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Michael Hutchence was the lead singer of the band INXS, a popular rock group in the 1980s and 1990s.
Michael Hutchence was born on January 22, 1960, in Sydney, Australia. In high school he formed the band The Farriss Brothers which became INXS. They released a self-titled debut album in 1980 which was a hit in Australia. They reached the American audience through heavy video rotation on MTV and their album Kick became a huge international hit. Hutchence was found dead by hanging in 1997.
Early Life
Michael Kelland John Hutchence was born on January 22, 1960, in Sydney, Australia. A vibrant and sensual performer, Michael Hutchence was the lead singer of INXS, a popular rock group in the 1980s and '90s. The son of a makeup artist and a businessman, he spent part of his childhood in Hong Kong. Hutchence grew up listening to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, among others. In high school, he met keyboardist and guitarist Andrew Farriss, and the two became friends and bandmates. They formed a band with bassist Gary Beers. Later on, Farriss brothers, Tim, a guitarist, and Jon, a drummer, joined the group along with Kirk Pengilly, who played guitar and saxophone, forming what was then called the Farriss Brothers.
Formation of INXS
After high school, Hutchence went to Perth with the band and played in some clubs there without a lot of success. They returned to Sydney and renamed themselves INXS. Landing a recording contract, the group released its first self-titled album in 1980. The group's first hit in Australia was "Just Keep Walking," and with their powerful live shows, they began to attract quite a following. With elements of funk and new wave, the band had a distinctive sound. Hutchence's strong vocals also won people over. He had great charisma and sex appeal, with some comparing him to Mick Jagger or Jim Morrison.