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Michael Hutchence In Silver Shirt by John Stoddart

MICHAEL HUTCHENCE

© John Stoddart

JUST A MAN

Michael Kelland John Hutchence (January 22, 1960 – November 22, 1997) was one of rock music's most magnetic frontmen. Born in Sydney, Australia, and shaped by a childhood that took him from Hong Kong to California, Michael brought natural stage presence, poetic sensibility, and raw artistry to everything he did. His friendship with Andrew Farriss — forged on his first day at Davidson High School — became one of music's great creative partnerships, forming the backbone of INXS and producing a catalogue of songs still heard around the world today.

As the lead singer of INXS, Michael led the band from Sydney pub gigs to sold-out arenas on every continent, achieving international stardom with landmark albums like Kick (1987) and performances that drew comparisons to Mick Jagger and Jim Morrison. Beyond music, he earned praise for his acting and recorded a critically acclaimed solo album as Max Q. Beloved for his warmth and an almost reluctant magnetism, Michael remains an enduring icon whose influence continues to be felt long after his passing in 1997.

Michael Hutchence, photographed by Julian Broad.

© Photo by Julian Broad

INXS APRA Awards 2026

INXS HONORED AT
2026 APRAS

At the 2026 APRA Music Awards, INXS was honored with the Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music. This prestigious lifetime achievement award was presented during APRA's centennial celebration in Sydney to recognize the band’s monumental global impact and songwriting legacy. For close to five decades, INXS have defined what it means for an Australian band to not just break internationally, but to dominate.

 

Presented by longtime friend and collaborator Jenny Morris, the accolade celebrated the band as pioneers who helped define the international sound of Australian rock. The honor highlighted their enduring influence on the industry, cementing their status as one of the country's most significant musical exports during a landmark year for the organization.

Photo credit: Don Arnold

FEATURED VIDEO

INXS was honored with the prestigious Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music

Michael is as much of a presence in our lives today as the day we lost him, and of course the same goes for the band. The legacy of INXS lives on. They remain as relevant as ever, continuing to inspire new generations and bring that unmistakable Aussie spirit to fans around the world.

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- Jenny Morris, longtime friend and collaborator

LATEST NEWS

Michael Hutchence, smoking a cigarette. Photgraphed by Juergen Teller.

Still KICK-ing. The Michael Hutchence Site Re-launches.

From the pub stages of Sydney to sold-out arenas across five continents, Michael Hutchence left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. Since his passing in November 1997, that mark has only deepened — kept alive by family, friends and fans who refused to let the tabloid years become the final word on his life.

 

Launched in 2004, this site has always been the labor of that collective love. Now, completely rebuilt and optimized for all experiences, it returns with one clear purpose: to be the complete resource for everything Michael Hutchence. The music, the story, the man — all of it in one place, with the honesty and spirit he always deserved.

© Photo by Juergen Teller

KICK - Audiophile

INXS' 'KICK' Set For Limited Edition Audiophile Reissue

A new audiophile vinyl edition of INXS's blockbuster 1987 album Kick will be released on May 1, 2026, by Rhino High Fidelity. Cut from the original master tapes by Kevin Gray, this limited edition of 5,000 individually numbered copies is pressed on 180-gram black vinyl and features glossy gatefold packaging with new liner notes by David Fricke.

Pre-Order Now

‘Incredibly Moving’: INXS React to ‘‘Toy Story 5’ Trailer

The teaser trailer for Pixar's Toy Story 5 (releasing June 19, 2026) features the 1987 hit "Never Tear Us Apart"

 

"Never Tear Us Apart" has always held a special place in our hearts, and seeing it in the Toy Story universe is incredibly moving for all of us,” INXS told Rolling Stone AU/NZ.

Watch The Trailer

Toy Story 5 Trailer, Never Tear Us Apart

Listen Like Thieves 40th Anniversary Out Now

The deluxe edition includes remastered tracks, new liner notes, and demos, highlighting the album that helped them achieve global success.

The deluxe edition spans one LP and three CDs. The package includes a brand new stereo mix of the original album by Giles Martin and Paul Hicks.

Order Now

Michael Hutchence on the telephone in a hotel room.

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