INXS: The Band, The Man, and His Fall from Grace

Throughout the 1980s, INXS went from being an inexperienced Australian pub rock band to global superstars. It’s been over two decades since frontman Michael Hutchence died in 1997, but their songs Never Tear Us Apart, New Sensation, and Need You Tonight are still staples on classic-rock radio stations and at karaoke clubs. The remaining members of INXS had a difficult time moving forward after losing Hutchence, finally calling it quits in 2012.

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They did try to keep going, though. They put out two records with different singers and even launched a TV competition to find their next new vocalist (remember Rock Star: INXS in 2004?). The thing is, Hutchence’s shadow was hard to step out of. He did, after all, have an unmistakable voice and a unique presence and not to mention a very shy personality that only fueled the fans’ curiosity. It turns out his shyness had a deep backstory…

This is the tale of INXS and their enigmatic lead man…