Let me start by saying the very topic of the current existence of INXS generates polarised debate. I have never understood why many people despise the fact they are still around.
INXS, 2012: Photo Ros O'Gorman
INXS is still INXS and they deserve the right to perform the music they created. The Farris brothers (Tim, Andrew, Jon), Garry Gary Beers and Kirk Penguilly are the original band and play the original songs.
When Michael Hutchence departed the band permanently by taking his life he did not finish the band. INXS was never Michael and backing band. It was always six equal parts.
Five of those parts are still together and now with new lead singer Ciaran Gribbin.
Irishman Gribbin doesn’t challenge the heritage. When you go to an INXS gig you will still hear INXS music played by the very same people who were there from the very first song. Well, except for ‘Calling All Nations’ and ‘Kick’. Those two songs were sung by the backing singers and came across as a cheesy Vegas moment.
INXS are touring Australia at the request of Matchbox Twenty. The shows also mark the 25th anniversary of one of their greatest albums ‘Kick’ and the shows focus on that album.
Remaining INXS shows with Matchbox Twenty are:
October 21, Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena
October 25, Canberra, AIS Arena
October 27 and 28, Brisbane, Entertainment Centre
October 30 and 31, Sydney, Entertainment Centre
November 3, Hunter Valley, Hope Estate
November 6, Wollongong, Entertainment Centre
November 8, Adelaide, Entertainment Centre
November 11, Perth, Perth Arena
INXS setlist from Rod Laver Arena, October 20, 2012
Suicide Blonde (from X, 1990)
Original Sin (from The Swing, 1984)
What You Need (from Listen Like Thieves, 1985)
Sugar (new)
Disappear (from X, 1990)
Kiss The Dirt (from Listen Like Thieves, 1985)
Beautiful Girl (from Welcome To Wherever You Are, 1992)
Need You Tonight / Mediate (from Kick, 1987)
Calling All Nations (from Kick, 1987)
Mystify (from Kick, 1987)
Kick (from Kick, 1987)
Devil Inside (from Kick, 1987)
New Sensation (from Kick, 1987)
Never Tear Us Apart (from Kick, 1987)
Don’t Change (from Shabooh Shoobah, 1982)
