Epi237: Kick 2017 Video with Director Steve Hanft

Kick 2017 Video with Director Steve Hanft “Watch the world argue, argue with itself, who’s going to teach me peace and happiness” (Dancing on the Jetty 1983)... Never have these words and lyrics been more appropriate as all Australians try to make sense of the abhorrent terrorism at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach. A beach with so many INXS connections that we discuss on this episode. That aside, we dedicate this episode to every person affected by this horrible crime.   We are thrilled to have Steve Hanft, the famed Californian film clip Director and early YouTube content creator, join the INXS podcast family and talk about his iconic 2017 promotional video for the song Kick, the eponymous title track commemorating the 30th anniversary of this juggernaut album’s release. Having grown up with and worked on Beck’s 1994 Video of the Year track “Loser”, Steve has been a mainstay in the underground and alternative music scene, producing clips for The Cure, Primal Scream and Elliot Smith. Additionally, Steve was at the forefront of YouTube with his award-winning “Sunglasses Catch", which has been named one of “The 10 Most Important YouTube Videos” according to Business Insider.   With a video shot on the beaches and boardwalks of Los Angeles, Steve shares some fascinating insights into the production, cast, Garry Gary Beers cameo and the vision behind the first-ever film clip for this fantastic song, and the influence Chris Murphy had. As we close out 2025, a big shout-out to our very important patrons who keep this podcast alive, to all our listeners, our amazing support team behind the scenes and every guest who has given up their time. We thank you so much. Love and peace, and have a great Christmas and New Year's break  We look forward to catching up with some of you soon at our next event on Saturday, 24th January, to celebrate Michael Hutchence's life https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/new-notable Love Haydn and Bee

As we enter that festive time of year, there has been so much going on in the INXS world and broader rock music community with numerous tours, anniversary dates and industry events. As such, Bee and I thought it was appropriate to take stock and simply chat about all of these in a unique deep dive with an obvious INXS slant. There are at least 10 significant anniversary dates about past INXS releases, celebrating another yearly milestone. With Thanksgiving being recently enjoyed, Bee and I share our top 5 “most thankful” INXS moments of personal fan gratitude, and as always, we are miles apart with our lists. Operating in reverse order, we round out a bumper news section highlighting one global band's take on an INXS classic that shall confound you all! Oh yeah, it’s been two years overdue, but we have a much-needed return of “The Rant” with one Australian journalist firmly in my firing line! So sit back, relax, pour a beer, wine, soda or coffee and enjoy a jam-packed episode of INXS: Access all Areas! Love and peace https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/

The months of October and November are anniversary periods of many INXS albums, and as such, we pay tribute to both Listen Like Thieves and Full Moon Dirty Hearts in a unique but fitting way. Released in 1985, Listen Like Thieves was a guitar-crunching, live-sounding and Chris Thomas-produced tour de force that broke the band in America and set the template for the juggernaut of Kick, only two years later. Full Moon Dirty Hearts, released in 1993, was an overlooked gem, coming hot on the heels of the critically acclaimed Welcome to Wherever You Are, which had been released only 14 months earlier. This was an experimental and hook-laden musical soundscape that was sadly overlooked in the marketplace as the grunge movement took over the planet. So Bee and I stack these two albums up track by track in an album “face off” where we compare, rank and rate 1-12 each song against one another with a collective lens on how these two fine albums connect with our ears, hearts and minds in 2025. And before you INXS nerds (like me) share the fact that Listen Like Thieves only has 11 songs, not 12 as FMDH does, we add a red herring to balance out the contest! With a bumper news section and a unique tribute track, it’s time to forget about the problems in your life and enjoy the gift that is INXS: Access all Areas! Love and peace https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/  

It’s that time of the year again when the wider musical industry, ardent INXS fans and friends/family give pause to the unfortunate loss of Michael Hutchence 28 years ago.   As a podcast in its 6th year, Bee and I have acknowledged November 22 nd, in a variety of ways. Some episodes have been heartfelt and mixed with solemnity. Some have acknowledged Michael’s legacy with joy and unbridled pride.   In 2025, we thought it was appropriate to revisit an iconic episode with the Herald Sun Newspaper’s leading journalist, Nui Te Koha, the last person ever to interview Michael, some 5 days before his untimely passing.   If you’re new to INXS: Access All Areas, you’re in for a special episode that pays due homage to Michael. If you’ve heard it before, experience it again under the lens of this heartfelt anniversary when the world lost one of its greatest frontmen. RIP Michael, from all who miss you. You’ll always be one of our kind! Love and peace   https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/  

On November 8th, 2025, in America, we will witness the latest induction of musical acts into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with Cindy Lauper, The White Stripes, Soundgarden, Bad Company, OutKast, and Chubby Checker as the recipients of this career-defining accolade. Obviously, the INXS fan community are disappointed with their continued omission; however, Bee and I get to dive deep with the USA Podcast team of “Who Cares about the Rock Hall of Fame” namely Host Joe Kwaczala, courtesy of valued patrons Jon Jamen and Dr Jim, who attended last year's ceremony. An experienced voice behind the machinations of the Rock Hall Committee, Joe shares some interesting insights, opinions, anecdotes and theories behind both the decision-making process and INXS’ likely induction prospects in the years to come. INXS: Access All Areas' mission statement is to encourage, showcase, chronicle, rejoice in, and retrospectively highlight the amazing catalogue and contributions INXS have made to music and listeners across the globe. However, we’ve wanted our Podcast to expedite its ascent to the Rock Hall of Fame. Hopefully, this episode alerts important voters on the Committee to nominate them for 2026!!! Love and peace https://www.inductinxs.com/ https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/

Mid-October is an important anniversary in the INXS world. The band released six albums during this period, with Kick being the most notable. It’s this iconic release, some 38 years ago, that we commemorate in this episode. With the world at their feet following the commercial breakthrough of Listen Like Thieves, particularly in the States, the band handed over full songwriting responsibilities to both Michael and Andrew, with the results soaring above and beyond all expectations. Rather than review the album (as done previously), Bee and I take a nostalgic walk down memory lane and reminisce about this 1987 release, our feelings, impressions and how its legacy stands tall 38 years later amongst fans, peers and critics. Additionally, Haydn dives deep into his Crown Casino concert experience with JD Fortune and the band in Melbourne with song setlist deep dives and after-show meet and greets with him. Combined with a chunky news section and an iconic tribute cover song at the end of the episode, make sure you tune, shut out the world and get your needed fix of INXS: Access all Areas. Love and peace ✌️ https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/   You can watch the YouTube Video of the play-out song here. https://youtu.be/CmQiM8MQYEI?si=Ze4JqdzXI7vlRvgW

Hey Legends! A quick-fire episode today with kudos and compliments to JD Fortune joining Bee before going live on stage as he embarks on his first-ever Australian tour and pays homage to the songs of INXS. Forever honest, Bee captures some great moments with JD as he delves into what a privilege it is to sing the songs and lyrics of INXS and do justice to continuing the rich legacy. With a tour spanning the major capital cities and select regional areas, fans are in for a treat as JD reminds fans and pundits of his incredible stage presence and blistering energy that cannot be missed. So sit back, enjoy, and live baby live with love and peace, Haydn.    You can watch the whole interview below: https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/post/an-exclusive-interview-backstage-with-jd-fortune-and-bee  

September 7th, 1988, marked the culmination of 11 years of toil and sweat, when a true “band of brothers” from down under became the biggest musical act on the planet by scooping the pool at the 1988 MTV Music Awards. Nominated for nine awards, INXS walked away with the top five major honors, edging out longtime rivals U2, along with music legends like George Harrison, Bruce Springsteen, and XTC, with their iconic Need You Tonight/Mediate song and groundbreaking video. By this time, the MTV Awards had already surpassed the Grammys as the preeminent music event, and INXS rightfully stood as the darlings of the international music industry. Having spent the previous decade tirelessly touring the globe and steadily building momentum, they reached a crescendo that placed them at the very center of the late-’80s musical zeitgeist. With fellow icons including Rod Stewart, Aerosmith, Depeche Mode, Guns N’ Roses, Elton John, Cher, Bryan Ferry, Peter Gabriel, Cyndi Lauper, and The Bangles appearing or presenting, the night became both a peer-to-peer celebration and global recognition of INXS’ remarkable achievements. Much of this impact was amplified through the vision of legendary TV producer Dick Clark, who ensured the event was broadcast around the world. So it’s with great pleasure that Bee and I unpack this unforgettable night, explore the rise and history of the MTV Awards, and reflect on the lasting impact this achievement continues to hold within the INXS legacy. Love and peace ✌️ https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/  

INXS fans are in for another treat with Part Two of our fascinating deep dive with the inimitable Gary Grant who joined the INXS family in 1981. His contribution was as large as any in ensuring INXS’ business affairs, touring and promotional efforts were A grade in every way. A great storyteller, we get fascinating insights into the game-changing tour with Adam Ant in 1983, why Australian band Managers were so successful globally and numerous anecdotes about a time and place when music was front and centre in people’s entertainment consciousness. Gary generously shares the remarkable relationship and teamwork with Chris Murphy followed by the unfortunate fallout that culminated in the Concert for Life at Centennial Park in March 1992 with Gary departing the INXS family. Not one to rest on his laurels, Gary was able to parlay his skills into venue management whereby he spearheaded Sydney’s Luna Park’s foray into concert hosting. A role that would last over a dozen years and coincidentally saw him hosting INXS’ 2006 Sydney gigs with JD Fortune and the Switch Tour. We get Bee’s counterpoint “Pleasure and Pain” list from 1981, a special news section with some famous September birthdays (hello) plus an iconic tribute song that celebrates its 40th anniversary. So do yourself a favour, forget about the problems in your life and tune into INXS: Access all Areas! Love and Peace https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/ https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/patrons

Strap yourself in, because this week Haydn & Bee crank it up with none other than Gary Grant, INXS’s powerhouse Touring Manager! From sweaty pub gigs to sold-out stadiums, Gary was the guy making sure the lights, the sound, and the chaos all came together for the ultimate INXS experience. He takes us backstage, on the buses, and across the globe with stories that are raw, loud, and unforgettable. Ever wondered what it was really like to keep up with one of the world’s greatest rock bands on the road? Gary’s got the tales — the triumphs, the madness, and the magic — and he doesn’t hold back. This isn’t just an interview… it’s a front-row ticket to the wild ride that was INXS on tour. 🎸🔥   Plus we draw the winning ticket to see who will win the ultimate "Listen Like Thieves Goodie bag". Plus the NEWS section is jam-packed with cool stuff. Oh and yessss one of your and ours favourite segments is back, introduced by Toby Rand lead singer of Ashenmoon ( Garry Gary Beers's new band) Pleasure & Pain.    Would you like to become a patron and support the podcast? well here's the link, we can't wait to meet you and introduce you to the gang because we all unstand your love for the Best Band in the World INXS. https://patron.podbean.com/INXSAccessAllAreas