INXS: Did You Know?
INXS: Fun Facts & Untold Stories About The Australian Rock Legends
INXS, the iconic Australian band, dominated the charts in the 1980s and 1990s with their electrifying blend of rock, new wave, and dance music. With hits like Need You Tonight, New Sensation, and Never Tear Us Apart, INXS became one of the most successful bands to come out of Australia. But behind their chart-topping success and Michael Hutchence’s enigmatic frontman persona, there are plenty of untold stories and quirky facts that many fans may not know about.
Here are some fun and lesser-known stories about INXS that highlight just how unique this band’s journey has been.
1. They Started Out as a Pub Band in Australia
Like many great rock bands, INXS started at the grassroots level, performing in small venues. Originally called The Farriss Brothers, the band formed in 1977, made up of brothers Tim, Andrew, and Jon Farriss, along with Michael Hutchence, Garry Gary Beers, and Kirk Pengilly. The band toured relentlessly in pubs and clubs around Australia, developing their sound and building a loyal fanbase.
Fun Fact: Before finding their signature style, INXS tried out several genres, including reggae and punk, before settling into the unique fusion of rock, pop, and dance that would make them famous.
2. The Band's Name Came From an Unlikely Source
INXS is one of the most recognizable band names in music, but its origin is a fun story. While trying to come up with a catchy name, the band was inspired by AC/DC and a band called XTC. But it was their manager, Chris Murphy, who ultimately suggested INXS—short for “in excess,” a name that perfectly matched the band’s larger-than-life image and sound.
Fun Fact: INXS was originally styled as "INXS" to look good on promotional materials, giving it a sleek, modern feel that matched the band’s energetic, futuristic vibe.
3. They Were Heavily Influenced by Punk and New Wave
While INXS is often categorized as a rock band, their music was heavily influenced by punk, new wave, and electronic dance music. Their early work was inspired by the punk scene in the UK, while their more mainstream hits integrated danceable beats and grooves, something that made them stand out from other rock bands of the time.
Fun Fact: The band's early influences included acts like David Bowie, The Clash, and Sex Pistols. This eclectic mix of inspiration allowed INXS to carve out a unique sound that fused gritty rock with danceable pop, making them a hit in the 1980s club scene.
4. Michael Hutchence’s Stage Persona Was Inspired by Jim Morrison
Michael Hutchence’s mesmerizing stage presence became synonymous with INXS, and it’s no secret that he was heavily inspired by Jim Morrison of The Doors. Hutchence’s brooding, sensual, and unpredictable style on stage, combined with his sultry voice, drew frequent comparisons to Morrison. Hutchence himself admitted that he admired Morrison’s ability to captivate audiences.
Fun Fact: Hutchence’s leather pants and bare-chested stage outfits were not just fashion choices—they were tributes to Morrison’s rock god image. Both frontmen exuded a raw, untamed energy that kept fans coming back for more.
5. The Global Breakthrough with “Kick” Almost Didn’t Happen
The album Kick (1987) was a game-changer for INXS. Featuring hits like Need You Tonight, Devil Inside, and New Sensation, it went multi-platinum and cemented the band’s place in rock history. However, it almost didn’t happen! When the band submitted Kick to their label, executives weren’t thrilled and suggested re-recording the album or scrapping it altogether.
Luckily, the band stood their ground, and after testing the singles with radio audiences, the label changed its tune. Kickwent on to become the band’s biggest success.
Fun Fact: Need You Tonight wasn’t originally seen as a standout track by the label, but it became the band’s only single to reach number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, proving once again that INXS knew what they were doing.
6. Michael Hutchence’s Alter Ego: "The Loved One"
Hutchence was known for his charisma and unpredictability on stage, but he also had a bit of an alter ego that he’d tap into during performances. He called this persona "The Loved One", a character inspired by the band’s cover of The Loved Ones’ 1966 hit of the same name. Hutchence often talked about how this alternate personality helped him get into the right headspace for his more intense, seductive performances.
Fun Fact: This alter ego became so central to Hutchence’s performances that fans started associating his stage presence with "The Loved One" persona, which added to the mystique surrounding him.
7. "Never Tear Us Apart" Was Supposed to Be a Blues Song
One of INXS’s most beloved ballads, Never Tear Us Apart, almost sounded completely different. The song, with its sweeping orchestral arrangement, was originally written as a straightforward blues song by Andrew Farriss. However, when the band began working on it, they transformed it into the lush, cinematic track that became an instant classic.
Fun Fact: The string arrangements in Never Tear Us Apart are so iconic that the song has been used in various TV shows, films, and even during memorial services for Hutchence, becoming an anthem of emotional connection.
8. Michael Hutchence Was an Aspiring Actor
In addition to his music career, Michael Hutchence had a strong interest in acting. He appeared in several films, most notably in the Australian film Dogs in Space (1986), where he played a punk rock singer. Hutchence’s natural charisma and camera-friendly presence made him a standout in the film, and he received praise for his performance.
Fun Fact: Hutchence also auditioned for the lead role in The Crow, a part that eventually went to Brandon Lee. Some believe Hutchence could have made a huge impact in Hollywood had he pursued acting more seriously.
9. Their Final Show with Hutchence Was Bittersweet
In September 1997, just two months before Michael Hutchence’s tragic death, INXS played their final concert with him as the lead singer. The show was held in Pittsburgh, and though no one knew it at the time, this performance would mark the end of an era. Despite the energy and joy the band brought to the stage, Hutchence was privately struggling with personal issues.
Fun Fact: Fans who attended the show remember it as a vibrant, electric performance that showed no signs of the impending tragedy. Hutchence's energy and performance that night only amplified the shock of his passing later that year.
The Lasting Legacy of INXS
From their beginnings as a pub band in Australia to their rise as global rock legends, INXS has left an indelible mark on the music world. Their fusion of rock, pop, and dance music, combined with Michael Hutchence’s captivating stage presence, made them a unique force in the industry. Even today, INXS’s music continues to inspire new generations of fans, proving that their legacy is as enduring as their unforgettable sound.
Whether it’s their genre-bending music or the stories behind the scenes, INXS will always be remembered as one of the most innovative and influential bands in rock history.
One of the most memorable quotes from INXS comes from their frontman, Michael Hutchence, reflecting on the band's success and his own philosophy:
“We’ve always maintained that the most important thing is to write good songs, and that’s what we’ve tried to do all along.”
This quote highlights INXS's dedication to songwriting and creating music that stands the test of time. Hutchence and the band always focused on crafting songs that resonated deeply with their audience, which contributed to their long-lasting influence in the music world.