfect fusion of rock swagger and dance-floor magnetism that defined the 1980s and early 1990s.
The band's sound was a intoxicating blend of new wave, rock, funk, and pop that set them apart from their contemporaries. Michael Hutchence's sultry, Jim Morrison-esque vocals provided the perfect counterpoint to the band's tight, rhythm-driven arrangements, while their ability to seamlessly incorporate elements of reggae, ska, and electronic music made them pioneers of what would later be called alternative rock. This musical versatility, combined with Hutchence's magnetic stage presence and the band's collective songwriting prowess, positioned them as one of Australia's most successful musical exports.
Their breakthrough came with 1985's "Listen Like Thieves," an album that marked their transition from promising local act to international sensation. The record showcased a more mature, sophisticated sound while retaining the raw energy that had made them club favorites. Songs like "What You Need" and the title track demonstrated their ability to craft radio-friendly anthems without sacrificing their edge. The album's success in both Australia and America established INXS as serious contenders on the global stage, setting the foundation for what would become their golden era.
The band reached their commercial and artistic peak with 1987's "Kick," an album that perfectly captured the zeitgeist of late-1980s popular music. Produced by Chris Thomas, "Kick" was a masterclass in pop-rock craftsmanship, spawning four top-10 singles including "New Sensation," "Devil Inside," "Never Tear Us Apart," and the irresistible "Need You Tonight." The latter, with its distinctive guitar riff and Hutchence's seductive vocal delivery, became their only number-one hit in the United States and remains their most recognizable song. "Kick" sold over six million copies worldwide and established INXS as one of the biggest bands on the planet, leading to sold-out stadium tours and constant MTV rotation.
Building on this momentum, INXS released "X" in 1990, an album that found them experimenting with harder rock sounds while maintaining their pop sensibilities. Though it didn't achieve the massive commercial success of "Kick," "X" demonstrated the band's artistic growth and willingness to evolve. Songs like "Suicide Blonde" and "Disappear" showed they could still craft memorable hooks while exploring darker, more complex themes. The album's title reflected both its position as their tenth release and their desire to mark a new chapter in their career.
Throughout their career, INXS accumulated numerous accolades, including induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame and multiple Grammy nominations. They sold over 70 million records worldwide and were instrumental in bringing Australian rock to international prominence alongside bands like AC/DC and Midnight Oil. Their influence extended beyond music, with Hutchence becoming a global sex symbol and the band serving as cultural ambassadors for Australia during a period of increased international interest in the country.
The band's trajectory changed dramatically in 1997 when Michael Hutchence was found dead in a Sydney hotel room, a tragedy that shocked the music world and left INXS without their irreplaceable frontman. Despite attempts to continue with various replacement singers, including a reality TV search for a new vocalist, the magic that had made INXS special proved impossible to recapture.
INXS's legacy extends far beyond their commercial success. They were pioneers in creating music videos that were both artistically ambitious and commercially appealing, with clips for songs like "Need You Tonight" and "Mediate" becoming MTV classics. Their fusion of rock and dance elements predated and influenced the alternative rock explosion of the 1990s, while their international success helped pave the way for subsequent Australian acts.
Today, INXS is remembered as one of the defining bands of the 1980s, their music continuing to soundtrack films, television shows, and radio playlists worldwide. Their ability to create songs that were simultaneously sophisticated and accessible, combined with their electrifying live performances, secured their place in rock history as masters of anthemic, emotionally resonant popular music
