INXS
INXS emerged from Sydney, Australia, in the late 1970s and went on to become one of the country’s most successful and internationally recognized rock bands. Formed by brothers Andrew, Jon and Tim Farriss, alongside Michael Hutchence, Garry Gary Beers and Kirk Pengilly, the band developed a distinctive sound that blended rock, funk, new wave and dance-driven rhythms. Early releases established INXS at home in Australia, but their ambition and relentless touring soon carried them onto the global stage.
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Throughout the 1980s, INXS steadily built an international following with albums including Shabooh Shoobah, The Swing and Listen Like Thieves. Songs such as “The One Thing,” “Original Sin” and “What You Need” showcased the band’s ability to combine sharp musicianship with memorable hooks and an increasingly sophisticated production style. At the center was Michael Hutchence, whose charismatic stage presence and unmistakable voice became a defining part of the band’s identity.
INXS reached a new level of worldwide success with 1987’s Kick. Featuring “Need You Tonight,” “New Sensation,” “Devil Inside” and “Never Tear Us Apart,” the album became a multi-platinum international breakthrough and established INXS as one of the biggest bands of the era. Their music crossed rock, pop and alternative audiences, while their visually striking videos and powerful live performances made them fixtures on MTV, radio and major stages around the world. Albums including X, Welcome to Wherever You Are and Full Moon, Dirty Hearts continued to push the band creatively through the 1990s.
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Across their career, INXS sold tens of millions of records and created a catalog that continues to connect with audiences around the world. Following Hutchence’s death in 1997, the band’s story entered a new chapter, but the impact of the original six-member lineup remains central to their legacy. With a sound that was unmistakably their own and songs that remain staples of rock and pop culture, INXS holds an enduring place among Australia’s most influential musical exports.
