INXS are an Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1977. Originally performing as The Farriss Brothers, the band developed a distinctive sound that combined rock, funk, new wave and pop, with Hutchence's charismatic vocals and stage presence becoming central to their identity.
The band released their self-titled debut album in 1980, recorded during overnight sessions in Sydney while they continued performing extensively in local pubs. Their early work established the foundations of a sound that would continue to evolve throughout the decade, while songs such as "Original Sin" helped them gain a growing audience beyond Australia.
INXS achieved their international breakthrough with Listen Like Thieves in 1985, followed by their landmark sixth album, Kick, in 1987. Featuring some of the band's best-known songs, including "Need You Tonight", "Never Tear Us Apart", "New Sensation" and "Devil Inside", Kick became their most successful studio album and established INXS as a major international rock act. "Need You Tonight" reached number one on the US Billboard singles chart, while the album itself achieved multi-platinum status in the United States.
The success continued with X in 1990, which produced further international hits including "Suicide Blonde", "Disappear" and "By My Side". INXS became renowned for their energetic live performances, playing to enormous audiences around the world, including a historic sold-out performance at Wembley Stadium for 74,000 fans.
Michael Hutchence remained the defining figure of INXS throughout their most successful years, combining a powerful vocal style with an unmistakable stage presence that helped make him one of the most recognisable frontmen of his generation. Following his death in 1997, INXS continued to perform and record, but his contribution remains inseparable from the band's legacy.
With a career spanning more than four decades and worldwide record sales running into the tens of millions, INXS remain one of Australia's most internationally successful rock bands. Their catalogue continues to be celebrated for its combination of infectious rhythms, rock energy and sophisticated pop songwriting.
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