INXS: Access All Areas

INXS fans are in for another treat with Part Two of our fascinating deep dive with the inimitable Gary Grant who joined the INXS family in 1981. His contribution was as large as any in ensuring INXS’ business affairs, touring and promotional efforts were A grade in every way. A great storyteller, we get fascinating insights into the game-changing tour with Adam Ant in 1983, why Australian band Managers were so successful globally and numerous anecdotes about a time and place when music was front and centre in people’s entertainment consciousness. Gary generously shares the remarkable relationship and teamwork with Chris Murphy followed by the unfortunate fallout that culminated in the Concert for Life at Centennial Park in March 1992 with Gary departing the INXS family. Not one to rest on his laurels, Gary was able to parlay his skills into venue management whereby he spearheaded Sydney’s Luna Park’s foray into concert hosting. A role that would last over a dozen years and coincidentally saw him hosting INXS’ 2006 Sydney gigs with JD Fortune and the Switch Tour. We get Bee’s counterpoint “Pleasure and Pain” list from 1981, a special news section with some famous September birthdays (hello) plus an iconic tribute song that celebrates its 40th anniversary. So do yourself a favour, forget about the problems in your life and tune into INXS: Access all Areas! Love and Peace https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/ https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/patrons

Strap yourself in, because this week Haydn & Bee crank it up with none other than Gary Grant, INXS’s powerhouse Touring Manager! From sweaty pub gigs to sold-out stadiums, Gary was the guy making sure the lights, the sound, and the chaos all came together for the ultimate INXS experience. He takes us backstage, on the buses, and across the globe with stories that are raw, loud, and unforgettable. Ever wondered what it was really like to keep up with one of the world’s greatest rock bands on the road? Gary’s got the tales — the triumphs, the madness, and the magic — and he doesn’t hold back. This isn’t just an interview… it’s a front-row ticket to the wild ride that was INXS on tour. 🎸🔥 Plus we draw the winning ticket to see who will win the ultimate "Listen Like Thieves Goodie bag". Plus the NEWS section is jam-packed with cool stuff. Oh and yessss one of your and ours favourite segments is back, introduced by Toby Rand lead singer of Ashenmoon ( Garry Gary Beers's new band) Pleasure & Pain. Would you like to become a patron and support the podcast? well here's the link, we can't wait to meet you and introduce you to the gang because we all unstand your love for the Best Band in the World INXS. https://patron.podbean.com/INXSAccessAllAreas

Episode 227: Happy Birthday INXS: Time for a List!! August 16th, 2025 signifies another milestone with INXS turning 48 with coinciding birthday wishes to Tim Farriss (68 years young) and little brother Jon turning 64 in the same week. As such, what better way in celebrating the iconic tunes of INXS with a Bee and Haydn list. Focusing on the first half of their career, Bee and I count down our individual favourite “16” songs from 1980-1986 encompassing the debut album, Underneath the Colours, Shabooh Shoobah, The Swing and Listen like Thieves coupled with soundtracks and B sides. Why 16 you ask? Well with August 16th being INXS Day the birthday of INXS, we gave ourselves an extra bit of wriggle room in pruning down a vast list of iconic, memorable and fantastic songs. A task that contained enormous revision and painstaking commitment. Interestingly, our respective lists contain large swings and differences with a controversial omissions and ranking orders. With the 1991 London Wembley gig given a recent Sunday evening prime time slot in Australia, along with extra footage and interviews with Jon and Kirk, we discuss the ratings juggernaut outcome and take aways from the broadcast. So sit back, embrace the joy and jubilation of this very special episode that cannot be missed! Love and peace Haydn & Bee https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com

Triple J, the kings of alternative and underground radio since 1975 just held their public vote for Australia’s greatest 100 songs of all time with some 2.65 million people voting. That’s nearly 10% of the entire Australian population!!! It’s with pride, joy, exultation and somewhat genuine surprise, that INXS’ 1987 classic “Never Tear Us Apart” came in at number one despite stiff opposition from iconic acts such as AC/DC, Midnight Oil, Crowded House, Nick Cave and Gotye. Originally, darlings of the early Triple J movement back in 1982, INXS were later promoted heavily by more commercial FM radio stations like Triple and Fox FM particularly as their career soared globally in chart, touring and record sales were concerned. As such, INXS were often overlooked in previous polls which particularly in 1992 with their incredible Welcome to Wherever you Are, a sticking point for ardent fans. This poll win soothes the hearts of many. With Need you Tonight and Don’t Change featuring as well, INXS’ inclusion is a true victory for what Triple J’s mission statement espouses, namely “the world’s greatest music democracy”!! So we peel back how this awesome result came to fruition, tackle the time honoured debate and battles of Indie music vs the mainstream and most importantly why Never Year Us Apart as a song has grown in stature over the last 37 years!!! On Sunday 10th August at 8 pm we will also be doing our first "Watch Party" via facebook. Gathering the global INXS fans, to watch INXS's Live Baby Live being played with new commentry, on Australia's Channel & and Channel & Plus. Follow this link to find out more. https://www.facebook.com/share/1C5eBzcPvh/ Final days until we draw our latest raffle "A Bag Full of INXS Goodies" buy 5 tickes get 5 free. $20 a ticket. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGXxzgRaG5Q&list=RDqGXxzgRaG5Q&start_radio=1

A special 1 hour 50 mins feature album review this week, as Bee and I take nostalgic walk down memory lane to July 2025, where on the back of Richard Lowenstein’s heartfelt Documentary tribute to Michael Hutchence the subsequent Soundtrack: Mystify was released to Australia, Japan and European audiences. The brainchild of Chris Murphy, this innovative, unconventional and truly unique offering deconstructs the cliche soundtrack formats of yesteryear by carving a musical mosaic of songs, sounds, interview clips and reworking of familiar hits, deep cut, rarities and remixes of INXS and Michael solo tracks taking the listener on a sonic journey. Being released on multiple formats, the vinyl version comes with a double album and four sides allowing the listener to enjoy the nostalgic tactile experience with glorious liner notes and written contributions from each INXS band member on tribute to Michael. Strictly speaking, this isn’t a pure companion piece to the Mystify Documentary with the album track-listing varying considerably to the documentary and the release was not without issues between INXS Management and Richard. That aside, this album evokes every gamut of emotion whether it be joy, sorrow, pride, passion, positivity and pain. So do yourself a favour and listen to this album first then listen to this episode. You’ll enjoy it more!!! Love and peace Haydn & Bee https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/ https://www.change.org/p/induct-inxs-into-the-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-2026

Who is Mark Opitz? Let’s just say this… without Mark Opitz, the sound of INXS – and a good chunk of Australian rock royalty – wouldn’t be what it is today. Mark Opitz is more than a record producer. He’s a sonic architect, a studio visionary, and the man behind the glass during some of the most defining moments in Aussie music history. INXS – Yes, he helped shape their sound during that vital early international breakthrough with “Shabooh Shoobah”, and a few years later, he came back to help steer the band through two bold and creative studio albums: “Welcome to Wherever You Are” and “Full Moon, Dirty Hearts.” Albums that pushed boundaries, reinvented the band’s sound, and cemented their status as artists—not just hitmakers. But the Mark Opitz story doesn’t stop at INXS. Not even close. He’s worked with AC/DC, Cold Chisel, The Angels, Divinyls, Noiseworks, Hoodoo Gurus, Models, and Jimmy Barnes—and that’s just scratching the surface. His shelves are stacked with ARIA Awards, platinum records, and accolades from every corner of the industry. He’s produced and engineered for acts like Kiss, Bob Dylan, and even The Rolling Stones during their Australian tour prep. Mark’s career spans decades and genres, always with a trademark focus on the craft of making records that last. And here’s the part we’re proudest of… Mark is a patron and proud supporter of the INXS: Access All Areas Podcast. He believes in what we do, and he generously shared his time, stories, and wisdom with us across two incredible episodes. Episodes 222 & 223 In this powerful 2-part series, Mark takes us inside the studio, unpacks how his mind works, and gives us a front-row seat to the alchemy of recording. You’ll hear about: Working with a young Michael Hutchence Finding that perfect guitar tone Why studio psychology is just as important as the gear What it takes to bring the best out of a band So… Who is Mark Opitz? He’s the producer behind your favourite tracks, the unsung hero of the Aussie rock explosion, and a man with a million stories told with heart, humour, and honesty. Listen now to Episodes 222 & 223 of the INXS: Access All Areas Podcast and celebrate the genius of this legendary man. Rock history, straight from the source. There is also time to buy a raffle ticket and be in the running to win a cool INXS Goodie bag; it includes a CD gift wrapped and signed by Kirk Pengilly, one of Tim's guitar picks, the New Listen Like Thieves double CD, a Limited Edition Listen Like Thieves Lanyard, some Podcast merch. All tucked into an Offical Listen Like Thieves Tote bag. Here the link this is "What You Need!" https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/product-page/listen-like-thieves-raffle-ticket To find out more about the podcast here is our website https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/ Cheers Haydn & Bee

INXS: Access all Areas is guest month; where we are pleased to welcome famed Australian Producer, Author, Business Owner and Order of Australia (AM) recipient in 2020 from the Queen to the Podcast. With the recent passing of the iconic Beach Boys Co-Founder and musical maestro Brian Wilson, we were inspired to get a “little musical” and dive deep on the art of the “vocalist”. With production techniques and recordings evolving so much between the 1950’s through to the late 1970’s, we pay homage to Brian, his band mates and other artists that created a foundation that our very own INXS benefited from once they emerged from the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Mark Opitz shares some fascinating insights dating back to 1978 where as a young emerging Producer with Albert’s Music (home of AC/DC, The Easybeats, Rose Tattoo and The Angels) got the opportunity to work with the Beach Boys and Brian over a weekend when touring Australia. Combining these vital recent production successes and techniques, INXS were to become the future beneficiaries of Mark’s sonic skills which lean into. So sit back, open up your musical hearts and minds to the sweet sounds and discussions of a unique but unmissable part one of a special feature double episode! Love and peace Check out our latest raffle where you could win a Listen Like Thieves Goodie Bag which we will be adding too this week. Offical Listen Like Thieves Tote Bag Listen Like Thieves double CD 2025 Listen Like Thieves Lanyard Limited edition Timmy Farriss Guitar pick from Timmy to you. https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/product-page/listen-like-thieves

Listeners are in for a treat as we are re- joined by the inimitable Philip Mortlock for part two chat exploring a wider than normal range of music industry discussion nuggets. With the recent re-issue of Listen Like Thieves, Philip’s calligraphy artwork on the original release, particularly the track-listing is given due discussion along with the stunning photography stills that make up the entire album. Additionally, the dance remix cassette Dekadance release in 1985 that contained the iconic 4 singles from The Swing plus remixed plus two rare versions of Love is (What I Say) and Melting in the Sun was a welcome discussion point sure to excite time honoured INXS fans. Never one to procrastinate and rest on one’s laurels, Philip is still a vital force in the music industry spearheading his own Record Label, “Origin”. A label who lives its values of “Originality, Diversity and Creativity”, Philip allows artists the platform to perform and create unencumbered with acts including Tim Finn (Split Enz, Crowded House), ARIA award winner Megan Washington and APRA Song of the Year recipient Katie Noonan (George fame). So sit back, put your favourite headphones, earpods or device on and embrace the wonderful vocal wisdom of Philip Mortlock. Love and peace. Do you want to win the 'goodie bag"? then find out more. https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/

As we embark on our 6th year as a podcast, it’s rare that INXS: Access all Areas has returning guests, such was the magnitude of Philip Mortlock’s impact first time around in 2020. As an original and pivotal creative consultant to INXS between 1982-86, Philip’s contribution is particularly timely with the recent 40th anniversary release of Listen like Thieves. With album cover artwork, photography and film clip contributions, Philip’s skill and creative techniques have proven timeless. This time around, we wanted to examine the music business both in 1985 vs 2025 examining marketing, product distribution and the critical role support teams play in making and breaking both an album and a band. Still vital and vibrant after 40 plus years in the industry, Philip is still managing artists, their catalogues and most critically allowing them to do what they do best which is making music and does so with integrity and continued passion. So sit back and enjoy part one of a two part interview where we traverse a wide range of discussion points underpinned your band, INXS. Love and peace Haydn & Bee https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/ To help us with the Go Fund Me for lisa any cotribution is kindly appreciated https://gofund.me/c6a0fcdf Please sign the Inducted INXS Petiton https://www.change.org/p/induct-inxs-into-the-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-2026

As the Listen like Thieves 40th anniversary album soars up the international charts, we unpack the June 24th, 1986 live concert which is brilliantly packaged and re-mastered onto the new release for fans to enjoy. The beautiful and historic Royal Albert Hall, opened to the public in 1871, has been the epicenter of British and international culture ever since. Hosting diverse acts and individuals ranging from Phantom of the Opera, Albert Einstein, The BAFTA’s and sports, this 5272 capacity venue was intimate enough but large enough to capture INXS as they finally cracked fickle UK critics and audiences. With a setlist that leant on the recent triumvirate successes of Shabooh Shoobah, The Swing and Listen Like Thieves plus a few recent soundtrack releases, INXS captured that famous primal, propulsive and passionate urgency they were known for. With iconic footage on You Tube of the band’s sound check and interview footage with Tim, Kirk and Michael sprinkled with their famous “ Nile Rodgers warmup song”, INXS fans are showered in nostalgic overdrive. So whether you’re a downloader, vinyl operator or CD aficionado, do yourself a favour and turn your device up to 11 (hello Spinal Tap), sing from the heart and fist pump with passion and pride. Love and peace Haydn & Bee https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/ To help us with the Go Fund Me for lisa any cotribution is kindly appreciated https://gofund.me/c6a0fcdf Please sign the Inducted INXS Petiton https://www.change.org/p/induct-inxs-into-the-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-2026

May 10th, 2025 shall go down as one of the great days when INXS: Access all Areas was able to meet patrons, listeners and passionate INXS fans from around the globe as we hosted them on our Sydney bus tour and evening gala function. Celebrating our 5th birthday, Bee and I were truly humbled by the level of support, participation and love for what was a little idea in late 2019 that materialized into a fully blown concept in May 2020. So for those unable to attend, Bee and myself aim to bring the essence, events and vibe of the entire day to you through this episode. With audio acknowledgements from Ollie Olsen’s Manager Bruce Butler, Sean Dickson (Soup Dragons) amongst many, we are truly humbled. With special guests Richard Simpkin ( Michael in Pictures) and the greatest INXS cover band, Don’t Change; guests were astonished and blown away by INXS’ very own Kirk Pengilly who turned up and stayed till the very end mingling and embracing the night. Shout out to all those who traveled so far to join us and thankyou to all the raffle, auction and prize winners with fantastic merchandise and INXS treasures going home with the lucky bidders. So as we continue to push the band’s cause to be inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, we were excited to have the event acknowledged in the latest edition of Rolling Stone Magazine some few days later and believe with your support and patronage, we can lobby for true musical justice and attend as a collective the 2026 Induction ceremony knowing we did our bit. Love and peace Haydn & Bee https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com https://www.change.org/p/induct-inxs-into-the-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-2026 https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/inxs-kirk-pengilly-talks-rock-hall-snub-76810/

Late April and May is a special time in Australia, the UK and the USA where we commemorate our returned soldiers and remember those who fought so bravely to provide the freedom we deeply appreciate and enjoy today. Lest we forget. Inspiring us with loyalty, mateship and bravery, a little band of brothers from the Northern Beaches of Sydney channeled the courage of our war heroes to traverse the globe with no guarantees, promises or favours to become the biggest band on the planet between 1988-1990 with style, sacrifice and substance. In no way are we comparing the ultimate sacrifice of our war heroes to INXS however the DNA of true Aussie mateship, loyalty, commitment perseverance were traits INXS drew upon when many other bands before them disappeared after so much promise. So Bee and I count down individually our “Top 7 moments” when INXS bravely fought against the odds, self-doubt and industry challenges to usurp their contemporaries such as Dire Straits, U2, The Police, Simple Minds and Duran Duran to become the biggest band in the world. Typically our lists vary but the sentiment and unabashed pride in INXS’ achievements evoke similarly. So sit back and take a moment to enjoy the characteristics and attributes that created INXS’ success not just the outcomes. Love and peace https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/ https://www.inductinxs.com/signthepetition

As we wish the world a Happy Easter, we thought what better occasion for INXS: Access all Areas to deep dive on that pop culture touchstone of highlighting INXS’ very own Easter Eggs, that being the trail of cultural touchstones they have left behind over some 48 years. As with movies, books and music, artists often leave a trail and footprint in the cultural zeitgeist through multiple platforms such as movies, lyrics, sports and film clips and INXS are no different. So Bee and I have great fun in this episode locating these cool little nuggets in some obvious and obscure places. We kick things off, pardon the pun at the peak of INXS’ international fame between 1987-1990 and divert into the world of movie and TV soundtracks. We then take a left turn to sports and bring it home with something more ethereal like religion, faith and spirituality. All whilst not taking ourselves too seriously!!! So for all of you adults out there who seem to miss out on the Easter Bunny chocolate fix, sit back and get your own very dose and dollop of INXS Easter Eggs!! Love and Peace Click the link below to win a vintage copy of Listen Like Thieves, signed by Kirk and Tim. The winner will be announced at the party on The Strangest party on the 10th May. Good Luck! https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/product-page/raffle

We're Back! INXS:Access all Areas is pleased to take pause from all that is happening in the INXS multi-verse and acknowledge the musical maestro, genius and engine room that is Andrew Charles Farriss on his recent 66th birthday. Every great band has one member that is the musical juggernaut, auteur and sheer skill, creativity and vision to propel their band from good to great and INXS were fortunate enough to have such a person as Andrew Farriss despite his humble bowing to the collective unit. So today we examine Andrew’s inimitable skills in songcraft, instrumentation, production and lyricism paying due homage to individual songs for INXS his influences and influence on the wider musical generations to follow. Forever evolving and challenging himself without fear or threat of changing trends and fads, we aim to dive deep on the real Andrew Farriss behind the music. With a jam packed news section, exciting competition to win a signed original "Listen Like Thieves"Album https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/product-page/raffle Lots of updates and snippets of cool info from Bee regarding our 5th anniversary party in Sydney, this is a not to be missed. Pssst If you want to know more about the party we might beable to squeeze you on the bus too. Get in touch INXSAAA@gmail.com Love & Peace

With the pending May 9th release of the 40th anniversary Deluxe Edition of Listen Like Thieves, Bee and Haydn couldn’t wait to provide their listeners around the globe a deep dive preview into the formats, track listings, special features and bonus material. But before we do, we revisit and discuss the original 1985 album release in all of its glory as the album represented INXS’ first genuine international commercial success spearheaded by the infectious funk groove of “What you Need” that soared up the charts providing the musical template of things to come. Listen Like Thieves seemed like a guitar tour-de-force response to the perceived over- produced but iconic and brilliant The Swing album, re-creating the “live sound” that Producer, Chris Thomas, wanted to encapsulate. With tracks like Good & Bad Times, This Time and the eponymous title track, this mission was achieved. The 40th anniversary Deluxe Edition release features the brilliant Giles Martin and Paul Hicks on production, remixing and engineering duties utilize the modern Atmos Dolby Mix, brilliant liner notes by famed music journalist Paul Sexton and a remastering of the forgotten but famed Royal Albert Hall gig INXS performed in unison with the BBC. With pre- orders on vinyl and CD’s available, get in early and place your orders to avoid missing out. Order via the INXS Website https://www.inxs.com Catch up on all our episodes https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/ Love and peace

Listen like Thieves vs Elegantly Wasted Time to get back to the music that filled our heads, hearts & eardrums over the years with our song showdown episode. With the 28th anniversary of Elegantly Wasted single upon us, the Bee contends that it’s the greatest INXS song that namesakes an album title. Haydn, takes the contrary view that Listen Like Thieves is the greatest single release that namesakes an actual album release. “So Houston, we have a problem” that requires a deep dive debate with opposing thoughts, views and opinions. Etched in pour collective minds and souls, both tracks managed to traverse INXS’ recording career at starkly different times. Listen like Thieves, the last ever single released that was a full band songwriting compilation and Elegantly Wasted, recorded uniquely in Ireland at a time post a Michael & Andrew night out on the town with Bono from U2. Either way, both songs serve as a signpost of INXS’ incredible versatility in musicianship and songwriting. With a jam packed news section to add, there is no other place to be this week than with the INXS: Access all Areas Podcast team! Love and peace Make you vote below and lets see who you agree with. Obviously we love them both but this is just a bit of fun. check out our facebook page to make your votes https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/

THE MOON HAS LANDED – INXS Access All Areas Interview with AshenMoon (Part 2) In the second half of our exclusive INXS Access All Areas interview, we catch up with Garry Beers and Toby Rand, who have now reunited with their AshenMoon bandmates in Brisbane, ready for lift-off on their first Australian tour! 🚀🎸 But that’s not all—while talking all things AshenMoon, we also dive into some major INXS news! Garry shares insights on the new release of Listen Like Thieves and gives us a glimpse into INXS's upcoming 50th anniversary in just two years. We ask the big question: What are the celebratory plans? 👀🎶 📅 Tour Dates:📍https://www.ashenmoonmusic.com/liveshows 🎟 Tickets on sale now Get ready for an unforgettable experience—see you there! 🤘🌙

Buckle up, everybody, for our “First Feature February” interview with Ashen Moon Co-Founders Garry Beers and Toby Rand. Obviously, the INXS halo looms large over Garry, but in this deep dive, we open up about the vital and vibrant rock sounds that are Ashen Moon. A chance meeting before COVID saw Garry and Toby come together, with the musical alchemy being immediate. Soon after, the fantastic EP Umbra 1 was released with four fantastic and varied tracks, namely: Dustbowl, Future Kings & Queens, Mosquito, and Without Faith. With a pending Australian tour in March, we dive deep into the state of rock music, its place in the modern landscape, and its importance in inspiring emerging music fans looking for a vehicle to express their enthusiasm. Honest, passionate, and inspired, Garry and Toby present as united and passionate proponents of the rock genre. We delve into all matters INXS, with Garry sharing his passion for the recently announced 40th anniversary Listen Like Thieves reissue in May this year, the possibility of future INXS concerts in their 50th band anniversary year, plus the recent omission from the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame nomination list. Last but not least, we get to share patron questions with Garry and Toby. So sit back, forget about the problems in your lives, and enjoy a unique and informative Access All Areas edition! Love and Peace You can now listen to all our old episodes via our website https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/

INXS + Rock & Roll Hall of Fame = LONG Overdue! It’s time to make some noise, INXS fans! The Access All Areas INXS Podcast has teamed up with the passionate crew behind the Induct INXS Petition to tackle one BIG question: Why isn’t INXS in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame yet?! In this must-watch episode, we break down: The band’s global impact & why they deserve the honor How YOU can help push the petition forward The biggest roadblocks (and how we can smash through them!) Why the Rock Hall can’t ignore INXS any longer! Let’s be real—over 60 million albums sold, sold-out stadiums across the globe, and a back catalogue of anthems like Need You Tonight, Never Tear Us Apart, and New Sensation that still dominate playlists today—INXS more than deserve their place among the greats. And if you need more proof that INXS is still as powerful as ever… Our mate, the legendary Garry ‘GB’ Beers, just gave us the heads-up that INXS’s The Best Of album is BACK at #1 on the Australian Music Charts! Decades later, and still topping charts—because INXS isn’t just a band, they’re a legacy. Listen or Watch the latest episode via or Youtube Channel, sign the petition, and let’s get INXS inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame where they belong! Don’t forget to subscribe & follow the INXS Access All Areas Podcast for exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and everything INXS. The charts don’t lie. The fans won’t be silent. Let’s make this happen. https://youtu.be/6ArXr6SyZ-o?si=hC6GjLbSgG_x6k8S

With a catalogue as extensive as INXS’, there was bound to be moments in time when certain songs captured the zeitgeist attention of the music buying public and critics. Look no further than January 28th, 1988 when a humble hard working sextet from Australia hit number one on the Billboard Charts with Need You Tonight. A song, that now, sounds so familiar, crisp and radio friendly but then, a new modern twist on funk, soul and pop with sound production so cutting edge, every breath, ooh and aah sounded like Michael Hutchence was singing it to you directly from your living room. Combined with an innovative, breathtaking and cutting edge video clip, Need you Tonight put INXS into the stratosphere of superstardom and success. MTV awards ensued, world tours were booked and the album Kick had the necessary momentum to spawn 4 subsequent hit singles and international acclaim. Five years later in February 1993, a less prominent and commercially successful track was released as the fifth single to Welcome to Wherever You are, namely Beautiful Girl. A self-penned track by Andrew Farriss as an ode to new fatherhood, this restrained, mellow and resonant song showcased a maturity, subtlety and consciousness to both the INXS writing and recording process. Charting steadily if not spectacularly, the film clip by Mark Pellington of U2 and Pearl Jam fame would garner a Grammy nomination for Best Video of the Year losing out to Peter Gabriel’s “Steam” clip. That aside, the social conscious messaging of the clip resonated nicely with the lyrical content whilst Michael’s channeling of Lou Reed, circa The Velvet Underground era only added to its worthiness. So sit back and reminisce as we step back in time and honour two distinct but two important songs in the INXS catalogue that still resonate 37 and 32 years later respectively. Love and Peace Haydn & Bee https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/episodes https://www.change.org/p/induct-inxs-into-the-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-2025