Leslie Massey
INXS, an Australian rock band, rose to fame in the 1980s with their unique blend of rock and funk. The band's popularity in their home country was evident early on, with their 1983 single Original Sin topping the Australian charts and their album The Swing going double platinum. INXS received seven Countdown Awards (Australia's version of the Grammys), more than any other group at the time. Their success in Australia served as a launchpad for international fame, particularly after the release of their 1987 album Kick, which included the hit single Need You Tonight. INXS has sold over 50 million records worldwide and is considered one of Australia's most successful music acts, with their influence on the music industry extending far beyond their native country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First No. 1 single in Australia | "Original Sin" in 1984 |
| First US breakthrough | "The One Thing" in 1982 |
| US chart hits | 18 |
| UK chart success | "What You Need" in 1985 |
| UK hits | 26 |
| Australian hits | 42 |
| Album sales in Australia | Double platinum for "The Swing" |
| Top Australian TV network miniseries | INXS: Never Tear Us Apart |
| Australian Music Awards won | Best International Band |
| Australian Countdown Awards won | 7 |
| ARIA Awards won | 7 |
| BPI Awards won in Britain | Best International Band and Best International Male |
| Total worldwide album sales | 50 million |
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What You'll Learn
INXS's first No. 1 single in Australia
INXS is one of the most successful musical acts in Australian history, with over 80 million albums sold worldwide. The band's first number-one hit in Australia was "Original Sin", released in 1984. The song topped the charts not just in Australia but also in Argentina and France. It also reached No. 6 in New Zealand, No. 11 in Canada, No. 23 in Switzerland, No. 31 in the Netherlands, and No. 58 in the US.
The success of "Original Sin" helped propel INXS to international fame in the mid-to-late 1980s and early 1990s. Their albums during this period, including Listen Like Thieves, Kick, and X, were particularly popular. Kick, released in 1987, peaked at No. 1 in Australia and No. 3 on the US Billboard 200. It produced four Top 10 US singles, including "Need You Tonight", which became the band's only US No. 1 single.
INXS's success in their home country of Australia continued with multiple No. 1 hits on the Australian charts, including "Need You Tonight", "Devil Inside", "Suicide Blonde", "Never Tear Us Apart", "What You Need", and "Original Sin". Their songs were also featured in television commercials for companies like Chevy Trucks and NRMA.
The band's early singles, such as "Just Keep Walking", "Stay Young", and "The One Thing", showcased their talent and helped build their reputation in the competitive Australian pub circuit. Their song "Don't Change" became an anthem and was covered by renowned artists such as Green Day and Bruce Springsteen.
INXS's impact extended beyond music charts and into popular culture. Their song "Good Times", a collaboration with Jimmy Barnes, was featured in the 1987 film The Lost Boys and its soundtrack, peaking at No. 47 on the US charts. The band's charismatic and stylish presence in their music videos, with an unmistakable 80s flair, further contributed to their popularity.
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The Swing album's success
INXS, the Australian rock band, found immense success and popularity in their home country, particularly with their album "The Swing." Released in April 1984, "The Swing" built upon the momentum that the band had already generated with their previous albums, "Shabooh Shoobah" and "Listen Like Thieves."
"The Swing" cemented INXS's status as one of Australia's biggest and most beloved bands at the time. The album debuted at number one on the Australian Kent Music Report album chart and remained in the top position for a remarkable 11 weeks. It spent a total of 87 weeks in the top 100, becoming one of the longest-charting albums in Australian history. This success was driven by hit singles such as "Original Sin," which peaked at number one on the Australian Kent Music Report singles chart, and "I Send a Message," which reached number three. These songs became anthemic in Australia, with "Original Sin" being considered one of the band's signature songs and a staple of Australian rock music.
The album's success wasn't limited to the charts, either. "The Swing" received critical acclaim and cemented INXS's reputation as a must-see live act. Their concerts across Australia sold out, and their energetic and charismatic performances won over fans and critics alike. The band's unique blend of rock, new wave, and funk, coupled with the captivating stage presence of frontman Michael Hutchence, created a powerful and memorable live experience.
The success of "The Swing" also had a significant impact on the Australian music industry. It showcased the talent and potential of Australian artists and inspired a wave of Australian bands to find success both locally and internationally. INXS's success helped to foster a sense of pride and enthusiasm for Australian music, and their influence can still be felt in the country's music scene today.
Additionally, "The Swing" launched INXS into international success. The album reached number two in New Zealand and number five on the UK Albums Chart, setting the stage for their future global stardom. The band would go on to achieve even greater heights with their subsequent albums and tours, solidifying their place as one of Australia's most successful musical exports.
Overall, the success of "The Swing" album in Australia was a pivotal moment in INXS's career, establishing them as one of the country's biggest and most influential bands. The album's chart performance, critical acclaim, and impact on the Australian music industry solidified INXS as a homegrown success story and set the stage for their enduring legacy.
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INXS's influence on other artists
INXS has had a profound influence on the Australian music scene and the international music industry. Their unique blend of rock, pop, and funk, combined with the charismatic stage presence of their frontman, Michael Hutchence, set them apart and left an indelible mark on the industry. INXS has sold over 50 million records worldwide, making them one of the most successful Australian bands ever.
The band's impact goes beyond their chart-topping hits and energetic live performances. They pioneered the use of music videos as a visual medium, influencing how artists approach music visuals even today. Their influence can be seen in the work of contemporary artists such as Maroon 5, The Killers, Coldplay, and Savage Garden, who have all cited INXS as an inspiration. Maroon 5, for instance, may have drawn inspiration from INXS's blend of rock, pop, and funk, as well as Hutchence's charismatic stage presence.
INXS's music and image also left a lasting impact on their fans, with their fashion sense and music videos inspiring devotion and trends. Their music remains timeless, and their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011 solidifies their enduring influence and legacy in the industry.
Additionally, INXS's music has been covered and reinterpreted by other artists. Their song "Don't Change" has been covered by Green Day and Bruce Springsteen, who were unable to capture its naive charm but still recognised its appeal and enduring quality. INXS's music has also been featured in television shows and films, such as the BBC's "Live Aid" broadcast and the documentary "Mystify", further exposing their music to new audiences and ensuring their legacy continues to reach new generations.
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![INXS: Live Baby Live [4K UHD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71g8sFGXyDL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The band's live performances
INXS, an Australian rock band, was formed in 1977 in Sydney. The band's founding members included Garry Gary Beers, Andrew Farriss, Jon Farriss, Tim Farriss, Michael Hutchence, and Kirk Pengilly. The band's live performances were a significant aspect of their career and contributed to their popularity in Australia and worldwide.
INXS's early records, with their new wave, ska, and pop style, were followed by extensive touring. In 1981, the band performed almost 300 shows, solidifying their reputation as a live act. Their energetic and captivating live performances became a hallmark of their career.
INXS's live performances were known for the charismatic stage presence of their lead singer, Michael Hutchence. His magnetic performance style made him the focal point of the band. Hutchence's ability to command the stage, combined with the band's tight musicianship, created a powerful live experience that resonated with audiences.
One notable performance was at Wembley Stadium on July 13, 1991, during their Summer XS Tour. INXS performed to a sold-out crowd of over 70,000 fans, and this concert was recorded and released as their first live album, "Live Baby Live." The album featured tracks recorded in various cities worldwide, including Melbourne and Sydney, and it peaked in the top 10 on the Australian and UK albums charts.
INXS's live performances continued to be a key aspect of their appeal, even as their musical style evolved over the years. The band's ability to connect with audiences and deliver dynamic shows contributed to their enduring popularity in Australia and beyond.
INXS's final concert took place on November 11, 2012, marking the end of a remarkable journey for the influential Australian band.
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The band's TV miniseries
INXS, an Australian rock band, rose to fame in the mid-1980s and became internationally recognised. Their first number-one hit in Australia was "Original Sin", released in 1984. The band's popularity grew with the release of their albums Listen Like Thieves, Kick, and X, and several singles such as "Need You Tonight", "Devil Inside", and "New Sensation".
In 2014, an Australian TV miniseries titled INXS: Never Tear Us Apart shed light on the band's behind-the-scenes stories and rise to fame. The two-part miniseries, produced by Shine Australia and telecast on the Seven Network, premiered on 9 February 2014 and concluded on 16 February 2014. The show received high ratings and positive reviews, with many praising the portrayal of the band and its members.
The miniseries focused on the band's early years, their rise to stardom, and the personal lives of its members. It commenced with footage of INXS performing in front of a sold-out crowd at Wembley Stadium in 1991, followed by a shift to their early days in Perth, Western Australia, in 1979, when they were known as the Farriss Brothers. The story then moved to their early years in Sydney, where they acquired their first manager, Gary Morris, and released their first album.
INXS: Never Tear Us Apart also delved into the band's rise to success, the challenges they faced, and the risks taken by their manager, Chris Murphy. The show included interviews with band members, such as Tim Farriss, providing insights into their journey. The miniseries concluded by alluding to the death of Michael Hutchence, the band's lead singer, in 1997.
The success of the TV miniseries led to a renewed interest in the band and a resurgence in sales of their music. INXS's albums and singles once again topped the Australian popular music charts, demonstrating the enduring appeal of their music and the impact of the miniseries.
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Frequently asked questions
INXS had 42 hits in Australia, with "Original Sin" being their only No. 1 single in 1983.
The Swing, released in 1984, reached double-platinum sales in Australia and became one of the top five selling albums in Australian music history.
Yes, INXS's popularity in Australia led to international attention in the early 1980s, with their first breakthrough hit in the US in 1982. They achieved worldwide popularity with the release of their 1987 album Kick.
