INXS in Me

Michael Hutchence is one of those greatest singers and performers in Australia's as well I shall say even my own.  Born to Kelland Hutchence and Patricia Hutchence (a film and television make-up artist), Michael was the second of three children.  He grew up in Hong Kong, USA, and Australia, and often hung out with his mother on film sets, getting to meet many famous people including his former classmate, Nastassja Kinski.  When his parents split in 1976, Michael went with his mother to live in America for a while, but finding the fast-paced lifestyle too hectic, he moved back to Australia to live with his father.  He attended high school in Sydney, becoming friends with another student, Andrew Farriss.  Andrew performed regularly in two bands, Doctor Dolphin and The Farriss Brothers, and at some point invited Michael to sing with them.  After graduating, they recruited two more members, Garry Beers and Kirk Pengilly, and immediately started touring pubs as The Farriss Brothers.  Not much Later the band signed a record deal on the condition that they changed their name to INXS. 

This was a reflection of their lifestyle, always in excess.  Their first three albums were only minor sellers, but when 'The Swing' was released in 1984, it debuted at number one in Australia, and went double platinum.  Their 1987 album 'Kick' had huge radio airplay, brought them an International number one hit title; "Need You Tonight" and sold millions of albums worldwide.  However, Michael led a life of constant excess, which included women, drugs and alcohol, and sadly, after 'Kick', the band proved not as popular as they once had been.  The band had peaked with release of “Kick” along with a lengthy worldwide tour.  For Michael, his personal and professional life was falling apart.  He fell in love with and later lived with Bob Geldof's wife, Paula Yates, which tainted his career.  Michael could not handle the pressure of being a fading rock star.  When 'Elegantly Wasted' was released, it was a flop.  Michael took the steps that ended his career.  Attempts to try to act where deemed to be a failure.  Michael once said that he was "just a man" -- and that is all he ever was.

When I saw them during their ‘Kick’ Tour, I was a disc jockey by night while attending University.  Many had referenced Michael to Jim Morrison.  I didn’t see that as the music was entirely different and INXS was very upbeat talented group, with a tremendous front man of the likes to that which I have never seen.  Hutch single handedly was able to work an audience like only a few bands.  INXS was a band, which brought myself out to the studio and on one summer my brother and I started rehearsals for two weeks worth of concerts - that is how INXS inspired me, as it was not KISS.  The band INXS is still in existence but the Farriss brothers will never hit the heights of the likes of when they were ‘KicK’- in. Ironic as it may seem photography and music have always went hand in hand.  Some songs gave way to the capture of vantages or pictures. 

 

 

~ The Digital Edge ~ Part One