INXS | Artist

INXS was an Australian new-wave band formed 1977 in Sydney by Michael Hutchence (vocals), Andrew Farriss (keyboards), Tim Farriss (guitar), Kirk Pengilly (saxophone, vocals), Garry Beers (bass) and Jon Farriss (drums). Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence met as classmates at Davidson High School, in Sydney's northern suburbs. Together with younger brothers Jon and Tim they formed the Farriss Brothers, adding Beers and Kirk Pengilly. The band made their debut on 16 August 1977 at Whale Beach, NSW. They began to regularly support Midnight Oil and a member of the Oil's crew suggested they change the band name to INXS, inspired by English band XTC. The 1980 self-titled debut album was largely ignored. Their first hit record was their third single "The Loved One" in May 1981, a cover of a 1966 song by Australian group The Loved Ones. The song was produced by Richard Clapton and peaked in the Top 20. The band went on to record 56 singles and 12 studio albums, becoming one of the most popular bands in the world for a brief period in the late '80s-early '90s, spurred on by their most successful album Kick from '87. Michael Hutchence died in 1997 and the band dropped off after that point. Although INXS made some excellent albums, they are probably better know for their many superb singles. Standout albums include The Swing, Listen Like Thieves, Kick and Welcome to Wherever You Are. The 1994 compilation The Greatest Hits is an excellent collection of their singles.

Artist Website: inxsonline.com

Featured Albums: INXS

Related Artists: Michael Hutchence, Midnight Oil

Video Clips: The Loved One, Original Sin, Never Tear Us Apart