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INXS: Story to Story: The Official Autobiography
In 1977, three brothers and their three best mates formed a band in Sydney and started making their own brand of music, launching them on an incredible journey that would take them from playing Australia's beach clubs and pubs to the world's biggest concert venues. Along the way, they'd sell over 30 million albums, rack up seventeen hit songs in the United States alone, and experience a high life of sex, drugs, and supermodels that rivals any in rock history. This is their story.INXS broke new musical ground. In songs such as "The One Thing," "Need You Tonight," "New Sen-sation," "Never Tear Us Apart," and "Suicide Blonde" they turned rock, pop, and funk into a cutting edge, danceable style that took the world by storm. Touring the globe, they grew up together and made new fans on every continent. In this autobiography, they reveal for the first time everything they experienced in their more than two decades of making the partying, the pressure, the wild times on the road, the heights and depths of rock-star life, the bonds of brotherhood and friendship that got them through the tough times and made the fun times even more intense. They talk about the sadness of watching their closest friend and collaborator, Michael Hutchence, slipping away from them and share their thoughts about why he left them far too soon.Much has been written about INXS over the years, but nothing before has been authorized by the group or has reflected their point of view. This is INXS's story--one that they weren't ready to talk about until now--and the book that every rock fan will need to own.INXS consists of Andrew, Tim, and Jon Farriss, Kirk Pengilly, and Garry Beers. The band's sixth member, Michael Hutchence, died in 1997. In 2005, they starred in the international television phenomenon Rock INXS, in which they conducted a global search for a new lead singer. For more information about INXS, visit them at www.inxs.com.
305 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2005
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June 23, 2013
OK, this is the "official autobiography" of INXS, so it's somewhat filtered, I'm assuming. That said, it's pretty well researched and fairly well written, although the author is an obvious fan boy and makes INXS out to be pretty much the greatest band of all time, which annoyed the hell out of me.
It was enjoyable to read about the band's beginnings in Australia, when they were high and middle school students. How they played the pub scene for years, all around the country, sometimes three shows a night. They certainly paid their dues. Their manager was an apparent asshole, but a visionary and he had a plan to turn these boys into successes, something he ultimately did.
I first heard INXS circa 1981 when I somehow got my hands on an import LP with a post-punk song called "We Are The Vegetables" on it. I loved it and have been following the band ever since, enjoying Shabooh Shabbah and The Swing to Listen Like Thieves and Kick. I sort of lost interest as the '90s rolled around and they released X, which did fairly well, but it was their last really decent selling album.
It was interesting to read about the international tours they went on. They played America, opening for Adam Ant and blowing him off the stage. Eventually he would have nothing to do with them. They opened for the Go-Gos, and in Europe, for Queen, which I think would have been cool. They also headlined at clubs to build a greater following. Of course they had MTV to thank for introducing Americans to the band, with the channel's heavy rotation of their music videos.
I learned something I didn't know about the band. They were as into hardcore partying nearly as much as Zeppelin! I mean sex, drugs, rock and roll. Trashed hotel rooms, groupies, coke and booze. I had no idea. Some of the band members were married or had girlfriends, but the others took advantage of the opportunities such touring afforded them.
Listen Like Thieves was really their first American hit album. I still listen to it a lot. But they hit it really big with Kick, which was nominated for a Grammy. I was in college at the time, circa '88 I think, and I remember camping out for concert tickets in Knoxville with some friends and going to the show. It was great; I really enjoyed it. High energy. We all had a blast.
That was the pinnacle for INXS. At the time, they were probably as big as U2 and REM, ie, the biggest bands in the world. Everything seemed great for them. However, they had been touring for so many years that they just got tired out and took some time off before regrouping to record X. Also, something happened to them in Australia that was rather odd. They had always been local boys made good in the press, but now that they had gotten so big internationally, they were trashed in the press, as though they were too good for the locals, which wasn't the case at all. However, their reputation in Australia never really recovered, which is a shame.
I didn't know that Michael Hutchence was such good friends with U2's Bono. They spent a lot of time together and probably influenced each other a great deal. I also didn't know that the members of the band lived in England, France, and Hong Kong, as well as Australia. The distance eventually drove a wedge between the band members. Pity.
Everyone probably remembers the occasion of Michael Hutchence's death. I was horrified and felt really badly for his family and the band, just for the way in which it was portrayed. The author doesn't really tell us whether Michael Hutchence's death was a suicide or an autoerotic accident, but he does indicate that the rest of the band members remain unsure, themselves, of what exactly happened to Michael. The band members really have differing opinions of what happened. One thing that could have led to a suicide was an accident he had in Denmark, when a taxi cab driver beat him so severely that he was in the hospital for two weeks and permanently lost his sense of smell. He also got a brain injury that caused him to become angry and violent. He would lash out at people for no reason. It wasn't entirely his fault. It's just a shame that it happened like that. Toward the end, he had hooked up with Bob Geldoff's ex-wife and they had had a daughter. You would think this would have stabilized his partying, but he was hooked on heroin by then, as well as other substances, and was in a deep depression. That said, the last day of his life, he seemed to be in a good mood as the band prepared to record a new album. He died at 10 AM the next morning in a hotel room.
The writing in the book is straightforward and probably honest, but it's certainly not challenging. Rather like reading People magazine. One thing that irritated me about the author, as I've already noted, is his willingness to fawn over INXS like they were the greatest band ever. Listen to this:
"...in 1988, it [Kick] spurred every major label to seek out and sign some kind of slinky, sexy, romantic, rock and rhythm-and-blues band. They found them all all right, crap or not, from the Fine Young Cannibals to General Public to Faith No More to the Red Hot Chili Peppers to the Fixx. INXS put punk, funk, soul, and rock together better than those bands could ever hope to, for one simple reason; INXS could and still can play them into oblivion."
Wow. Seriously? OK, I can agree on Fine Young Cannibals and Faith No More, both good for one or two albums, and who cares about General Public? But The Fixx put out some good albums, and they're still producing music, putting out a decent album which I bought just last year. And most importantly, the Red Hots? Seriously? I've read about the Red Hots and I really doubt if INXS was an influence on them. Shabooh Shabbah was released in 1982, one year before the Red Hots formed. And the Reds had it from the beginning. If anyone was influencing anyone else, it was the Red Hots. THEY had punk, funk, soul, and rock down much better than INXS did or more any other group, for that matter. Also, let's talk stats. INXS sold 35 million albums and never won a Grammy. The Red Hots have sold 80 million albums and have won 7 Grammy Awards. 'Nuff said. Don't go overboard in your idealizations, Mister Bozza. It's stupid and unfounded.
Aside from my annoyance with the author's constant praise of the boys in the band, it wasn't a bad book to read, and as a fan, I enjoyed learning some things I hadn't formerly known about the band. If you like INXS or just dig '80s music at all, you might like reading this book. Cautiously recommended.
It was enjoyable to read about the band's beginnings in Australia, when they were high and middle school students. How they played the pub scene for years, all around the country, sometimes three shows a night. They certainly paid their dues. Their manager was an apparent asshole, but a visionary and he had a plan to turn these boys into successes, something he ultimately did.
I first heard INXS circa 1981 when I somehow got my hands on an import LP with a post-punk song called "We Are The Vegetables" on it. I loved it and have been following the band ever since, enjoying Shabooh Shabbah and The Swing to Listen Like Thieves and Kick. I sort of lost interest as the '90s rolled around and they released X, which did fairly well, but it was their last really decent selling album.
It was interesting to read about the international tours they went on. They played America, opening for Adam Ant and blowing him off the stage. Eventually he would have nothing to do with them. They opened for the Go-Gos, and in Europe, for Queen, which I think would have been cool. They also headlined at clubs to build a greater following. Of course they had MTV to thank for introducing Americans to the band, with the channel's heavy rotation of their music videos.
I learned something I didn't know about the band. They were as into hardcore partying nearly as much as Zeppelin! I mean sex, drugs, rock and roll. Trashed hotel rooms, groupies, coke and booze. I had no idea. Some of the band members were married or had girlfriends, but the others took advantage of the opportunities such touring afforded them.
Listen Like Thieves was really their first American hit album. I still listen to it a lot. But they hit it really big with Kick, which was nominated for a Grammy. I was in college at the time, circa '88 I think, and I remember camping out for concert tickets in Knoxville with some friends and going to the show. It was great; I really enjoyed it. High energy. We all had a blast.
That was the pinnacle for INXS. At the time, they were probably as big as U2 and REM, ie, the biggest bands in the world. Everything seemed great for them. However, they had been touring for so many years that they just got tired out and took some time off before regrouping to record X. Also, something happened to them in Australia that was rather odd. They had always been local boys made good in the press, but now that they had gotten so big internationally, they were trashed in the press, as though they were too good for the locals, which wasn't the case at all. However, their reputation in Australia never really recovered, which is a shame.
I didn't know that Michael Hutchence was such good friends with U2's Bono. They spent a lot of time together and probably influenced each other a great deal. I also didn't know that the members of the band lived in England, France, and Hong Kong, as well as Australia. The distance eventually drove a wedge between the band members. Pity.
Everyone probably remembers the occasion of Michael Hutchence's death. I was horrified and felt really badly for his family and the band, just for the way in which it was portrayed. The author doesn't really tell us whether Michael Hutchence's death was a suicide or an autoerotic accident, but he does indicate that the rest of the band members remain unsure, themselves, of what exactly happened to Michael. The band members really have differing opinions of what happened. One thing that could have led to a suicide was an accident he had in Denmark, when a taxi cab driver beat him so severely that he was in the hospital for two weeks and permanently lost his sense of smell. He also got a brain injury that caused him to become angry and violent. He would lash out at people for no reason. It wasn't entirely his fault. It's just a shame that it happened like that. Toward the end, he had hooked up with Bob Geldoff's ex-wife and they had had a daughter. You would think this would have stabilized his partying, but he was hooked on heroin by then, as well as other substances, and was in a deep depression. That said, the last day of his life, he seemed to be in a good mood as the band prepared to record a new album. He died at 10 AM the next morning in a hotel room.
The writing in the book is straightforward and probably honest, but it's certainly not challenging. Rather like reading People magazine. One thing that irritated me about the author, as I've already noted, is his willingness to fawn over INXS like they were the greatest band ever. Listen to this:
"...in 1988, it [Kick] spurred every major label to seek out and sign some kind of slinky, sexy, romantic, rock and rhythm-and-blues band. They found them all all right, crap or not, from the Fine Young Cannibals to General Public to Faith No More to the Red Hot Chili Peppers to the Fixx. INXS put punk, funk, soul, and rock together better than those bands could ever hope to, for one simple reason; INXS could and still can play them into oblivion."
Wow. Seriously? OK, I can agree on Fine Young Cannibals and Faith No More, both good for one or two albums, and who cares about General Public? But The Fixx put out some good albums, and they're still producing music, putting out a decent album which I bought just last year. And most importantly, the Red Hots? Seriously? I've read about the Red Hots and I really doubt if INXS was an influence on them. Shabooh Shabbah was released in 1982, one year before the Red Hots formed. And the Reds had it from the beginning. If anyone was influencing anyone else, it was the Red Hots. THEY had punk, funk, soul, and rock down much better than INXS did or more any other group, for that matter. Also, let's talk stats. INXS sold 35 million albums and never won a Grammy. The Red Hots have sold 80 million albums and have won 7 Grammy Awards. 'Nuff said. Don't go overboard in your idealizations, Mister Bozza. It's stupid and unfounded.
Aside from my annoyance with the author's constant praise of the boys in the band, it wasn't a bad book to read, and as a fan, I enjoyed learning some things I hadn't formerly known about the band. If you like INXS or just dig '80s music at all, you might like reading this book. Cautiously recommended.
September 24, 2011
As I read this one, I was reminded of just how much I loved INXS when they were at their peak...and how saddened I was by Michael Hutchence's death. He is one of my all-time favorite singers and I still love hearing his voice when I listen to my favorite INXS albums. I've always thought that if he'd lived, INXS would have been one of those bands with the same staying power as U2, R.E.M., and some of my other favorites from the mid-1980's. I learned a lot (maybe TOO much, in some regards ;)) that I hadn't previously known, such as how close Michael and Bono were and the "tall poppy" phenomenon in Australia. I had a hard time putting the book down the closer I came to the end, even though I knew how the story was going to turn out. It's great to see the other band members still making music today ("Rock Star: INXS" was such a guilty pleasure of mine while it was on :)).
August 24, 2008
Yes, another saga of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Lots of juicy stories involving Queen, Adam Ant, etc. But aside from that, it's clear that the bands Australian constituents were unpretentious and humble...although poor Michael Hutchence seemed to veer from the track as his fame grew. One thing I learned that I did not know all these years...three of these boys are brothers. Surprisingly, there was no musical past in that family; simply two parents that supported and urged their kids to pick up instruments and fiddle around. Amazing what a little support can do. And one more thing...INXS was definitely easy on the eyes!
Read
October 31, 2008i've been reading band bio's in between earnest reading, pretty much only if they are autobio's. this one broke my heart with the loss of Hutch, but as a fan of Geldof, it was interesting to hear Sir Bob and Bono share in here the "rest of the story" in regards to the loss of the bandmember and Bob's wife.
September 18, 2008
Learned all I ever could from this book about Inxs and the members! Great stuff!!! I especially loved the "band stories" that they share!!! They are memorable!!!! It still makes me angry to this day about what could have been!
June 29, 2020
INXS was one of my favorite bands growing up. I had a VHS tape of their music videos that I watched over and over. Recently, there was a renewed interest in the band and a re-release in theaters of Live Baby Live and a new documentary about Michael Hutchence titled "Mystify." These films renewed my interest in them as well, which is why I picked up this book.
All things considered, it's a decent read if you're looking for road stories and insights into the different band members. This is an authorized biography of the band, so you do get the author interspersing phrases describing how great the band was/is. It was interesting to learn about the Australian music scene that they came out of and Australian culture. It's not too often either that you get a band of 3 brothers that aren't constantly fighting. It genuinely seems from this book that the band got along and cared about each other deeply.
I shouldn't have been surprised, but I was, at how many drugs the band took throughout their career, and some of the sexual escapades of the various members are described. I guess it might be entertaining to some people? The parts where about the song writing process were interesting & how much influence Hutchence had on Bono and the direction U2 would take in the 90's.
I was mostly curious about the circumstances surrounding Michael Hutchence's death, since there has always been controversy over whether it was deliberate or accidental. The mystery is not solved within these pages. Both the author and band members speculate over which they think it was & the author cites various newspaper reports and the coroner's report. I don't feel like the truth will ever come out. Hutchence had a reported brain injury, was on drugs, had a tumultuous public relationship that was in the tabloids. It sounds like he was a tortured soul towards the end, with more bad days than good ones.
Surprisingly (or not) their music has stood the test of time. They are often overlooked or underrated in my opinion, or overshadowed by AC/DC as a great Australian band. Either way, this book is recommended for those who want a deeper look into the band.
All things considered, it's a decent read if you're looking for road stories and insights into the different band members. This is an authorized biography of the band, so you do get the author interspersing phrases describing how great the band was/is. It was interesting to learn about the Australian music scene that they came out of and Australian culture. It's not too often either that you get a band of 3 brothers that aren't constantly fighting. It genuinely seems from this book that the band got along and cared about each other deeply.
I shouldn't have been surprised, but I was, at how many drugs the band took throughout their career, and some of the sexual escapades of the various members are described. I guess it might be entertaining to some people? The parts where about the song writing process were interesting & how much influence Hutchence had on Bono and the direction U2 would take in the 90's.
I was mostly curious about the circumstances surrounding Michael Hutchence's death, since there has always been controversy over whether it was deliberate or accidental. The mystery is not solved within these pages. Both the author and band members speculate over which they think it was & the author cites various newspaper reports and the coroner's report. I don't feel like the truth will ever come out. Hutchence had a reported brain injury, was on drugs, had a tumultuous public relationship that was in the tabloids. It sounds like he was a tortured soul towards the end, with more bad days than good ones.
Surprisingly (or not) their music has stood the test of time. They are often overlooked or underrated in my opinion, or overshadowed by AC/DC as a great Australian band. Either way, this book is recommended for those who want a deeper look into the band.
August 16, 2025
I was a massive fan of INXS in their heyday - still am, really. I was disappointed in this autobiography. Perhaps I know too much about the band already, because I didn't feel I learned anything new. I was also disappointed in the author's writing style and how he slagged other bands that were not INXS (General Public, FYC). Humble, much? And INXS is not a funk band; repeating that doesn't make it so. They used funky bass lines, sure, but that doesn't make them a funk band. That's like saying Jethro Tull is a classical music band because they used elements of classical music. I suppose I wanted to know much more about the production of their albums and music videos. This autobiography just dug into their party lifestyle and touring.
June 6, 2025
If you can look past all the name drops, and put downs aimed at other bands by the author, this book contains lots of valuable information about who the members of INXS really were and what they aimed to achieve.
June 15, 2019
I love this band. I loved reading about them. I knew how it ended, but it didn't keep me from hoping it turned out differently.
it didn't.
it didn't.
June 13, 2021
If nothing else, this re-introduced me to some classic music. I guess at the time, i was more interested in the local rock scene and INXS seemed to be an overseas act that delivered mostly on MTV (which i had little access to). I never got to see them live and after this read, wish i had had taken the opportunity.
Anyway, i have loaded 33 of their songs on my 'Spotify' library 'JJ Aussie Artists'
Anyway, i have loaded 33 of their songs on my 'Spotify' library 'JJ Aussie Artists'
September 7, 2023
A thoroughly researched, well-written account of the lives for six lads from Australia who formed a band and - however briefly - conquered the world with it. From the earliest beginnings, through the formation of nascent bands that led them to each other, this doesn't skimp anything - the sex, drugs or rock 'n roll. Once things start to move, the rollercoaster kicks in and it's fascinating, seeing how they took Australia, then Europe (London being a problem for them, it appears), then the US on the wave of the newly formed MTV (which took to their videos like a duck to water). With contributions from the surviving members, a lack of gloss over Hutchence's untimely demise and a straight-forward look at what the future holds, this is a great book, a real tribute to a fantastic band and highly recommended by me - a big fan (I saw them at Summer XS in Wembley, the Get Out Of The House Tour in Leicester and at the NEC for Elegantly Wasted - and I wish I'd seen them earlier too). On a personal note, I had the same experience re-reading this in 2023 as I did watching "Mystify" - I kind of wanted the story to end on the euphoria of "Kick".
January 5, 2017
At times it was an interesting insight into the rise of the band and management of its career trajectory but mostly it was just Bozza geeking out. It's interesting that it stopped short of the whole Rockstar: INXS/J.D. Fortune debacles though Rockstar is mentioned in one of the blurbs printed in the book. Why not explore that side of the band's history? Also, no speaking with J.D. Fortune? I mean, wasn't he technically a part of the band albeit for a short period?
This band continued on (or more accurately, stumbled on) for 15 years after Hutchence's death; those 15 years would have been interesting to hear about as well as the "oh my gosh, they are such bad ass but down to Earth rock stars." Could it be that those 15 years would have been a little more critical and a little less "OMG! They are awesome!"? I get that Hutchence was a central figure to this band's story, but ignoring the efforts of the other members post-1997 I think further debases their roles in the overall picture of the band's history.
This band continued on (or more accurately, stumbled on) for 15 years after Hutchence's death; those 15 years would have been interesting to hear about as well as the "oh my gosh, they are such bad ass but down to Earth rock stars." Could it be that those 15 years would have been a little more critical and a little less "OMG! They are awesome!"? I get that Hutchence was a central figure to this band's story, but ignoring the efforts of the other members post-1997 I think further debases their roles in the overall picture of the band's history.
January 9, 2013
This book doesn't really reveal whether Michael Hutchence's death was a suicide or an accident but it does hint that the rest of the band are also still unsure themselves, of what exactly happened to their band mate and childhood friend. It highlights perhaps their differing opinions on the events of that tragic morning and also their great sorrow, even to this day, of the loss of their friend. A great insight into the early days of touring outback and seaside Australia and the later, much grander days of touring the world- complete with private jet. A great read if your a fan.
February 11, 2009
I really enjoyed getting to know more about the guys in INXS, the music scene in the 80's and Australia. But I have to say that if you're not a big fan, it's probably not the book for you.
June 19, 2020
On June 26th (2020), INXS is releasing a remastered version of their amazing concert, Live Baby Live to the physical market. Whether you want a blu-ray or even a 4k UHD of this breathtaking performance, it can be yours (for those in the states like myself we are having to import the 4k but still completely worth the cash). I had followed INXS for years since Kick and X and only in the last few (with the release of their 30th anniversary of Kick) have I really dived into their back catalog (before Kick) and found so many gems of songs. Then I found this book and knew I had to read it.
I was introduced to the author, Anthony Bozza through his work with Slash on his autobiography and knew the caliber of his work. I was certainly not disappointed. It starts with the beginning of the band as one could guess and ends with the death of Michael Hutchence (and some aftermath) which is probably the best place it can end even if that means the book ends on a very dour note.
The book does a great job of explaining the major and even some of the minor events that propelled them from just another Australian band to one of the greatest acts in the 80's and 90's worldwide. One really gets a sense of how far they have come and some of the hurdles they had to overcome. They also do a good job of talking about their inspirations and how it lead to some of their amazing hits.
In fact, it seemed only fitting that I would listen to "Elegantly Wasted" as I wrote out the review to this book since it was last album that all of the members including Michael had together. My only criticism of the book is that it's a mere 320 pages (including photographs and acknowledgements). Early in the book, they mention that Kirk Pengilly kept extensive journals for years that chronicled the band. If that was true, I would think the book would be brimming with information. But instead, I do feel like something was missing as I turned the pages.
I wanted more, way more. I could probably read a multi-volume epic on INXS and not find myself bored. Of course, we are going to spend a lot of time on Michael's death but the albums needed a little more room to breath. Regardless, I give this book an extremely high recommendation and will be in my library for years to come. As someone who has already imported the remaster cds of Live Baby Live that was released in Europe last year, you are in for a treat of major proportions once the video set comes out. Enjoy, and may the songs of INXS live forever.
I was introduced to the author, Anthony Bozza through his work with Slash on his autobiography and knew the caliber of his work. I was certainly not disappointed. It starts with the beginning of the band as one could guess and ends with the death of Michael Hutchence (and some aftermath) which is probably the best place it can end even if that means the book ends on a very dour note.
The book does a great job of explaining the major and even some of the minor events that propelled them from just another Australian band to one of the greatest acts in the 80's and 90's worldwide. One really gets a sense of how far they have come and some of the hurdles they had to overcome. They also do a good job of talking about their inspirations and how it lead to some of their amazing hits.
In fact, it seemed only fitting that I would listen to "Elegantly Wasted" as I wrote out the review to this book since it was last album that all of the members including Michael had together. My only criticism of the book is that it's a mere 320 pages (including photographs and acknowledgements). Early in the book, they mention that Kirk Pengilly kept extensive journals for years that chronicled the band. If that was true, I would think the book would be brimming with information. But instead, I do feel like something was missing as I turned the pages.
I wanted more, way more. I could probably read a multi-volume epic on INXS and not find myself bored. Of course, we are going to spend a lot of time on Michael's death but the albums needed a little more room to breath. Regardless, I give this book an extremely high recommendation and will be in my library for years to come. As someone who has already imported the remaster cds of Live Baby Live that was released in Europe last year, you are in for a treat of major proportions once the video set comes out. Enjoy, and may the songs of INXS live forever.
March 29, 2020
"THE greatest band of all time - I challenge you to say otherwise.
Follows the band through early teens when they regrouped in Perth to moving back to Sydney in the late seventies, changing their name from Farriss Brothers to INXS. Releasing a debut album and the si gle Just Keep Walking.
The rise of the Aussie band swept onto American shores with MTV and then worldwide fame. 1987 KICK changed everything.
But enigmatic front man had his struggles - a collaboration with Ollie Olson called Max Q had mild success, Richard Lowenstein's movie Dogs In Space starred Hutchence as ....well, Hutchence.
They band continued recording as Hutchence battled in his personal life. Other members Gary and Kirk ha
d issues too but nothing to compare to Michael who died aged 37 on November 22nd 1997. I once saw an interview where he berated paparazzi for the death of Princess Diana. A few months later he was dead too.
Coroner's ruled suicide others are not so sure - no answers here. But there is the band too. 6 guys who grew up together, formed a band with no lineup changes. More than 10 albums, live recordings, two different versions of ""Dekadance"".
This really is their story, battles with public image at times and management at others. Not just a fairy Floss piece"
Follows the band through early teens when they regrouped in Perth to moving back to Sydney in the late seventies, changing their name from Farriss Brothers to INXS. Releasing a debut album and the si gle Just Keep Walking.
The rise of the Aussie band swept onto American shores with MTV and then worldwide fame. 1987 KICK changed everything.
But enigmatic front man had his struggles - a collaboration with Ollie Olson called Max Q had mild success, Richard Lowenstein's movie Dogs In Space starred Hutchence as ....well, Hutchence.
They band continued recording as Hutchence battled in his personal life. Other members Gary and Kirk ha
d issues too but nothing to compare to Michael who died aged 37 on November 22nd 1997. I once saw an interview where he berated paparazzi for the death of Princess Diana. A few months later he was dead too.
Coroner's ruled suicide others are not so sure - no answers here. But there is the band too. 6 guys who grew up together, formed a band with no lineup changes. More than 10 albums, live recordings, two different versions of ""Dekadance"".
This really is their story, battles with public image at times and management at others. Not just a fairy Floss piece"
October 15, 2022
Anthony Bozza receives top marks from me as an author who endeavoured and forged, a brilliant portrayal. Of one of Australia's most highly recognised music acts. The individual accounts he obtained and permissions granted to pull a book like this off. I can't begin to imagine how hard it would be, reconstructing a history, without all—or as many reliable sources, possible.
Even though INXS are one of my personal favourite Australian bands. This book painted a much brighter and more complex story, than first thought. As funny as it is to say they are one of my favourites. Beyond Michael Hutchence himself, and before reading this, I couldn't have listed another band member.
But now, I can say I have a newly discovered respect for the particular talents of, Andrew Farriss, Kirk Pengilly, and Chris Murphy. The latter being the band's primary manager for 15 years, including the making of the Kick album. Which involved–from the outside–an impossible distribution process, earning him my total respect for a bunch of INCREDIBLY ballsy business moves. And if these were not taken. The album itself would've very likely been just another under-the-radar project, to be forgotten.
Even though INXS are one of my personal favourite Australian bands. This book painted a much brighter and more complex story, than first thought. As funny as it is to say they are one of my favourites. Beyond Michael Hutchence himself, and before reading this, I couldn't have listed another band member.
But now, I can say I have a newly discovered respect for the particular talents of, Andrew Farriss, Kirk Pengilly, and Chris Murphy. The latter being the band's primary manager for 15 years, including the making of the Kick album. Which involved–from the outside–an impossible distribution process, earning him my total respect for a bunch of INCREDIBLY ballsy business moves. And if these were not taken. The album itself would've very likely been just another under-the-radar project, to be forgotten.
September 6, 2018
This is a MUST for any INXS fan. The forward by Kirk Pengilly had me in tears. The book takes a look at the bands early years when they were first meeting as teens up to the tragic death of the beautiful and talented, lead singer, Michael Hutchence. There are so many stories here, facts about the band I never knew. I love them even more after reading this. They are often overlooked now but based on their wonderful music they are truly one of the greatest bands of all time. Michael was definitely one of the greatest front men of all time. My favorite story is how their first manager told Michael to get on stage and just act weird, that it would set them apart and make them seem ''different''. When you see the band early on, his moves were very awkward and strange, but also endearing. He went from that to becoming so secure in his sexuality and prowess as a lead singer. His voice matured and his range widened, the music got richer too. I love all these guys, especially Jon and Michael and loved reading more about my favorite band!
July 29, 2019
INXS is one of the bands I could never grow bored of; addictive, entertaining, moving and memorable music at its best; purely good. Even as a major music fan who doesn’t judge any of it by genres, I still find Michael Hutchence the best frontman. God, what a loss.
The author of this biography does exaggerate at times, but it doesn’t spoil the book at its finest, except for the parts of Michael’s relationship with Paula described; certain opinions of Bozza could’ve been removed. I mean, state the facts, that’s good. But keep the cynicism to yourself; Michael & Paula’s daughter is out there.
The last pages moved me to tears.
The author of this biography does exaggerate at times, but it doesn’t spoil the book at its finest, except for the parts of Michael’s relationship with Paula described; certain opinions of Bozza could’ve been removed. I mean, state the facts, that’s good. But keep the cynicism to yourself; Michael & Paula’s daughter is out there.
The last pages moved me to tears.
May 18, 2020
It was fun reading this autobiography but there was one thing that bothered me and that is that the writer so desperately wants recognition for INXS that it becomes too much. Especially at the end of the book. More focus on the music would have been better. For example: they mention that Welcom to Wherever you Are is their best album but they forgot how it was made and what the lyrics mean. Still looking forward for a book that focuses more on the music combined with the journey. But, end with a positive note, the journey is will written and is a must read.
May 1, 2020
This book is brilliant. I loved the insight into a band on tour and then becoming the legendary stadium rockers that they were. Right place, right time with the perfect frontman. What a complex individual he was and deffo taken from us way too soon. I am a fan so my review may be ever so slightly biased but even if you're not a fan it is still a really good read.
December 21, 2017
I really love music biographies and this one was fantastic. Everything from their lives in Australia to breaking out in America and the heartbreak of the death of Michael Hutchence. Made me want to listen to INXS and watch their concerts.
May 6, 2018
The best band of the 80's for me. So I loved this book. Michael is the ultimate Frontman and him and Andrew should be counted amoungst one of the best writing duos. I think they deserve to be in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.
July 19, 2018
Fantastic read! Great to read all sides of the story and utterly baffling to read the end which talks about legacy and dignity knowing that a reality show would decide who the next singer would be soon after this was published. Must read for any fan of the band.
March 11, 2017
Interesting, but fairly narcissistic account of their story, which sometimes makes it offputting.
May 31, 2018
#28 of 120 books pledged to read during 2018
March 3, 2019
Rock biogs written by uncritical fans make very dull reading.
May 24, 2021
I just need to know how Michael Hutchence remembered all those words with as many drugs as he did. I mean, even John Lennon had to write the words on his hand.
November 29, 2023
Good book looking across the beginnings of INXS with member profiles.
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