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Geoff Boucher, music writer, Los Angeles Times
'The spotlight of fame casts a long shadow and, with rock casualties such as Michael Hutchence, the truths of their personal life are often obscured in the glare of innuendo and tabloid-minded media coverage. JUST A MAN is a family document that searches for those truths and a man who lost his way in the spotlight.'

Sydney Sunday Telegraph
'Most rock biographies simply dish out the sordid details......what emerges is, in fact, more interesting.'

Melbourne Sunday Age
'Frank, at times bitter, at others moving and sympathetic. And behind it all is the spectre of the parentless Tiger Lily.'

Canberra Times
'An impressive and pretty fair account of the ebb and flow of Hutchence's fortunate, but ultimately wasted, life.'

Linda Herrick, Auckland Sunday Star Times
'a book which cogently and frankly details the singer's life and the often bizarre family dynamics which reverberate to this day.JUST A MAN is not a sycophantic homage to a rock star but a warts and all record-straightener which sets out to dispel myths about Hutchence's relationships, especially with Yates, the nature of his death, and its aftermath when his will and finances were the subject of dispute.'

The fans & new readers

Ted Levine, Cape Town, South Africa wrote:

Hi Patricia and Tina

Firstly, even though many years have passed, I would like to offer condolences for your loss, both as mother and sister. I too have lost a brother and I have some idea of how it feels.

Secondly, it must be said that, as an absolute music lover (in all it’s many genres) I have read many biographies and autobiographies of musicians and bands..from Led Zeppelin to Michael Stipe (REM) to David Bowie, Slash, The Stones etc etc as I have always been fascinated with seemingly ‘ordinary’ people who’ve struck fame and fortune and produced some of the best music known to our modern age. Equally fascinating has been their odysee’s and their personal journeys through a lifetime of living in the fast lane.

It was thus that I chanced upon a copy of Just a Man in my local music store in the suburb of Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa and decided to read the story written by the two of you about Michael.

It must also be said that although I had listened to the music of INXS to some degree, I was by no means a hard-bitten fan. I loved two tracks over and above the rest (Mystify and Never Tear Us Apart) but having said that, I had never owned an INXS album, so I am sure there would have been other tracks that I would have loved as well.

Something drew me to the book, that’s for certain, as I’ve often been faced with a choice of books about various musicians and have chosen not to read certain ones based on the ‘feeling’ I get from the book – and that has applied to musicians who’s music was much more familiar to me than INXS’s.

I started the book without any bias as I had no affinity toward any of the protagonists and was immediately struck by the incredible love that you both have for Michael and the more I read the more I was carried away into the world of Michael Hutchence and his family, friends, lovers and enemies (and by the last, I mean people who had their own interests at heart in the way they interacted with him). I think you have managed to capture the true spirit of the man – his gentleness and compassion and the myriad other characteristics that made him who he was. I like to believe that my heart would be truthful with me when hearing all the different sides to the same story, and somehow I feel my heart has not lied to me on hearing your versions of events.

You have both managed to write a book that is captivating in it’s earnesty and honesty, and my heart truly goes out to the both of you and to the many people in Michael’s life whom he loved and who loved him for who he was. The world can be a terribly harsh place in among it’s beauty, and your story has much of both. Having read up a little online about Paula Yates, I can only be in agreement as to what was written in your book, not that I needed to read up about her, as the feeling I got from reading Just a Man told me all I needed to hear. I simply went with my heart and my gut feel and the picture you painted was very much in line with my feelings. I have not read such an honest and heart-wrenching book in ages and even as I write this, my heart is at once heavy and happy, as I realize that with death comes a rebirth of sorts – the legacy – and I feel that you have done your absolute best in trying to set the record straight, and in so doing have lifted Michael’s spirit high and proud.

Thank you both for this amazing journey into the life of Michael Hutchence. I’m sure it means as much to so many out there as it does to me.

Lisa Parker wrote:

I just finished this book…I have never read such an honest biography.  I have always been a fan of INXS as a whole, and recently became more interested in Michael and what had happened to him.  Of course, he’s just a beautiful man, and then you hear his voice.  Simply amazing.  As you are well aware, more than anyone, there is so much misinformation out there, and I just had a feeling that all of the stories were just that. Stories made up by people who had no idea what they were talking about. There had to be more. It was nice to come across this book and to find out that it was written by family members who loved him. I found myself laughing and crying, and then getting really angry when I realized what people were doing to him, seemingly without him even noticing. He seemed truly so quick to think well of everyone, which is a great quality most of the time, but can also be dangerous.  I almost stopped reading at one point because I just didn’t think I could stand to read about some of those people anymore. He was so lucky to have had the family that he had. 

I am really happy and relieved for your family that you were able to settle his affairs, what a huge undertaking.  Don’t mess the women of this family! I wish he were here to continue with his music, but most of all I wish he were here for his daughter. What a tragedy. I know she will read this book and come to a better understanding of who her father was. Thank you for writing this book. I loved it. Michael’s music will keep him alive, and I will always be thankful for that.

Marlo, New Jersey, USA wrote:
If the 80's are the decade of excess, the Australian band INXS became its poster child as its six members appeared to be rocking hard and living fast. Compared to Jagger and Morrison, ringlet crowned lead singer Michael Hutchence slithered sensually with his soulful sound, perfecting the art of close microphone singing. The band would have celebrated 20 creative years together, but fell short of such a milestone. On November 22, 1997, the voice was silenced.

A fourth book comes on the eve of the third anniversary of Hutchence's passing. Not yet released in America, JUST A MAN has sparked a heated debate amongst "INXSaries", the loyal fans of Hutchence's band. Written by the late singer's sister and mother, Tina Hutchence and Patricia Glassop pay tribute to and set the record straight in a journey spanning time zones and continents. Subtitled "The Real Michael Hutchence", it is the most revealing, fully-dimensional portrait of an "ordinary man living an extraordinary life."

From its opening, it is clear that this is an account like no other previously released. The book begins at one of the most tragic moments in a person's life as both daughter and mother recount receiving the news regarding their loved one. Hutchence and Glassop, each represented by a distinguished font, recount and corroborate stories from their own viewpoints in their own words.

Until now, all of the material written regarding the singer has focused on his antics on stage and off. As the title states, JUST A MAN paints a picture of a playful and caring spirit, filled with much fun and love. Anecdotes and photos of holiday gatherings and shared times are shared, as mother and sister tell stories which will leave the reader smiling and heartbroken. The star's drug use is discussed in detail, both relatives direct in actions and opinions. Tina Hutchence and Patricia Glassop also provide insight into each of Michael's love interests, recounting initial meetings and breakups with Michelle Bennett, Jonnie, Virginia Hey, Kylie Minogue, Helena Christensen, Paula Yates, and "Blair" (a woman who Hutchence sought comfort in during his time with Yates).

Michael Hutchence's daughter with Paula Yates, Heavenly Hiranni Tiger Lily, is also mentioned. While Michael was alive, Ms. Yates did not allow the two much time with Tiger, even stating that the Hutchence's were not to have access to the innocent little girl. The two were not even invited to Tiger's Christening and any presents sent by the family were not accepted.

A great deal of time is devoted to the circumstances surrounding the last hours of Hutchence's life. The most private details of the family are told regarding the events leading up to and following the funeral rites. One will not believe the manner in which Hutchence's property and possessions were treated and the conditions and strains put upon Ms. Hutchence and Mrs. Glassop; the two were led to large crates in which the remainder of the late singer's now mildew and battery acid stained goods lay, only keeping that which was permitted by the executor of the celebrity's estate.

A story of a beloved brother and son, JUST A MAN is also two women's "fight for justice and truth" as they come to terms with his passing and steady themselves once more for the oncoming storm of litigations. From the epilogue, one gains a sense that the challenging experience of writing JUST A MAN has been therapeutic for Ms. Hutchence and Mrs. Glassop. His voice still heard around the world, JUST A MAN provides a small sense of closure for those who feel that Michael Hutchence has been a part of their lives.

Sally, Melbourne, Australia wrote:
On Sunday morning, I casually picked up a copy of the book "Just a Man" at Coolongatta Airport before my flight back to Melbourne.  I began reading this fascinating book on that flight and have literally, just put it down (it is currently Tuesday night).  I take FOREVER to finish books!! This book had me ignoring my mobile phone, eating whilst reading and missing my stop on the train to work this morning!! I won't go into the false whish whash that I am sure you've encountered over the years, being the sister of such an influential, talented man, however, I do want to let you know you have given such a wonderful insight to the real person your brother was and we, as the public, should never judge a book by its cover.  You and your mother should be so proud of the job you have done. This book resembles almost a diary for Tiger Lily to treasure when she does seek answers to so many questions about her dear Dad and you should be beaming with pride that even through such hard times, you have ensured his memory does live on not just through his music and work, but through his own flesh and blood. Thank you for opening my eyes to so much...'

Laura, Minnesota, USA. wrote:
I have always been a fan of INXS, although I never knew much about Michael as a person. I became interested in his life after he took his life. I have to say this was a hard book to come across, when I did find it, it was a book hard to put down, even though I knew the ending. His sister and mother put out a very good book and they should be proud of brother and son. Michael had a great family who adored him and did what they could. Thank you for this great read.

Mrs Julie R. Brisbane, Australia wrote:
I am an avid reader of biographies and autobiographies but nothing has ever touched me like your book. There were times when I could not put your book down, and I would be laughing out loud one minute, (especially the rabies bit!) and crying the next.

Christopher W. Aspley, Australia wrote:
'Two people told the truth about Michael....Patricia and Tina your book was great! Thank you.

Catherine S. Cleveland, England wrote:
I have to admit that the heartfelt way in which you wrote the book reduced me to tears on several occasions. JUST A MAN has let the world know of a different side to Michael a side, which nobody apart from his close friends and family could have appreciated without reading your book.

Judy T. Sydney, Australia wrote:
JUST A MAN is great family insight into a wonderful man. I have all the books on Michael and yours is definitely the best.

Lynne J., Cheshire, England
Although I never knew Michael I feel as if I did after reading the book. I'm sure Tiger will too. I think reading the book will give her great comfort.

Ksenia Prokofieva, Moscow, Russia wrote:
Thank you so much for the book, it is so hard to find the words…..I guess I’m deeply shaken and touched, it is the best Michael’s family could ever do for him, I cannot even imagine all the pain they’ve gone through to write it……like Michael’s songs, it will far outlive all the foul stories and distorted facts in the media and I hope one day will be read by his beautiful daughter……..

Maja Bosilj-Friščić, Russia wrote:
Beautiful book.I am sure Michael adored both of you.
Rest in peace Michael, i will pray god keep your little girl safe.