Forever the creative soul, Michael Hutchence was born to be more than just a lead singer of an international rock band. From the early days, Michael embraced the theatrical possibilities of music video and was at the forefront in ensuring INXS songs captured a visual vibrancy and vitality.

As such, in today’s episode we dive deep into the critical performances that shaped and piqued Michael’s acting urges commencing in 1982 when Michael joined forces with iconic Cold Chisel songwriter, Don Walker in contributing to the seminal 1982 Australian film Freedom with two tracks and one video, notably Speed Kills that showcases a 21 year old Michael. The next 4 years were committed to INXS’ global ascent via albums Shabooh Shabaah, The Swing and Listen Like Thieves, plus the relentless touring attached to these triumvirate recordings. So, it took till 1986 for Michael to clear his schedule when the opportunity came up to star in Richard Lowenstein’s Dogs in Space came up. A movie that embraced the punk leanings of shared living suburbia amidst musical graft, this iconic art house movie has endured and influenced generations of fans and filmmakers over 38 years, despite its middling box office performance at the time.

Fast forward 4 years later post the juggernaut albums and tours that were Kick and X, Michael scratched a lifelong itch portraying famed British poet Percy Shelly, by joining Bridget Fonda, John Hurt, Jason Patric and Raul Julia in legendary Hollywood Director Roger Corman’s last ever picture “Frankenstein Unbound”. A true passion piece and one that Michael embraced with unyielding commitment and joy.

Finally, Michael portrayed a Record Executive mogul in the underwhelming indie feature “Limp” that despite its problems, aroused the attention of both Michael Douglas’ and Quentin Tarantino’s production companies with speculation of future projects in the offing.

Unfortunately, Michael’s untimely passing thwarted what may have led a promising acting career into a burgeoning one. What is known, Michael possessed a charisma, a stare and a glare amidst an inner drive and creativity to succeed and express. One can only imagine what more he could have achieved in this space.

Love and peace

Haydn & Bee

https://www.change.org/p/induct-inxs-into-the-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-2025

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After deep diving on INXS’ 2010 Original Sin Album last week, we take a detailed look at the album’s legacy, the influence of Chris Murphy on the band during this period and some of the exciting tour/setlists performances that accompanied this album release.

Having seen the band perform at Day on the Green at Rockford Estates Melbourne, Victoria in February 2011, the setlist provides an interesting backdrop to the sounds and styles of the album in a real time “live setting” with support bands including Train, Baby Animals and The Models.

The influence of Chris Murphy rejoining the band again in a creative and supporting role cannot be underestimated. He took the pressure and burden off the remaining 5 members of INXS to prove their worth and bona fides. Rather, he instilled faith and direction in the band to embrace their past, thrust their catalogue and pursue a band to brand strategy that inspired the band to look back and re-record the tracks that ended up being the Original Sin Album.

With a jam packed news section, tribute song for the ages and a whole lot more, we present to you another vital episode of INXS: Access all Areas.

Love and peace Haydn & Bee

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Having completed nearly 200 gigs with JD Fortune via the Switch Album Tour over 2006-2007, INXS took a much needed break in 2008 to recharge the batteries and contemplate further new chapters in their career post Michael Hutchence. Amidst, a temporary falling out with JD, the band reunited with long term Manager Chris Murphy after a 14 year hiatus from band duties. With a renewed focus to move the band to a brand, the bank found inner inspiration when jamming in the studio during 2009 deconstructing old songs with new arrangements. As such, the idea to re-record some well known and unique deep cut INXS tracks was born with the idea of inviting select singers, DJ’s and world music artists to lend a hand. A unique initiative rarely taken by a band and one normally reserved for tribute acts. With Jon Farriss and James Ash (Rogue Traders Founder) spearheading the production duties, the band put together an ambitious, creative and artistically successful album that avoided being a simple rehash or rebooting of existing soundscapes. With guest contributors including Ben Harper, Rob Thomas, Kav Temperley (Eskimo Joe), Pat Monahan (Train) and Nikka Costa, the album manages to incorporate modern production, excellent musicianship and soaring vocal performances imbuing a sense of celebration and admiration for INXS’ songs. The album undoubtedly did in 2010 and now in 2024 challenge ardent, stoic and rusted on fans whose ears may be permanently etched to the sounds of the original songs, however as we have said on many occasions, “listen without prejudice” and you’ll be in for a rare musical experience.

we also have a poll running on our Facebook page. So cast your votes on your top 5 songs off this album there. Love and peace ✌️

https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/