INXS

INXS is an Australian rock group from Sydney, active from 1977 to 2012. The band forms in 1977 under the name The Farriss Brothers, then takes the name INXS in 1979. Its core line-up consists of Michael Hutchence on lead vocals and main lyrics, Andrew Farriss on keyboards and principal songwriting, Garry Gary Beers on bass, Jon Farriss on drums, Tim Farriss on guitar, and Kirk Pengilly on guitar and saxophone. Over time, the group also includes guest and replacement singers Jimmy Barnes, Terence Trent D’Arby, Jon Stevens, J. D. Fortune and Ciaran Gribbin.

Style and early development

The group starts with a new wave and pop sound, then moves towards a harder pub rock style that also draws on funk and dance elements. Its early releases show a new wave, ska and pop approach before the band develops into a straighter rock act through the 1980s. INXS builds its reputation through constant touring on the Australian pub circuit and later overseas, becoming known as a strong live band.

Albums, singles and international success

INXS releases its debut album, INXS, in 1980 after recording in Sydney. The album includes “Just Keep Walking”, the band’s first Australian Top 40 single. Underneath the Colours follows in 1981 and reaches No. 15 in Australia. In 1982 the band releases Shabooh Shoobah, which gains international attention and gives INXS its first US Top 30 hit with “The One Thing”.

The Swing appears in 1984, with “Original Sin” becoming the band’s first Australian number one single. Listen Like Thieves arrives in 1985 and brings the group its first major US breakthrough with “What You Need”. Its sound becomes more rock-oriented while keeping ties to the band’s Australian pub background. The band then releases Kick in 1987, its biggest-selling album, which reaches number one in Australia and yields four US top ten singles: “Need You Tonight”, “Devil Inside”, “New Sensation” and “Never Tear Us Apart”.

INXS releases X in 1990, adding harmonica to some tracks and scoring hits with “Suicide Blonde” and “Disappear”. Live Baby Live, recorded at Wembley Stadium in 1991, documents the band’s largest concert audience. Welcome to Wherever You Are follows in 1992 and uses sitars and a 60-piece orchestra. Full Moon, Dirty Hearts appears in 1993 and features Chrissie Hynde and Ray Charles. The group’s 1997 album Elegantly Wasted is its final studio album with Michael Hutchence.

Line-up changes and later years

After Hutchence dies in 1997, INXS performs only occasionally with guest singers for a period. Jimmy Barnes fronts two songs at the Mushroom 25 concert in 1998, and Terence Trent D’Arby appears with the band at the opening of Stadium Australia in 1999. Jon Stevens then sings with INXS on a regular basis and is officially named a member in 2002. He leaves in 2003.

In 2005 the band takes part in the reality series Rock Star: INXS, which selects J. D. Fortune as lead singer. With Fortune, INXS releases the single “Pretty Vegas” and the album Switch in 2005, then tours internationally. Ciaran Gribbin later replaces Fortune in 2011. The group records Original Sin, a tribute album to Michael Hutchence, featuring guest singers including Ben Harper, Patrick Monahan and Rob Thomas.

INXS performs its final concert in 2012 and announces that it will no longer tour.

Awards and recognition

INXS wins six ARIA Awards, including three Best Group awards in 1987, 1989 and 1992, and is inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2001. The band is one of Australia’s highest-selling acts, with worldwide sales of more than 70 million albums.

Labels and related work

The band signs early to Deluxe Records and later releases music through Atco, Polygram, WEA and Epic. It also works with Petrol Records in its later period. Outside projects include Hutchence’s work with Max Q and his solo recording “Speed Kills”, plus Andrew Farriss’s production work for Jenny Morris.