Inxs

INXS began life as The Farriss Brothers in Sydney in 1977, featuring three Farriss brothers—Andrew, Jon and Tim—alongside bassist Garry Gary Beers, singer Michael Hutchence and guitarist/saxophonist Kirk Pengilly. They gigged relentlessly in pubs and on the school circuit before renaming themselves INXS in 1979, a play on “in excess,” and landing a record deal that led to their debut album in 1980. That first album, recorded on a shoestring budget between midnight and dawn, spawned their first Top 40 single in Australia, “Just Keep Walking.” Musically, INXS began rooted in new wave and post‑punk, but quickly evolved, drawing on funk, disco, dance‑rock and pub rock. Their third album, Shabooh Shoobah (1982), brought them international attention with tracks like “The One Thing,” while The Swing (1984), produced with Nile Rodgers, delivered the anthemic Australian No.1 “Original Sin.” By the time Listen Like Thieves and, most notably, Kick arrived in 1985–87, their sound had matured into sleek, rhythm‑driven rock with pop sensibility. Kick would become their commercial breakthrough. Its lead single “Need You Tonight,” written in a burst of inspiration, became their only U.S. No. 1, while “Devil Inside,” “New Sensation” and “Never Tear Us Apart” cemented their global stardom. INXS became known for their powerful live shows and stylized music videos—“Mediate,” paired with “Need You Tonight,” famously mimicked the Bob Dylan clip for “Subterranean Homesick Blues.” Tragedy struck in 1997 with the death of Michael Hutchence, and despite attempts to continue with new vocalists and a reality‑TV‑fueled comeback, the magic of the classic era remained unmatched. Today, INXS’s legacy endures through their enduring hits, influence on artists across decades, and reputation as one of Australia’s greatest contributions to international rock music.