INXS: One of the Greatest Bands of the New Wave Era
Few bands combined new wave, rock, funk, dance, and pop as successfully as INXS. Formed in Sydney, Australia, in 1977, the band evolved from a promising local act into one of the world’s biggest rock bands during the 1980s and early 1990s.
Led by the magnetic Michael Hutchence, INXS became known for infectious grooves, unforgettable hooks, energetic live performances, and a sophisticated blend of rock guitars with dance rhythms and electronic influences.
With more than 75 million records sold worldwide, INXS remains one of Australia’s most successful and influential musical exports.
The Formation of INXS
The classic lineup featured:
- Michael Hutchence – Lead vocals
- Andrew Farriss – Keyboards, guitar, songwriting
- Tim Farriss – Guitar
- Jon Farriss – Drums
- Garry Gary Beers – Bass
- Kirk Pengilly – Guitar, saxophone, backing vocals
Originally performing under the name The Farriss Brothers, the group adopted the name INXS, inspired by the phrase “in excess.”
Their early albums showcased elements of new wave, ska, and pub rock while laying the foundation for the polished sound that would later define their career.
Building Momentum
INXS steadily gained international recognition through albums including:
- INXS (1980)
- Underneath the Colours (1981)
- Shabooh Shoobah (1982)
Shabooh Shoobah became the band’s international breakthrough and introduced several enduring favorites, including:
- The One Thing
- Don’t Change
- To Look at You
The album established INXS as one of the most exciting new bands of the early MTV era.
Listen Like Thieves: A New Direction
Released in 1985, Listen Like Thieves marked a turning point in the band’s career.
Produced by Chris Thomas, the album blended rock, funk, and sophisticated production while producing standout tracks such as:
- What You Need
- Listen Like Thieves
- Kiss the Dirt (Falling Down the Mountain)
The album’s success positioned INXS for worldwide superstardom.
Kick: A Landmark Album
In 1987, INXS released their masterpiece:
Kick
Widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of the 1980s, Kick became a global phenomenon, selling more than 20 million copies worldwide.
The album produced an extraordinary run of hit singles:
- Need You Tonight
- Never Tear Us Apart
- New Sensation
- Devil Inside
- Mystify
“Need You Tonight” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, while “Never Tear Us Apart” became one of the band’s most enduring and emotionally powerful songs.
With its blend of rock, funk, dance, and new wave influences, Kick remains an essential album for any music fan.
Continued Success
INXS continued their remarkable run with:
X (1990)
featuring:
- Suicide Blonde
- Disappear
- Bitter Tears
- By My Side
The band maintained worldwide popularity throughout the early 1990s with albums including:
- Welcome to Wherever You Are (1992)
- Full Moon, Dirty Hearts (1993)
These releases showcased a more mature and adventurous musical direction while preserving the band’s unmistakable sound.
Michael Hutchence and the Band’s Legacy
The tragic death of Michael Hutchence in 1997 marked the end of an extraordinary chapter in rock history.
Following his passing, INXS continued recording and touring with several guest vocalists, including J.D. Fortune, while honoring Hutchence’s remarkable legacy.
His charismatic stage presence, distinctive voice, and magnetic personality helped establish INXS as one of the greatest live bands of their generation.
INXS’s Legacy
Across an extraordinary career, INXS achieved:
- More than 75 million records sold worldwide
- Numerous Platinum and Gold albums
- International No. 1 singles
- Brit Award and MTV Video Music Award recognition
- Induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame
Their influence spans:
- New Wave
- Rock
- Alternative Rock
- Funk Rock
- Pop Rock
- Dance-Rock
Artists across multiple genres continue to cite INXS as an influence for their blend of groove, melody, and modern production.
Why INXS Belongs on New Wave Radio
INXS perfectly represents the energetic spirit of New Wave Radio.
Their music combines rock power, danceable rhythms, memorable hooks, and Michael Hutchence’s unforgettable vocals into timeless songs that continue to fill playlists around the world.
Whether you’re listening to “Need You Tonight,” “Never Tear Us Apart,” “New Sensation,” “Mystify,” “Don’t Change,” or “What You Need,” INXS delivers the excitement, emotion, and musicianship that defined one of the greatest eras in modern music.
Their extraordinary catalog remains essential listening for every fan of new wave, rock, and alternative music.
Essential INXS Songs
- Need You Tonight
- Never Tear Us Apart
- New Sensation
- Mystify
- Devil Inside
- What You Need
- Don’t Change
- Suicide Blonde
- Original Sin
- By My Side
- The One Thing
- Listen Like Thieves
- Disappear
- Bitter Tears
- Beautiful Girl
Essential Albums
- Shabooh Shoobah (1982)
- The Swing (1984)
- Listen Like Thieves (1985)
- Kick (1987)
- X (1990)
- Welcome to Wherever You Are (1992)
- Full Moon, Dirty Hearts (1993)
Explore More INXS
- Official Website: https://www.inxs.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/INXS
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inxsofficial
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@INXSOfficial
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1eClJfHLoDI4rZe5HxzBFv
Similar Artists
If you enjoy INXS, you’ll also love these legendary artists featured on New Wave Radio:
- The Police – British icons blending rock, reggae, and new wave with unforgettable songwriting.
- Simple Minds – Scottish new wave legends known for cinematic anthems and powerful live performances.
- Duran Duran – New Romantic pioneers combining stylish pop with electronic innovation.
- Talking Heads – Art-rock innovators blending funk, world music, and new wave.
- Tears for Fears – Sophisticated pop craftsmanship with emotional depth and lush production.
- The Fixx – New wave favorites known for atmospheric guitars and thoughtful lyrics.
- Icehouse – Fellow Australian band blending synth-pop, rock, and electronic music.
- Midnight Oil – Australian rock legends celebrated for powerful performances and socially conscious songwriting.
- Bryan Ferry & Roxy Music – Sophisticated art-rock pioneers whose style influenced countless artists.
- David Bowie – Visionary icon whose constant reinvention shaped modern rock and pop.
- U2 – Arena-rock legends sharing INXS’s powerful live energy and global appeal.
- Billy Idol – Rock and new wave icon whose dance-rock style complements INXS’s sound.
Discover More on New Wave Radio
Explore artist biographies, classic albums, music history, and the greatest songs from new wave, rock, synth-pop, dance-rock, funk rock, alternative music, and classic 1980s hits. From pioneering innovators to global superstars, New Wave Radio celebrates the artists who transformed modern music and continue to inspire audiences around the world.
