Season 2: Episode 1: Rockstar INXS Stories with MiG Ayesha

We're Listen Like Fans podcast is back with Season 2, whoohoooo.... And in this week's episode, we're delighted to have on the Listen Like Fans podcast the extremely versatile and talented 'MiG' Ayesa - or to give him his full name, Miguel Alfonso Ramon Legarda Ayesa. As many INXS fans will remember, MiG was a contestant on RockStar INXS. Mig was one of the final three contestants and became a frontrunner with versions of "Live and Let Die" and "Baby, I Love Your Way".  MiG joins Bee from a cruise ship in a wide-ranging career interview to discuss all things performing on TV, studio and stage - including singing in multiple languages such as Japanese! In the twenty years since RockStar INXS ended, Mig has enjoyed a successful music career, releasing solo albums, working in theatre and appearing in television and film.  On the podcast today, MiG talks about his break into theatre in London's West End and meeting the surviving members of rock band Queen for his lead stint in We Will Rock You. All this would change, however, when Mig decided to try his luck auditioning for a new reality TV programme... Auditioning at the Shepherd's Bush Empire in London to the INXS classic 'I Send a Message', a certain Mr Pengilly would be in the audience watching. This led to a second audition and then making the final 50 cut to perform in Los Angeles.  MiG recounts the laborious process of filming for each round of the RockStar INXS audition and eventually making it into the last 15. During his time with RockStar INXS, 'Baby, I Love Your Way', the Peter Frampton classic, became one of the standout performances of the entire series. MiG takes us behind the scenes and explains how the songs were chosen and how he came up with the arrangement to make the song his own.  In something of a fortuitous twist of fate, this would lead to Peter Frampton playing acoustic guitar on MiG's debut album. Talking about his debut solo album, MiG gives the inside on how Mötley Crüe's Tommy Lee was responsible for MiG's debut album being shelved by the record label for two years!  Finally, MiG talks reuniting with the original RockStar INXS house band and many of the contestants for the upcoming anniversary shows at the Avalon in Hollywood. With more than 25 years in the industry, MiG has had a varied and interesting career, and the signs are that there are plenty more twists and turns to come. We hope you enjoy listening to the very entertaining MiG and feel inspired to check out his back catalogue. Links below.   Until next time, keep listening like fans! Bee!   If you're a patron of Listen Like Fans, you can watch this interview here:  https://www.patreon.com/posts/early-access-mig-158129922?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link https://rockstarreunionlive.com/ https://open.spotify.com/album/0wzSGWKgpVelYpjPI5XTVQ?si=uHXWtXXfToGoKIsF6G6aow

INXS Access All Areas presents: Listen Like Fans Hosts: Bee & Dr Jim There are some nights you don’t just remember… You feel them all over again. That’s exactly what happened when Dr Jim and I sat down to relive the APRA Awards. What started as a conversation quickly turned into something much deeper—full of emotion, reflection, and those moments that catch in your throat. Watching the band, hearing the speeches, feeling that connection to INXS… it all came rushing back. The pride, the love, the bittersweet ache—it’s all there in this episode. This isn’t just a recap. It’s two fans taking you right back into the room with us… sharing what we saw, what we felt, and why it meant so much. Honestly… bring the tissues for this one ❤️ .... This special episode will be available to watch for free, for our members on Patreon, for a short time. It will then only be available for those who support the Listen Like fans podcast- thanks, guys, you know who you are, and you're The Best! Love Bee. ---------------------------------------------------------------- To support this podcast to bring you more INXS stories, become a paying member  https://www.patreon.com/c/listenlikefans_fortheloveofinxsbackstagelegends/membership To watch the whole show  https://www.patreon.com/posts/reliving-apra-157241937?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link Please sign the Induct INXS into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame  https://www.change.org/p/induct-inxs-into-the-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-2027-inxs-50th-year-join-the-inxs-army I'm Just a Man Foundation  ijam.org.au

For those of you who’ve been with us since the early days on Podbean, this one’s for you. We’re dropping our latest episode from Bee's New Podcast Listen Like Fans right here—because now and then, it’s good to come back to where it all began. But this isn’t just a throwback… It’s a doorway. We think you’re going to like where this is heading… 😉 Do you remember the moment Tim revealed: “J.D., you are right for our band, INXS… you are the rock star!”? On this week’s episode of Listen Like Fans, Bee is thrilled to welcome David Goffin, co-creator and executive producer of RockStar INXS. A long-time INXS fan, David takes us right back to the very beginning — including the phone call from legendary producer Mark Burnett about creating a music show “bigger than American Idol.” That idea would become RockStar INXS. Go behind the scenes as David shares his vision for building a truly global show. From pitching record labels to secure an incredible soundtrack — including artists who had never allowed their music on TV like The Rolling Stones and Nirvana — to crafting something that felt bigger than anything audiences had seen before. Hear how the worldwide search unfolded, with auditions across 17 cities — from London to Sydney to Toronto — and tens of millions of dollars spent in the quest to find the next frontman for INXS. David also reflects on working with the band — humble, modest, and initially reluctant judges — alongside host Brooke Burke, who brought balance and control to the stage, and Dave Navarro of Jane’s Addiction, who added undeniable rock credibility. Step inside the iconic Paramour Mansion in Los Angeles, where the show came to life — from its gothic atmosphere to the transformation of stables into rehearsal spaces and living quarters for production. Discover the intensity of the casting process, as the final 50 contestants performed in front of the band and management — each member selecting their favourites before narrowing it down to the final 15. And of course… There are some unforgettable stories along the way — including J.D. and Marty sneaking out of the mansion for a night at a bar, and one very unexpected (and naked!) guitar moment involving a cake… We’re so excited to have David on Listen Like Fans to share his incredible insights and memories of this lightning-in-a-bottle moment — when everything came together to create the perfect show at exactly the right time. So come and relive all the moments that led to that unforgettable line… “J.D., you are the rock star.”   Rockstar Reunion tickets: Grab your seats! This is going to be epic! https://www.tickettailor.com/events/rockstarreunionconcert/2038099 https://rockstarreunionlive.com/.   Want to listen to more episodes from Listen Like Fans? Then here your link  https://www.patreon.com/ListenlikeFans_fortheloveofINXSBackstageLegends?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator  

After 20 years of being eligible for the World Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, INXS finally, on February 25th, 2026, have been formally nominated for inclusion, leading to an outpouring of global joy and pride amongst music fans and critics. Andrew Farriss exclusively shared with Billboard how proud he, his bandmates and the late Michael Hutchence would have been to be recognised amongst their peers. "To matter musically" was more important than fads, trends and commercial success, and this nomination is an important validation of this notion. INXS were one of ten new nominees out of a field of 17 artists recognised, and were understandably faced stiff opposition from fellow nominees such as Joy Division/New Order, Billy Idol and Phil Collins insofar as the Hall’s recognition of artists that peaked in the 80’s. In April 2026, the final induction list shall be announced, but you can have a voice and influence this outcome by voting via the Rock Hall’s fan voting portal https://vote.rockhall.com/ So do yourself a favour, share the link with everybody you do and don’t know and in the words of Michael Hutchence’ lyric to Kick: “Cmon, Cmon, Cmon, Cmon” and ensure justice is done in April whereby the band INXS are rightly ordained into the Rock Hall of Fame along with their many influences The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Roxy Music etc… and we can all congregate in Cleveland and celebrate this iconic and wonderful recognition Love and peace  Haydn & Bee https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/  

Australia Day Weekend 2026 saw the coming together of many INXS fans and patrons of this show for a special commemoration of what would have been Michael Hutchence’s 66th birthday. It was a fantastic bus trip commencing from the iconic Northern Beaches in Sydney.  Attendees were greeted with a video acknowledgment from the sax god Kirk Pengilly and recent podcast guest Gary Grant (Former Tour Manager). We proceeded to famous INXS landmarks such as Clontarf Beach (the "Stay Young" video landmark), a Brookvale Industrial building where they rehearsed and gigged in 1979 and the Intercontinental Hotel where we lost Michael. Later that night, it went straight to the Dee Why RSL for the fantastic Don’t Change The Ultimate INXS Tribute Show gig, in front of over 650+ passionate, proud and energetic fans to witness 30 blistering tracks, including one Midnight Oil song paying tribute to the recent passing of drummer Rob Hirst. With the DC Boys paying homage to the 40th anniversary of Listen Like Thieves, the band proceeded to play the entire album plus 19 other songs from Underneath the Colours through to the X album. Big shoutout to all those who contributed and won their respective raffle prizes, and to all those who contributed to a great weekend and Bee’s tireless efforts. Finally, with a chunky news section catching up on fascinating INXS updates, it’s also an opportunity to share some major changes to our podcast.  You’ll need to stay tuned until the “final wrap” to find out. Love and peace https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/ [email protected]  

A new year means a refreshed focus to bring you vital and valuable updates to the INXS community, and Bee and I are grateful to have this forum to map our individual and, collectively, our Top 7 INXS wishlists for 2026. With the band’s touring and recording days behind them, INXS has maintained itself as a vital entity globally with a catalogue, mystique and legacy that still stands the test of time. That being said, there is a set of initiatives, projects and possibilities that INXS and management could explore that may increase their relevance and provide the impetus to a Rock Hall of Fame Induction. Interestingly, Bee and I have little crossover with our respective lists and very much hope some of these suggestions can eventuate and inspire new and existing fans globally. With our first news update section of the year and our Australia Day weekend INXS get together pending, do yourself a favour and tune into the latest episode of INXS: Access all Areas. Can’t wait to hear your wishlists too!! Love and peace   https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/  

Happy 2026 New Year cheer to everyone in the INXS community, and welcome to our 6th year of unique INXS Podcast content. We kick off the year with the wonderful Lucinda Clutterbuck, famed Australian animator and film clip maker for INXS’ 1993 “Please, you got that need”. A video that formed part of the Full Moon Dirty Hearts Album Visual project helmed by Richard Lowenstein. Having forged her way in the artistic community working with The Machinations, Midnight Oil and The Black Sorrows, Lucinda’s creativity shifted between animation, documentaries, TV, public art and film. Traversing her skills globally, particularly in France and Costa Rica, many of Lucinda’s key projects were met with much success during her time in Sydney and Melbourne, collaborating with many iconic Australian creatives. Her husband, Ray Argall, Directed 1990’s, AACTA Film of the Year (formerly the AFI Awards) “Return Home” co-starring up-and-coming Australian actor Ben Mendelsohn, who similarly featured in the Full Moon Dirty Hearts film clip and later starred in The Dark Knight Rises. So sit back and ease your way into 2026 with a fascinating deep dive with the wonderful Lucinda Clutterbuck. Love and Peace https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/  

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/