INXS: Australia's New Wave Rock Phenomenon

INXS was an Australian rock band that achieved global superstardom in the 1980s and 1990s, blending new wave, funk, and pop into a distinctive, danceable sound. Hailing from Sydney, the band sold over 50 million records worldwide, with their 1987 album Kick becoming a multi-platinum landmark that dominated international charts.

Early career

Formed in 1977 by the three Farriss brothers (Tim, Jon, and Andrew), lead singer Michael Hutchence, bassist Garry Gary Beers, and guitarist Kirk Pengilly, the band initially performed as The Farriss Brothers. They built a formidable live reputation across Australia's pub circuit, leading to their self-titled debut album in 1980 under Deluxe Records, which hinted at their developing new wave and ska-inflected style.

Breakthrough

The band's international breakthrough arrived with their sixth studio album, Kick, released in 1987 on Atlantic Records in the US. Defying initial label skepticism, the album became a global sensation, eventually selling over 20 million copies and spawning four US Top 10 singles, cementing INXS as one of the world's biggest rock acts.

Key tracks

Need You Tonight — This funk-rock single became the band's first and only US number-one hit in 1987, defining the sleek sound of Kick.

New Sensation — A quintessential anthem of the era, this track showcased the band's energetic fusion of rock guitars and dance-floor rhythms.

Never Tear Us Apart — A powerful, soulful ballad that highlighted Michael Hutchence's charismatic vocals and the band's musical versatility.

Original Sin — Their first major Australian chart-topper in 1984, produced by Nile Rodgers, which signaled their move towards a more polished, international sound.

What You Need — The band's first major US hit, which cracked the Top 5 in 1986 and paved the way for the massive success of Kick.

Following their peak, INXS continued to release albums like X (1990) and Welcome to Wherever You Are (1992), experimenting with alternative rock and world music influences. The tragic death of frontman Michael Hutchence in 1997 marked a profound turning point, though the band persevered with different vocalists before ceasing active touring in 2012.

Fans of the INXS sound should also explore other iconic Australian rock acts like Midnight Oil, who shared a commitment to potent, socially-conscious rock anthems. The pop-rock craftsmanship of Crowded House offers a similar Antipodean melodic sensibility. For the danceable rock groove, listen to The Police, a clear influence on INXS's early sound. The new wave energy of Simple Minds also parallels INXS's 80s ascent to arena-filling status.

The music of INXS remains a staple on classic rock FM stations and 80s retro formats, with their hits frequently featured in high-rotation playlists that celebrate the era's defining rock sounds. Online rock radio streams and alternative rock radio stations continue to program their tracks, recognizing the band's enduring appeal to multiple generations of listeners.

You can hear the essential rock catalog of INXS on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover or revisit the band's greatest hits through the curated classic rock and alternative radio stations available on onairium.com.