INXS

Biography

INXS was an Australian rock band that formed in Sydney in 1977 under the name The Farriss Brothers. The founding members were brothers Andrew, Jon, and Tim Farriss, along with Garry Gary Beers, Kirk Pengilly, and lead singer Michael Hutchence. Initially known for their new wave and pop style, the band evolved to incorporate harder rock, funk, and dance elements. For two decades, INXS was defined by the charismatic stage presence of its frontman, Michael Hutchence.

Rise to International Stardom

The band first gained international attention with their 1982 album "Shabooh Shoobah". Their first number-one hit in Australia came in 1984 with "Original Sin". Throughout the mid-to-late 1980s and early 1990s, INXS achieved massive international success with a string of hit albums, including "Listen Like Thieves" (1985), "Kick" (1987), and "X" (1990). The album "Kick" is widely regarded as their most successful, selling millions of copies worldwide and producing several hit singles. Their hit songs from this era include "What You Need," "Need You Tonight" (their only U.S. number-one single), "Devil Inside," "Never Tear Us Apart," and "New Sensation".

Key Achievements

INXS sold over 75 million albums worldwide, making them one of Australia's best-selling music acts. The band won numerous awards, including six from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), and was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2001.

The Death of Michael Hutchence

On November 22, 1997, Michael Hutchence was found dead in a hotel room in Sydney. His death was ruled a suicide. At the time of his death, the band was on a world tour for their album "Elegantly Wasted". Hutchence's death was a profound loss for the music world and marked a turning point for the band.

INXS After Hutchence

Following Hutchence's death, INXS took a year-long hiatus from public performances. They later continued with various guest singers, including Jimmy Barnes and Terence Trent D'Arby. In 2000, Jon Stevens began serving as the lead singer. In 2005, the band participated in a reality television series, "Rock Star: INXS," to find a new permanent lead vocalist. The winner was Canadian singer J.D. Fortune, who recorded the album "Switch" with the band. Fortune was later replaced by Irish singer-songwriter Ciaran Gribbin in 2011. INXS announced their final performance in November 2012, though they did not officially declare a permanent retirement.