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Why these 10 classic INXS songs are exactly What You Need

As one of Australia’s most famous homegrown acts, INXS and their classic albums have truly stood the test of time. From their self-titled debut album in 1980, to their last album in 1997, the band’s signature style has transcended generations, and made millions of music lovers around the world fall head over heels for the down to earth music legends. We have rounded up ten of the most iconic tracks from their ten studio albums they released before Michael Hutchence’s untimely death in 1997. From their humble beginnings in Sydney to the biggest stages in the world, INXS left a mark on the Aussie music scene with these songs that will never be replaced. Just Keep Walking The only single released from their self-titled album in 1980, Just Keep Walking tells the story of a band who were struggling to have their music heard while trying to make ends meet. The song became the band’s first Top 40 track, and introduced a new wave sound to the world of Aussie rock. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YOn2f_vdVww" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Don’t Change Widely regarded as their first international single, Don’t Change was released in 1982 from the album Shabooh Shoobah. In Australia, the song climbed into the top 20 on the charts, and peaked at number 17 on the US Billboard chart, firmly cementing them as the underdogs from Australia in the global music scene. Since Michael Hutchence’s death, the rock anthem has been performed live by the Farriss brothers in an emotional, stripped back acoustic rendition. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sLm3Khusq_8" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Mystify The fifth and last single from their 1987 album Kick, Mystify was often outshone by other tracks from the album. The song’s lyrics hold a poetry and romance that softens the hard rock album, while the music video offers an insight to Michael’s songwriting process with Andrew Farriss. Mystify has subsequently been the name for several documentaries about the band, and the life and story of the late Michael Hutchence. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j7PvhO4UquU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Never Tear Us Apart This signature ballad was the fourth single of Kick, and showcases a string section and epic saxophone solo from Kirk Pengilly to drive home the emotional story of two soul mates. Never Tear Us Apart peaked at number 7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts, and was played during Michael Hutchence’s funeral procession in 1997. The song has become a fan favourite, as the emotion, passion and longing in the song is palpable to those looking for a power ballad to speak for them. That, and it’s one of the best saxophone solos in music history. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kFoHVqHpP4M" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Need You Tonight This first single from Kick became an instant hit, as it was the band’s only song to reach the coveted number one spot on the US Billboard charts. The infamous guitar riff from Need You Tonight came to Andrew Farriss while he was waiting for a taxi, while it took Michael 10 minutes to write the lyrics after hearing the demo. The music video also won five MTV Video Music Awards including the 1988 Video of The Year. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w-rv2BQa2OU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Baby Don’t Cry This track was the second single from the 1992 album Welcome to Wherever You Are: the eight album by the band Baby Don’t Cry was written by Andrew Farriss as a tribute to his young daughter who he missed while on tour. Featuring the 60-piece Australian Concert Orchestra, Baby Don’t Cry debuted in the top 50 charts in Australia, England, Belgium, New Zealand and The Netherlands. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HvSMtTvjvwY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Elegantly Wasted The title track and first single from the band’s tenth studio album, Elegantly Wasted is said to have been based on a wild night on the town with Michael Hutchence and Bono from U2. The song peaked at number 27 on the US charts, and became a number one single in Canada. After an argument with Oasis’ Noel Gallager, Michael added additional vocals into the chorus of the song, and he can be heard saying “I’m better than Oasis” during the “I’m elegantly wasted” lines. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WpfiThlwdVY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Kiss The Dirt (Falling Down The Mountain) An ode to Australiana, Kiss The Dirt was a single from the 1985 album Listen Like Thieves. The song reached number 15 on the Aussie charts, but became the seventh single to fail on the US charts. The music video became one of the band’s most iconic performances, as they danced and performed in the baron moon plains of Coober Pedy in South Australia. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/URe45TciM1E" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> By My Side The fourth single taken from the 1990 album X, By My Side is potentially one of the band’s well-known ballads. Featuring an anthemic chorus accompanied by a string section, the song peaked in the top 50 charts of several countries. Along with Never Tear Us Apart, By My Side was also played at Michael Hutchence’s funeral. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VHlVdayWfOw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Original Sin Released in 1983, Original Sin was the lead single from The Swing album, and peaked at number one on the Aussie charts. The chorus features a special cameo from Daryl Hall of Hall & Oats, who changed the lyrics of the chorus to reflect his inter-racial parents. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PTULqzrhBWA" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Beautiful Girl Released as the fifth single from the 1992 album Welcome to Wherever You Are, Beautiful Girl was again written by Andrew Farriss who was inspired by the birth of his daughter. In an interview about the track, Andrew said, "I was writing lyrics like Baby Don’t Cry and Beautiful Girl and lyrics just about how wonderful it is to have something else in your life besides yourself to worry about and think about." <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IneI6rjg4ro" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Image credits: Getty Images

Music

INXS guitarist Tim Farriss sues over severed finger incident

Lead INXS guitarist Tim Farriss has explained to a Sydney court why he is suing a boat owner after his major accident. Farriss says he was forced into retirement after a boating accident severed one of his fingers. Farriss hired Omega Clipper, 34 from John Axford to celebrate an anniversary with his wife, Beth, during the Australia Day long weekend in 2015. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843566/inxs-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c7f396031de2458e9ea750e07ca36dac" /> The musician took issue with kinks in a “rusty and dirty” anchor chain at Akuna Bay, in Sydney's northern beaches. Court documents have claimed it became a major issue when the foot-controlled deck stopped working. He was then given instructions via text message, the winch became working again. Horrifically, his left hand was caught in the machinery and he lost a finger. Farriss is suing Mr Axford in the NSW Supreme Court for negligence and breach of Australian Consumer Law. "How would you now describe your occupation?" his barrister, Adrian Williams, asked him "Forced retirement," Farriss replied. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843565/inxs-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ffce8c1f3f334a718315f1a2ab2f1f8b" /> Mr Williams told the court that Farriss's reattached finger was "useless" and the musician was depressed. "It is in a state now where he cannot play the guitar and he cannot compose in the manner he was accustomed to," Mr Williams said. Farriss has claimed he has extensive injuries. "My hand was covered in rust, blood and mud, but I could see one of my fingers had been severed and the others were disfigured, badly lacerated and bleeding," he recalled in the documents. The 64-year-old said he finds it difficult to look at his injuries without wanting to faint. He argues that his instructions should have been clearer and that the equipment should have been better maintained. The court’s major question is whether INXS is going to embark on a comeback tour after drummer Jon Farriss announced on stage, during a 2012 Perth show, that it would likely be their last. Tim Farriss told the court he was "shocked" by the comment at the time, but said it ended up producing "great marketing opportunities". Farriss has been accused of "downplaying" his "extensive" experience with boats, a claim the guitarist denied. John Turnbull, who is for the defendant, said there would be a "significant factual dispute" about Farriss's position when the accident happened. "At some point, Mr Farriss must have loosened the winch clutch and stepped on the up button or perhaps the down button, but of course only he knows what happened," he said. "Our case is this is a misadventure, sadly, by Mr Farriss who has undoubtedly been injured as a result of, somehow or another, the chain and his fingers ... coming into contact with each other." Mr Turnbull argued there was "no doubt" a risk of harm from the machinery, but not for someone who would have been "acting reasonably". "A reasonable person, though, had alternative options available," he said. "A reasonable person would not have been injured if they had exercised reasonable care." Farriss told the court he has nightmares about both his hands and his feet being dragged into the winch. Mr Turnbull suggested to the musician that he had accidentally stepped on the “up” button on the deck, which activated the winch. The defence went on to say the version of events was recorded by an ambulance officer at the scene. "That's what you told the ambulance operator," he said. "No, I didn't tell him that," Farriss replied. "That might be something he assumed." The hearing is expected to run the rest of the week. Images: Getty

Music

New Michael Hutchence documentary reveals the night that changed everything for the star

Michael Hutchence and INXS in their prime made some of the biggest hits of their era and reached number one with Need You Tonight in January 1988. 20 years on from his suicide, Hutchence is still a pop culture icon. With newspapers, TV documentaries, drama series and reality competitions retelling his story, they were all missing a crucial piece of information. Hutchence had suffered a traumatic brain injury from a one-punch attack in Copenhagen, 1992. The story, told in a new documentary Mystify, was told by Hutchence’s partner from 1991 to 1995 Helena Christensen. The story was then backed up by a coroner’s report. Christensen recounts that a taxi driver "yelled at Michael to move, got out of his car and punched him. He fell backwards and hit the curb". The aftermath was dark. Hutchence insisted on leaving the hospital and stayed in Christensen’s apartment, vomiting and refusing food for the next month. "This dark, very angry side came out in him," she says. The documentary Mystify is told by long-time INXS collaborator Richard Lowenstein. "She didn't even tell her parents for 20 years, so her interview was very revealing. And then the coroner's report was even more revealing — of what he was hiding," Lowenstein tells <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/stop-everything/">RN's Stop Everything!</a> "I think it was incredibly emotional finding that out, especially for the band members. They came to a screening and they didn't know the full extent until they saw the film." Lowenstein obtained the unedited coroner’s report of Hutchence through British Journalist sources. He then showed it to neurologists and psychologists. "I don't think anyone had seen that unedited coroner's report before, but that was a revelation," he says. "[They] rang up in the middle of the night saying: 'It's very obvious what happened. This is a perfect storm of suicide risk, what's here in the report.'" Lowenstein said that the revelation was a transformative piece of the “jigsaw puzzle” that was Hutchence. "After his assault in Copenhagen in 92, he came back and filmed some videos, and all of us at Ghost, everyone who worked with him, saw a very different Michael. And we just [thought]: 'There's something wrong'," he says. "We didn't know if it was going to be permanent. And then we saw him go off the rails. You'd see him every three months and you'd go: 'Whoa, that's not the Michael we knew three months ago.'" Lowenstein said he was inspired to tell the true story of Hutchence as he didn’t feel like the real version of him was out in the media. "We just all sat there and thought: 'There's honestly nothing of the guy we remember — that we recognise — out there.' And we just we had all the footage in our archive, in literally my attic. And we thought, we should do something authentic about him," he says. "As we put the jigsaw puzzle together, I discovered a much more complicated and insecure [person], someone who had been fighting depression from the start," Lowenstein says.

Music

Rock 'n' roll history: Michael Hutchence’s $2 million home is up for sale

The former 1980s Sydney, Australia, home of INXS frontman Michael Hutchence is up for sale again. It’s only the second time the home has been listed after it was sold by Hutchence in 1995, just two years before his death. The star paid $105,500 for the residence in the inner-city suburb of Sydney in 1985, which translates to roughly to $308,801 in today’s dollars. However, <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/6-wentworth-street-paddington-nsw-2021-2014902036">the home</a> is being sold at auction on the 2nd of March, after the current owners unsuccessfully tried to achieve a sale price of $2 million in 2018. The two-bedroom home has undergone a stylish renovation, has a light-filled living room as well as a tranquil internal courtyard that you can relax in. With original fireplaces available, one bathroom and marble bench tops, this home is a blend of vintage and modern charm. Scroll through the gallery above to see the beautifully renovated home. Photos: Domain

Music

Celebrity tributes flow for Michael Hutchence's 58th birthday

On what would have been his 58th birthday this week – he was born on January 22 – tributes has poured in from family, friends and fans of the late Michael Hutchence. The INXS front man died 20 years ago and left behind a legacy of popular music, strong friendships and his family. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MichaelHutchence?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MichaelHutchence</a> would have celebrated his 58th birthday today. RIP<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INXS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INXS</a> <a href="https://t.co/QHGghH1d95">pic.twitter.com/QHGghH1d95</a> — Classic Alternative (@altclassic) <a href="https://twitter.com/altclassic/status/955332132834103296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2018</a></blockquote> Supermodel ex-girlfriend Helena Christensen, who dated Hutchence for four years before he started dating Paula Yates, shared a message on his fan page run by family and friends. Christensen wrote: “I think about you often, when I hear your voice singing or when something random reminds me of you, a place, a word, a scent… “Thinking of you usually makes me smile, even crack up, because you were very funny in such a unique and refreshing way. “I hold so many memories about us being totally childish and doing hilarious things and I love that those moments are how I best remember you.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Thinking of Michael. Sending you prayers of peace and love with eternally happy birthday wishes, love Andrew, Tim, Jon, Kirk & Garry <a href="https://t.co/S6JlGZxw6X">pic.twitter.com/S6JlGZxw6X</a> — INXS (@INXS) <a href="https://twitter.com/INXS/status/955211981312569344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote> Michael’s sister Tina Hutchence took to another fan site and wrote: “Another missed birthday Michael, and I can tell you I still think about what could have been. “We celebrate Michael's life – a short life packed with amazing experiences. It is hard to think of Michael as a man of 58. He will forever be young in our hearts and the person we watch in interviews and music videos on YouTube. “I can close my eyes and 'feel' that warm little bundle swaddled and sleeping in my arms. Who would have thought he would become Australia's first and so far only international rock star. “Who knows what he would have achieved in the past 20 years, I believe he would have moved into acting and perhaps continued to put out an album every now and then.

Music

Michael Hutchence’s brother make explosive claims in tribute to late star

It’s been a little more than 20 years since rock star Michael Hutchence was found dead in a Sydney hotel on November 22 in 1997. On the eve of the anniversary of the INXS star’s death, his brother Rhett penned an emotional letter, suggesting the late star took a secret to his grave. “Your biggest secret is still safe and yet to be revealed, if ever,” Rhett wrote in the lengthy post on Facebook. “We have been watching the world argue since you first sang of it, but it’s gotten worse,’ Rhett said in the tribute. “It seems we have basically f***ed up this planet, proving that man cannot live in harmony, and money and greed rules.” Rhett also spoke about his own shock with his brother’s substance abuse and subsequent demise. “I have read every statement, looked at every photo, watched hours of video, and travelled the world talking to most people near to you, up until,” Rhett said. “Your drug use shocked me, some roads I thought you’d never take. I guess you never healed your hurt. I wish the world had known more about the dangers of Prozac and suicidal tendencies back then.’ “I wish you had of had some more sleep, and not had a groggy head full of coke induced bad outcomes. I wish you had heard what you wanted to hear that night.” “But you thought “f*** it, f*** you all” and like a Hutchence, did things your own way. “I know now what happened. I know it was a drug and alcohol induced combination downward spiral that showed little light at the end of the tunnel. If only you knew what a gorgeous day it was in Sydney that day and support was there.” Rhett also admitted he was still haunted by Michael’s passing at age 37. “I wish I had of been there for you. I know I could have helped your pain as you did mine. I am not angry for how you left. I am sad when you left. And I’m happy for what you left,” he said. “Your biggest secret is still safe and yet to be revealed, if ever. “Until then, rest in peace Michael. It won’t be easy, but find the time. Love you with all my heart.” Hutchence was found dead in Room 524 of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Double Bay. If you are troubled by this article, experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide, you can call Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636 or visit <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/" target="_blank">lifeline.org.au</a> or <a href="http://www.beyondblue.org.au/" target="_blank">beyondblue.org.au</a>.

Music

Tiger Lily loses out on dad Michael Hutchence's millions

Tiger Lily Hutchence, the daughter of INXS member Michael Hutchence, has missed out on a large amount of royalties from her father’s music. These royalties are believed to amount to tens of millions of dollars. An investigation by ABC’s Four Corners found that the rockstar’s former lawyer Colin Diamond instead controls much of the estate and owns the company holding the music rights. Uncovered in the Paradise Papers offshore tax haven leak, were handwritten papers revealing that a company called Helipad Plain was created in Mauritius in 2015 as part of a deal between Mr Diamond and music entrepreneur Ron Creevey. Four Corners reported that the company’s stated aim was the “commercial exploitation of the sound recordings, images, films and related materials embodying the performance of Michael Hutchence.” Rhett Hutchence has said that his late brother wanted any money from his estate to be split with 50 per cent going to Tiger Lily, then 10 per cent each to this father, mother, sister, brother and partner Paula Yates. It has been discovered that the intellectual property rights were never part of Michael Hutchence’s estate but instead owned by a British Virgin Islands company called Chardonnay Investments. Mr Diamond became the sole owner upon Hutchence’s death. “The reason for this is that he was a trusted friend of Michael Hutchence and because of that and the fact that he (MH) had various family issues, he left Colin Diamond to deal with the assets of Chardonnay,” a lawyer for Mr Diamond wrote in an email contained in the Paradise Papers. Tiger Lily declined to comment and although she has received some money from Mr Diamond, it is nothing like the full amount of her father’s music rights. “My understanding is that Colin Diamond is well disposed to Tiger Lily and discusses matters with her, but that is between them,” Mr Creevey told the program. “I am no longer involved in the unreleased music side of things.” Rhett Hutchence also questioned how Mr Diamond came into possession of Hutchence’s most personal belongings after he took his own life in the November 1977. “Two days after Michael died, Colin Diamond went into the Rose Bay Police Station, acting as Michael’s attorney, and took hold of all of Michael’s possessions that he had with him in Australia,” he told Four Corners. “He kindly left the belt that Michael used for my father to pick up. My father was — I mean, the whole family was completely shocked that he had actually taken all this stuff. None of that stuff has ever been released to the family. That should have been part of the estate. It’s the family stuff.” “I think it’s about time we had a platform and told what’s been going on, because it’s, it’s injustice, you know? What has happened is injustice.” Mr Diamond has previously claimed that he kept Hutchence’s diary and other personal items “for Tiger for many years”.

Money & Banking

10 images to celebrate INXS frontman Michael Hutchence’s birthday

To celebrate the life of INXS frontman Michael Hutchence we’ve put together a gallery containing 10 pictures. Michael is an icon of Australian music for his work with INXS. To view the images, scroll through the gallery above. Oh, and if you feel like relieving some of INXS’s best hits, <a href="/entertainment/music/2015/11/best-inxs-songs/">follow this link</a>. Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/01/find-cat-hiding-in-this-kitchen/">Can you find the cat hiding in this kitchen?</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/01/man-leaves-wife-at-service-station/">Man accidentally leaves wife at service station, drives 100km before realising</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/01/25-worst-online-passwords-used-in-2015/">25 worst online passwords used in 2015</a>

News

The top 5 INXS songs

Today marks the 18th anniversary of the untimely passing of charismatic, lion-maned rocker, Michael Hutchence. The Australian born musician and actor gained notoriety throughout the 80s as sex-symbol and unabashed front man of new wave rock band, INXS. To commemorate his passing, we take a look back at the five best ever INXS tracks, which are all, consequently, from the 1987 hit album, Kick, arguably the band’s tour de force. 5. “New Sensation” <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/video/?bctid=4620932374001" target="_blank"><img width="500" height="309" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11171/new-sensation_500x309.jpg" alt="New Sensation"/></a> 4. “Devil Inside” <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/video/?bctid=4620944033001" target="_blank"><img width="496" height="285" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11172/devil-inside_496x285.jpg" alt="Devil Inside"/></a> 3. “Need You Tonight” <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/video/?bctid=4620932371001" target="_blank"><img width="499" height="283" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11173/need-you-tonight_499x283.jpg" alt="Need You Tonight"/></a> 2. “Mystify” <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/video/?bctid=4620944034001" target="_blank"><img width="500" height="283" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11176/mystify_500x283.jpg" alt="Mystify"/></a> 1. “Never Tear Us Apart” (See above) Related links: <a href="/news/news/2015/10/janis-joplin-best-songs/">The top 5 Janis Joplin songs</a> <a href="/news/news/2015/10/top-stevie-ray-vaughan-songs/">The 5 best Stevie Ray Vaughan songs of all time</a> <a href="/health/wellbeing/2015/09/monday-music-playlist/">Catchy songs to beat the Monday blues</a>

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Why these 10 classic INXS songs are exactly What You Need

INXS guitarist Tim Farriss sues over severed finger incident

New Michael Hutchence documentary reveals the night that changed everything for the star

Rock 'n' roll history: Michael Hutchence’s $2 million home is up for sale

Celebrity tributes flow for Michael Hutchence's 58th birthday

Michael Hutchence’s brother make explosive claims in tribute to late star

Tiger Lily loses out on dad Michael Hutchence's millions

10 images to celebrate INXS frontman Michael Hutchence’s birthday

The top 5 INXS songs