INXS — Australian rock band formed in 1977

INXS are an Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1977. Known for blending rock, new wave, funk and dance, they rose to international fame in the 1980s with hits such as “Need You Tonight” and the album Kick.

INXS is an Australian rock band formed in Sydney, New South Wales, in 1977. Emerging from a local pub and school‑band scene, they combined rock, new wave, funk and dance influences to create a polished, rhythm‑driven sound. The group's name is commonly pronounced "in excess." After growing from a family trio into a six‑piece ensemble, they developed a stage show and single‑driven approach that helped them achieve domestic and, from the early 1980s, international success.

Origins and early years

The band began as the Farriss Brothers, founded by siblings who had been playing together since their teens. The classic six‑member lineup that became widely known included Michael Hutchence (lead vocals), Andrew Farriss (keyboards, guitar, principal songwriter), Tim Farriss (lead guitar), Jon Farriss (drums, backing vocals), Kirk Pengilly (guitar, saxophone) and Garry Gary Beers (bass). With Hutchence as an energetic frontman, the band developed a charismatic live presence that complemented radio‑friendly songwriting.

Musical style and influences

INXS fused elements of mainstream rock with funk grooves, dance rhythms and new wave production techniques. Their arrangements often featured rhythmic guitar patterns, prominent bass lines and a tight, polished studio sound. Hutchence's vocal delivery and persona contributed significantly to the band's identity; at the same time, the Farriss brothers supplied much of the songwriting and instrumental framework that supported their hits.

Breakthrough and major releases

The band released a string of albums through the 1980s and 1990s. A 1982 album helped increase their exposure outside Australia, and subsequent records consolidated their international profile. Their 1987 album Kick proved to be their biggest global commercial breakthrough, containing enduring singles such as "Need You Tonight," "New Sensation" and "Never Tear Us Apart." "Need You Tonight" became one of their best‑known songs and reached the top of the US singles chart. Other notable tracks across their career include "The One Thing," "What You Need," "Devil Inside" and "Suicide Blonde."

Later history and changes of vocalist

The death of Michael Hutchence in 1997 had a profound impact on the group. INXS made several attempts to continue performing and recording, working at different times with guest singers and temporary lead vocalists. For a period the band toured with singer Jon Stevens as a frontman. In 2005 they conducted a televised search for a permanent replacement on the reality show "Rock Star: INXS," which led to Canadian singer J.D. Fortune joining the band for recording and touring and appearing on the album Switch. Over subsequent years, INXS collaborated with various vocalists for special performances and anniversary tours.

Legacy and influence

INXS are regarded as one of Australia's most successful musical exports. They are remembered for a distinctive combination of danceable grooves and pop craftsmanship, for high‑production studio records of the 1980s, and for music videos and live performances that reached global audiences. Their songs continue to receive radio play and are frequently cited in retrospectives about popular music of the 1980s and 1990s. The band has been the subject of documentaries, biographies and commemorative releases that explore both their creative achievements and the challenges they faced.