Michael Hutchence, the charismatic frontman of the iconic Australian rock band INXS, recently opened up in an insightful interview about the early days of the band, the challenges they faced, and how they nearly fell apart before achieving worldwide success.

Reflecting on nearly a decade of making music together, Hutchence shared candid memories and revealed the dynamics that shaped INXS into the legendary band they became.

INXS was formed in Australia in the late 1970s, initially as a group of friends playing music for fun.

Hutchence recalled how the band started simply, with everyone learning their instruments as they went along.

“We called ourselves the vegetables for a while,” he joked, underscoring their humble beginnings.

Despite their inexperience, the band members were eager to play and improve, quickly developing their skills and evolving from a garage band into accomplished musicians.

Hutchence joined the band later, around the age of 16 or 17, when Andrew Farriss, who had started the band, was looking for a singer.

“Andrew needed somebody to sing and just said, ‘Look, do you want to sing for a while or try out drummers?’” Hutchence recalled.

This marked the beginning of his journey as a lead vocalist, a role he embraced with enthusiasm despite having no prior professional experience.

In the interview, Hutchence emphasized that INXS was never about fitting into a single musical category.

The band combined influences from various genres, blending rock, pop, funk, and soul to create a unique sound.

He described INXS as “a good time rock and roll band, a little bit of social conscience thrown in,” highlighting their musical diversity and appeal.

Unlike many bands of the era that either embraced raw, unpolished sounds or heavy metal styles, INXS chose to hone their craft.

Hutchence pointed out that while many bands were trying to be as anti-music as possible, INXS worked hard to become skilled musicians, which set them apart.

“We actually became good musicians, whereas everybody else was trying their hardest to be as anti-music as possible,” he said.

Despite their growing success, the band faced significant challenges that nearly caused them to split before they could truly break through internationally.

Hutchence did not go into specific details about the internal conflicts but hinted at the pressures and personal differences that come with being in a band for many years.

He spoke about the evolution from being a group of mates to mature men who had to learn respect and navigate the power dynamics within the band.

“You have so much power when you know people well… you have the power to make them feel good and the power to make them feel lousy,” he explained.

The key to their survival was mutual respect and knowing how to use that power properly.

Hutchence also reflected on how their relationships changed as members started families and pursued different interests outside the band.

While they no longer hung out as much as they used to, they maintained a professional and personal connection strong enough to keep the band going.

Touring was a major part of INXS’s life, and Hutchence described both the excitement and the challenges of constant travel.

He fondly remembered their first tours through America and Europe, the thrill of playing in cities like Paris and London, and the unique experiences that came with life on the road.

Despite living apart—Hutchence himself resided in Hong Kong for a period—he explained that modern planning and communication made it possible to keep the band coordinated.

“Everything’s so planned ahead that I know where I have to be,” he said, highlighting the professionalism that underpinned their operations.

Hutchence also addressed the band’s international standing, noting that while they were well-known in many countries, they preferred to remain true to their Australian roots.

“We always said from the beginning we’re going to be an Australian band,” he affirmed, rejecting the idea of relocating permanently to music capitals like London or New York.

As INXS’s popularity grew, so did Hutchence’s status as a rock star and public figure.

He acknowledged the attention from fans, especially women, but insisted that he never deliberately cultivated a sex symbol image.

“I don’t do anything on purpose,” he said. “Rock and roll is sex, but I hate sexist music.”

He also shared his perspective on the hard work behind the scenes, dispelling the myth of the “lazy rockstar.”

Hutchence admitted that being in a successful band was demanding and required dedication, often feeling like hard work despite the glamorous perception.

INXS was part of a wave of Australian bands that helped end the cultural cringe—a term used to describe Australians’ historical embarrassment over their own culture and art.

Hutchence spoke proudly about the “Australian Made” tour, a large-scale concert series featuring multiple Australian bands, which showcased the country’s musical talent on a big stage.

“It was the end of the cultural cringe for Australian rock,” he said, marking a turning point where Australian bands gained confidence and international respect.

INXS’s success was not just about their music but also about representing Australia proudly on the world stage.

Throughout the interview, Hutchence revealed a reflective and grounded personality.

He spoke about enjoying travel for its own sake, exploring places like Greece and hoping to visit Mexico soon.

He also shared his love for living in Hong Kong, describing it as a place where he felt anonymous and free, despite its busy and condensed nature.

When asked about his life outside music, Hutchence laughed about having had a brief stint as a spot welder before fully committing to the band.

This glimpse into his past showed a willingness to work hard and a down-to-earth attitude that contrasted with the rock star image.

Michael Hutchence’s interview offers a rare, intimate glimpse into the story of INXS—how a group of young Australians with modest beginnings nearly fell apart but ultimately forged a path to international stardom through talent, hard work, and mutual respect.

His reflections reveal the complexities behind the music, the personal sacrifices, and the cultural significance of the band.

INXS’s journey from garage band novices to global rock icons is a testament to their resilience and creativity.

Hutchence’s candidness about the challenges and triumphs provides fans and music lovers with a deeper understanding of what it truly takes to succeed in the competitive world of rock music.