The Consummate Pop Star: Remembering Michael Hutchence

Few rock frontmen commanded a stage or a recording studio in the way that Michael Hutchence did with INXS, and few have left a bigger gap since his untimely death on November 22, 1997.

Michael Kelland John Hutchence was born on January 22, 1960, and became the main voice and the focal point of INXS from their formation in 1979 until his sad passing. The band’s worldwide record sales are estimated at 60 million, and we celebrate many of their finest moments on record in this accompanying story featuring an INXS In 20 Songs playlist.

In a statement on Michael’s memorial website to mark a notable anniversary, his friend, Danish model and photographer Helena Christensen wrote to his memory: “Hey Michael, thinking about you today as 20 years have passed since your death. In fact, I think about you often, when I hear your voice singing or when something random reminds me of you, a place, a word, a scent…

“Thinking of you usually makes me smile, even crack up, because you were very funny in such a unique and refreshing way. I hold so many memories about us being totally childish and doing hilarious things and I love that those moments are how I best remember you.

“You shared your enormous talent with the world and touched so many people with your kind, empathetic heart,  but what a special honor it is to have been one of the lucky few who got to know the sweet, curious, caring, smart and funny man you were on a personal level. You left us the beautiful present of  being able to listen to your amazing voice, over and over, and for that we will always be grateful. We play INXS every summer when we’re gathered under a dark violet summer sky, while cicadas chirp along and stories about you are being told, making us all smile and hug. You are with us in so many ways still…”

The sad circumstances of Michael’s demise need not be dwelt on, but his extraordinary charisma and a remarkable body of work as a recording artist and performer bear endless celebration — with INXS as well as his solo work and with the side project Max Q. The commemoration of the band’s achievement at a glittering event in Sydney, in late October 2017, were another testament.

Hutchence’s stepmother Susie wrote on the memorial site: “Michael, my extraordinary stepson, it is hard to believe it has been 20 years since you left us. I am a very proud stepmother thankful to have shared many amazing moments with you and your equally charismatic father Kelland and your brother Rhett. After reading Helena’s and other dear friends’ comments, I really cannot add a lot as they have so beautifully articulated the unique attributes of a truly wonderful human being.

“Many of us had our lives enriched during your short journey, but your greatest legacy lies in your music and your daughter Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily, of whom I know you would be so very very proud. She is another joy in your lineage. Her grandfather Kell, your own sweet self — and now a ‘bonsai Michael’ as her dear mother called her. Love always.”

“Sometimes lead singers relate only to other lead singers,” wrote U2’s Larry Mullen Jr. in an earlier comment on the site. “It’s kind of this ego thing. But Michael wasn’t like that at all. He was a really sweet guy, a very nice guy to everyone he met. He was the consummate pop star.”

We also honor the words spoken about Michael at his funeral service by his band mate and longtime collaborator Andrew Farriss, who said: “Together with Michael we experienced some very hard times and some very good times. The hard times made us stronger and the good times we will always cherish. As a songwriting team for more than 20 years he and I had written hundreds of songs together. His lyrics are the soul and depth which have touched millions of people around the earth.”

Listen to the best of INXS on Apple Music and Spotify.