Total Xs

by Rhett Hutchence

Rhett Hutchence, the younger brother of rock superstar Michael Hutchence, tells of the early days of INXS when they began performing in pubs and how the band is discovered, their tours around the word and string of hit albums. Rhett’s story gives a rare insight into Michael’s rise to fame in intimate letters and conversations while at the same time revealing Rhett’s journey into drugs and living the life of an addict. Along the way Rhett meets Michael’s lovers, friends and acquaintances - Kylie Minogue, Helena Christensen, Paula Yates, Bono, Nick Cave, John Lyndon and Bob Geldof. He works on the bands X Tour of Europe in 1991 as a roadie, joins Michael on the bands outrageous tour of Japan, and is with his brother at the Plaza Hotel in New York when Michael breaks up with Kylie. Through Rhett’s eyes, we get a new perspective on Michael Hutchence, the charismatic rock star, and of the glamorous world he inhabited of fast cars and gorgeous women. Rhett and Michael both start families around the same time in the mid 1990s, but soon Michael’s life is tragically cut short. Rhett gives a unique personal insight into Paula and re-creates the media frenzy which accompanied her and Michael, both in life and in death. He also re-examines closely the circumstances surrounding his brothers death. Despite so much loss in his life, Rhett’s story is one of triumph, that while being hopelessly addicted to drugs, he has come through it all, and written his own story.

Genres: Music

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Princess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so moving! I've never forgotten the details of this book as rhett really does go into detail!! Loved this book ideal for a big fan of michael!

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am an INXS fan and I thought this was going to be totally about Michael and with a title like TOTALXS I should have read the back, as only about half the book was about Michael and family relationships, the rest was Rhett's own story which held little interest for me personally.

The information about Michael was however very interesting as was the complex network of companies and trusts that were set up that lead to Michael's missing fortune. Rhett shares intimate details freely and if you skip the parts on Rhett it really is interesting compared to other books I have read in relation to both Michael and Paula.

Considering how Michael died, Paula's passing and now Fifi's recently, it really shows a very sad side of being so famous.

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are a Michael Hutchence fan and interested in hearing his brother's side of some of the drama surrounding Michael's death, then this is for you, although I would take everything written with a grain of salt. Also, know that this is not really a book about Michael Hutchence, it is a book about Rhett and his really messed up life. I enjoyed it, found it both humorous and sad at times. I am currently an INXS junkie, so I felt compelled to read this, if you are not one, then you may not truly be interested.