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Just A Man: The Real Michael Hutchence
It's hard for any family to lose a son, a brother. But for Tina Hutchence and Patricia Glassop, there was little chance for private grief: the news of Michael's shocking death in a Sydney hotel room was almost instantly worldwide news. Since that November day in 1997 they have read tales spun by journalists, lovers and business associates - about the notorious highs and lows of Michael the superstar, and as the doting but unconventional father of Tiger Lily - people who knew Michael for only a fraction of his 37 years, if at all. Now they feel they owe it to Michael to set the record straight.This intimate biography introduces us to the talented child with a complicated home life, the gifted teen who gravitated into music forming INXS, the young adult whose glamorous girlfriends - including Kylie Minogue, Helena Christensen and Paula Yates - confided in his mother and sister. Many of Michael's oldest friends and associates have spoken for the first time for this book.
- GenresMusicNonfictionBiography
536 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2001
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251 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 14, 2022
After having read Vince Lovegrove's biography on Michael Hutchence, I wanted more. So when I picked up this book, I hoped to gain further insight into the enigmatic Michael Hutchence. Instead, I was exposed to Michael's sister's and mother's repressed anger and petulance, interspersed with name-dropping, woe-is-me, aren't-we-so-badly-off and poorly-treated, rich-people WHINGING. It was akin to private high school-girl behaviour.
Not a whole lot about Michael here; but lots about these women always needing to "possess" Michael.
Ostensibly this book was written to set an incorrect record straight, because those other biographers and journalists, what would THEY know? Who knows family better than family? Well, um, no. Most of the time, Michael didn't see his (dysfunctional) family because he was on tour or having lots of fun with his friends and girlfriends. His half-sister takes the reins of this book and gallops off, personally sideswiping and delivering back-handed compliments at everyone she and "Mother" deem as suspect.
I do not doubt for one moment that there was something fishy going on with Michael's will and estate; cliche-wise "there is no smoke without fire", but surely the approach taken in this book cannot improve relationships or fix much.
Reading this book was an uncomfortable experience, rather like reading another's secret diary. The latter half of the book describing Michael's death and thereafter was particularly personal, grim and unnecessarily detailed. The self-pitying, supposedly self-effacing mother and daughter team is totally nauseating. I don't imagine that they were as innocent as they purported themselves to be. They have made themselves seem like quite detestable characters, which is a pity, because deep down they are sad and probably need psychological help.
"I don't know the ways of the press", says Tina Hutchence. I say: are you daft, woman? After how many decades with your famous half-brother in the news, you say you don't know? So if you don't want journalists to find out about certain family affairs, why do you go and write a BOOK about these secrets? Who are you kidding? Yourself?
This book is immature, amateur and an embarrassment.
Poor Michael. This book is like your dirty laundry basket, mate, and we can all have a nice rummage through it, courtesy of your mother and half-sister.
Not a whole lot about Michael here; but lots about these women always needing to "possess" Michael.
Ostensibly this book was written to set an incorrect record straight, because those other biographers and journalists, what would THEY know? Who knows family better than family? Well, um, no. Most of the time, Michael didn't see his (dysfunctional) family because he was on tour or having lots of fun with his friends and girlfriends. His half-sister takes the reins of this book and gallops off, personally sideswiping and delivering back-handed compliments at everyone she and "Mother" deem as suspect.
I do not doubt for one moment that there was something fishy going on with Michael's will and estate; cliche-wise "there is no smoke without fire", but surely the approach taken in this book cannot improve relationships or fix much.
Reading this book was an uncomfortable experience, rather like reading another's secret diary. The latter half of the book describing Michael's death and thereafter was particularly personal, grim and unnecessarily detailed. The self-pitying, supposedly self-effacing mother and daughter team is totally nauseating. I don't imagine that they were as innocent as they purported themselves to be. They have made themselves seem like quite detestable characters, which is a pity, because deep down they are sad and probably need psychological help.
"I don't know the ways of the press", says Tina Hutchence. I say: are you daft, woman? After how many decades with your famous half-brother in the news, you say you don't know? So if you don't want journalists to find out about certain family affairs, why do you go and write a BOOK about these secrets? Who are you kidding? Yourself?
This book is immature, amateur and an embarrassment.
Poor Michael. This book is like your dirty laundry basket, mate, and we can all have a nice rummage through it, courtesy of your mother and half-sister.
May 6, 2021
Uncomfortable read
Bought the book as I am a huge Michael Hutchence fan, and my father was a neighbour of Paula and little Tiger in the last couple of years of Paula's life.
However ,interesting as that the background and biography of Michael as a child and young man was to read, I was shocked at the viciousness directed at Paula Yates, the mother of the author's grand-daughter and niece. Whatever their opinion of her, the relationship between Paula Yates and Michael Hutchence was one of two consenting adults, who were determined to be together, regardless of the damage it caused to many others. The heartbreak and tragedy that followed was terrible, but they were both culpable, and the subsequent consequences were not suffered by them alone. It sadly resulted in four children left without a mother, and one of those children deprived of both parents, and even further tragedy 20 years later with the death of Peaches Geldof. The responsibility surely lies with those who were adults at the time, and cannot be blamed on just one person. Paula Yates had her faults, she was a troubled soul, but she did not deserve to be demonized like this, in print, especially as she is no longer able to defend herslf. Tina Hutchence has expressed her sadness in recent press interviews that she has no relationship with the now adult Tiger-Llly, all I can say is this, if Michael's daughter has read this book, with its ugly and tawdry character assassination of her dead mother, it's hardly surprising she has no relationship with her aunt. There is little objectivity or depth in this account, with the author's opinions and feelings taking centre stage, with a complete lack of insight, empathy or understanding of either the character or actions of this incredibly complex and talented man. As a biography of Michael Hutchence , it fails,. being more a biography of the author's themselves, and the part they played in his life, whilst destroying the reputations, decrying the opinions and disregarding the possibly valuable input of the many other friends, family, and colleagues who knew, loved , supported and worked with him.
Bought the book as I am a huge Michael Hutchence fan, and my father was a neighbour of Paula and little Tiger in the last couple of years of Paula's life.
However ,interesting as that the background and biography of Michael as a child and young man was to read, I was shocked at the viciousness directed at Paula Yates, the mother of the author's grand-daughter and niece. Whatever their opinion of her, the relationship between Paula Yates and Michael Hutchence was one of two consenting adults, who were determined to be together, regardless of the damage it caused to many others. The heartbreak and tragedy that followed was terrible, but they were both culpable, and the subsequent consequences were not suffered by them alone. It sadly resulted in four children left without a mother, and one of those children deprived of both parents, and even further tragedy 20 years later with the death of Peaches Geldof. The responsibility surely lies with those who were adults at the time, and cannot be blamed on just one person. Paula Yates had her faults, she was a troubled soul, but she did not deserve to be demonized like this, in print, especially as she is no longer able to defend herslf. Tina Hutchence has expressed her sadness in recent press interviews that she has no relationship with the now adult Tiger-Llly, all I can say is this, if Michael's daughter has read this book, with its ugly and tawdry character assassination of her dead mother, it's hardly surprising she has no relationship with her aunt. There is little objectivity or depth in this account, with the author's opinions and feelings taking centre stage, with a complete lack of insight, empathy or understanding of either the character or actions of this incredibly complex and talented man. As a biography of Michael Hutchence , it fails,. being more a biography of the author's themselves, and the part they played in his life, whilst destroying the reputations, decrying the opinions and disregarding the possibly valuable input of the many other friends, family, and colleagues who knew, loved , supported and worked with him.
April 8, 2010
The story of the life and death of INXS singer Michael Hutchence as seen through the eyes of his mother Patricia and sister Tina. Patricia discusses her family's nomadic experiences as husband Kell led them around the world for his job and the breakdown of that life. They discuss the various girlfriends of Michael-how they loved Kylie Minogue,found it hard to communicate with Helena Christensen and their rocky relationship with Paula Yates. We hear about his death, their estrangement from grand-daughter Tiger Lily, and legal battles against Michael's will executers. We hear first hand of Michael's depression over his relationship with Paula and his financial affairs and a new relationship with a new girlfriend just before he died.
Well written, this takes you behind the headlines and shows how Paula divided the family before and after Michael's death, his determination not to marry her and his fear of losing his daughter. Fascinating! It is no wonder that the poor man was depressed with all the pressure on him and it was a tragic end to a talented life.
Well written, this takes you behind the headlines and shows how Paula divided the family before and after Michael's death, his determination not to marry her and his fear of losing his daughter. Fascinating! It is no wonder that the poor man was depressed with all the pressure on him and it was a tragic end to a talented life.
September 7, 2024
This Was Not Really About Michael
First I’d like to say my heart goes out to all who loved Michael. Whether you were in his inner circle, or just a fan like me, losing someone to suicide is so hard for those left behind. Especially with no note, obtaining closure has to be beyond the limits that anyone can bear for those who were close to him. Even after all these years, I, as just a fan, still get upset about the circumstances of his passing and feel those who claimed to love him let him down when he needed them most.
Maybe in today’s world his family or friends would have recognized the signs of the depression and drug abuse and would have been bolder and more confrontational to save him from himself. Taken action when he was obviously not capable of it himself. Especially the family who claims to have known him so well. How could they not fight for him harder while he was alive?
Having said this I agree that Paula was not good for him. I believe she was manipulative to a level that is mind boggling. And how did he end up with such horrid legal representation…it’s like there was a plot to drive Michael over the edge so that the sleaze balls could keep all the spoils and spend all his money. Disgusting.
However that anyone - friends or family - would allow Tiger to continue to live with Paula - breastfeed with obviously knowing she had drugs in her system - where the child is having seizures - is the most appalling thing I’ve ever heard. In photos Michael looks like he’s100 years old with Tiger. He looks bloated, unkempt and unhappy. If he was my son or brother or boyfriend, I’d have physically taken him to rehab kicking and screaming if necessary. This family, depicted in this book, shows a lack of connection. Reading this book I feel that the ‘insight’ is nonexistent. There is no depth to what they say they know about Michael. Both Patricia and Tina appear to have been more on the perimeter of his life. I do believe they loved him but they didn’t really know him. Not the adult with the pressures of huge success.
How can there be so little resolution to all of Michael’s property and how can family not get custody of their flesh and blood? There has to be more as to why the family was so cut out of everything. As the saying goes, there’s something rotten in Denmark.
I wanted way more stories about Michael and way less about Tina and Patricia. I realize it was written during a time of upheaval and unimaginable grief. But there isn’t any great uncovering of pertinent information that solves for the unraveling of Michael and his missing assets. But for me, I didn’t want all the dirt, I was looking for the boy, the man. I’m left bereft, feeling this book was a bit of a pity party and not the insight into the gorgeous man behind the rock star image that I was hoping for.
First I’d like to say my heart goes out to all who loved Michael. Whether you were in his inner circle, or just a fan like me, losing someone to suicide is so hard for those left behind. Especially with no note, obtaining closure has to be beyond the limits that anyone can bear for those who were close to him. Even after all these years, I, as just a fan, still get upset about the circumstances of his passing and feel those who claimed to love him let him down when he needed them most.
Maybe in today’s world his family or friends would have recognized the signs of the depression and drug abuse and would have been bolder and more confrontational to save him from himself. Taken action when he was obviously not capable of it himself. Especially the family who claims to have known him so well. How could they not fight for him harder while he was alive?
Having said this I agree that Paula was not good for him. I believe she was manipulative to a level that is mind boggling. And how did he end up with such horrid legal representation…it’s like there was a plot to drive Michael over the edge so that the sleaze balls could keep all the spoils and spend all his money. Disgusting.
However that anyone - friends or family - would allow Tiger to continue to live with Paula - breastfeed with obviously knowing she had drugs in her system - where the child is having seizures - is the most appalling thing I’ve ever heard. In photos Michael looks like he’s100 years old with Tiger. He looks bloated, unkempt and unhappy. If he was my son or brother or boyfriend, I’d have physically taken him to rehab kicking and screaming if necessary. This family, depicted in this book, shows a lack of connection. Reading this book I feel that the ‘insight’ is nonexistent. There is no depth to what they say they know about Michael. Both Patricia and Tina appear to have been more on the perimeter of his life. I do believe they loved him but they didn’t really know him. Not the adult with the pressures of huge success.
How can there be so little resolution to all of Michael’s property and how can family not get custody of their flesh and blood? There has to be more as to why the family was so cut out of everything. As the saying goes, there’s something rotten in Denmark.
I wanted way more stories about Michael and way less about Tina and Patricia. I realize it was written during a time of upheaval and unimaginable grief. But there isn’t any great uncovering of pertinent information that solves for the unraveling of Michael and his missing assets. But for me, I didn’t want all the dirt, I was looking for the boy, the man. I’m left bereft, feeling this book was a bit of a pity party and not the insight into the gorgeous man behind the rock star image that I was hoping for.
July 17, 2025
Some interesting details
I read the Gerry Agar book and out of curiosity dipped into this one to see a more familial perspective. I think Tina received a lot of criticism simply because she was seen as only a "half" sister to Michael Hutchence , and I think this is massively unfair. Had she been a full blood sister I don't think she would have been so vilified.
People forget she was with him from birth and as an elder sibling played a huge part in his life. I think the lawyer/manager Paul Diamond warrants further investigation and has a lot to answer for - a very unsavoury character. The book needs editing and instruction on the correct use of a comma. Some glaring grammatical glitches and a tad disjointed throughout. But it's an important piece in the story of what happened to Hutchence and worth a read. Some reviewers find it unnecessarily vitriolic towards Paula Yates but I genuinely don't think this is the case.
I read the Gerry Agar book and out of curiosity dipped into this one to see a more familial perspective. I think Tina received a lot of criticism simply because she was seen as only a "half" sister to Michael Hutchence , and I think this is massively unfair. Had she been a full blood sister I don't think she would have been so vilified.
People forget she was with him from birth and as an elder sibling played a huge part in his life. I think the lawyer/manager Paul Diamond warrants further investigation and has a lot to answer for - a very unsavoury character. The book needs editing and instruction on the correct use of a comma. Some glaring grammatical glitches and a tad disjointed throughout. But it's an important piece in the story of what happened to Hutchence and worth a read. Some reviewers find it unnecessarily vitriolic towards Paula Yates but I genuinely don't think this is the case.
February 8, 2022
My attitudes towards INXS were at best ambivalence they were a major cultural force in the 1980s...so why not read.... the book explained wy INXS did not sound AUSTRALIAN .... I visited twice and we were more travelers than tourists.... Crowded House had a discernable Aussie Vibe, it was not hard to pindown a Melbourne Vibe to Little River Band, Midnight Oil roared like the Outback... reading the book explained so much... considering Micheal's travels growing up. It casts doubt on the myth of how he died.... it explained of what made INXS well INXS.... (not a fan) so it was interetsting.....
March 29, 2020
Not a bad read if Michael is somewhat of interest to you however if you are a fan there really is nothing new here.
Be mindful that the author's are Michael ' s mother and sister so towards the end you need to make your own decisions.
The early years are interesting but when it gets to his death, Paula Yates, Bob Geldof and even Tigerlilly it is easy to read as an opinion piece. The remaining 5 members of INXS don't miss out in the firing line either
Be mindful that the author's are Michael ' s mother and sister so towards the end you need to make your own decisions.
The early years are interesting but when it gets to his death, Paula Yates, Bob Geldof and even Tigerlilly it is easy to read as an opinion piece. The remaining 5 members of INXS don't miss out in the firing line either
June 26, 2017
After reading quite a few books about Michael Hutchence, I must say this one was really interesting from Michael's sisters point of view. I always feel a little depressed after each one I read because it is so sad to have lost this lovely, talented man at such a young age. Great read.
March 3, 2024
Put Colin Diamond behind bars IMMEDIATELY. I am so totally disgusted with the way he disgraced Michael's memory and made it impossible for his family to grieve. Michael will always be remembered for the sweet angel that he was. RIP. <3
August 4, 2024
This was actually a horibble bitter story, I thought I was reading about Michael but it was airing dirty laundry in the worst possible way. Blood doesn't always make the best family.
August 7, 2011
A good book
December 27, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews