Epi 223: The return of Mark Opitz Part 1

INXS: Access all Areas is guest month; where we are pleased to welcome famed Australian Producer, Author, Business Owner and Order of Australia (AM) recipient in 2020 from the Queen to the Podcast. With the recent passing of the iconic Beach Boys Co-Founder and musical maestro Brian Wilson, we were inspired to get a “little musical” and dive deep on the art of the “vocalist”. With production techniques and recordings evolving so much between the 1950’s through to the late 1970’s, we pay homage to Brian, his band mates and other artists that created a foundation that our very own INXS benefited from once they emerged from the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Mark Opitz shares some fascinating insights dating back to 1978 where as a young emerging Producer with Albert’s Music (home of AC/DC, The Easybeats, Rose Tattoo and The Angels) got the opportunity to work with the Beach Boys and Brian over a weekend when touring Australia. Combining these vital recent production successes and techniques, INXS were to become the future beneficiaries of Mark’s sonic skills which lean into. So sit back, open up your musical hearts and minds to the sweet sounds and discussions of a unique but unmissable part one of a special feature double episode! Love and peace   Check out our latest raffle where you could win a Listen Like Thieves Goodie Bag which we will be adding too this week.  Offical Listen Like Thieves Tote Bag Listen Like Thieves double CD 2025 Listen Like Thieves Lanyard  Limited edition Timmy Farriss Guitar pick from Timmy to you. https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/product-page/listen-like-thieves

Listeners are in for a treat as we are re- joined by the inimitable Philip Mortlock for part two chat exploring a wider than normal range of music industry discussion nuggets. With the recent re-issue of Listen Like Thieves, Philip’s calligraphy artwork on the original release, particularly the track-listing is given due discussion along with the stunning photography stills that make up the entire album. Additionally, the dance remix cassette Dekadance release in 1985 that contained the iconic 4 singles from The Swing plus remixed plus two rare versions of Love is (What I Say) and Melting in the Sun was a welcome discussion point sure to excite time honoured INXS fans. Never one to procrastinate and rest on one’s laurels, Philip is still a vital force in the music industry spearheading his own Record Label, “Origin”. A label who lives its values of “Originality, Diversity and Creativity”, Philip allows artists the platform to perform and create unencumbered with acts including Tim Finn (Split Enz, Crowded House), ARIA award winner Megan Washington and APRA Song of the Year recipient Katie Noonan (George fame). So sit back, put your favourite headphones, earpods or device on and embrace the wonderful vocal wisdom of Philip Mortlock. Love and peace. Do you want to win the 'goodie bag"? then find out more. https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/  

As we embark on our 6th year as a podcast, it’s rare that INXS: Access all Areas has returning guests, such was the magnitude of Philip Mortlock’s impact first time around in 2020. As an original and pivotal creative consultant to INXS between 1982-86, Philip’s contribution is particularly timely with the recent 40th anniversary release of Listen like Thieves. With album cover artwork, photography and film clip contributions, Philip’s skill and creative techniques have proven timeless. This time around, we wanted to examine the music business both in 1985 vs 2025 examining marketing, product distribution and the critical role support teams play in making and breaking both an album and a band. Still vital and vibrant after 40 plus years in the industry, Philip is still managing artists, their catalogues and most critically allowing them to do what they do best which is making music and does so with integrity and continued passion. So sit back and enjoy part one of a two part interview where we traverse a wide range of discussion points underpinned your band, INXS. Love and peace Haydn & Bee   https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/   To help us with the Go Fund Me for lisa any cotribution is kindly appreciated   https://gofund.me/c6a0fcdf   Please sign the Inducted INXS Petiton   https://www.change.org/p/induct-inxs-into-the-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-2026    

As the Listen like Thieves 40th anniversary album soars up the international charts, we unpack the June 24th, 1986 live concert which is brilliantly packaged and re-mastered onto the new release for fans to enjoy. The beautiful and historic Royal Albert Hall, opened to the public in 1871, has been the epicenter of British and international culture ever since. Hosting diverse acts and individuals ranging from Phantom of the Opera, Albert Einstein, The BAFTA’s and sports, this 5272 capacity venue was intimate enough but large enough to capture INXS as they finally cracked fickle UK critics and audiences. With a setlist that leant on the recent triumvirate successes of Shabooh Shoobah, The Swing and Listen Like Thieves plus a few recent soundtrack releases, INXS captured that famous primal, propulsive and passionate urgency they were known for. With iconic footage on You Tube of the band’s sound check and interview footage with Tim, Kirk and Michael sprinkled with their famous “ Nile Rodgers warmup song”, INXS fans are showered in nostalgic overdrive. So whether you’re a downloader, vinyl operator or CD aficionado, do yourself a favour and turn your device up to 11 (hello Spinal Tap), sing from the heart and fist pump with passion and pride. Love and peace Haydn & Bee https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/ To help us with the Go Fund Me for lisa any cotribution is kindly appreciated https://gofund.me/c6a0fcdf Please sign the Inducted INXS Petiton https://www.change.org/p/induct-inxs-into-the-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-2026

May 10th, 2025 shall go down as one of the great days when INXS: Access all Areas was able to meet patrons, listeners and passionate INXS fans from around the globe as we hosted them on our Sydney bus tour and evening gala function. Celebrating our 5th birthday, Bee and I were truly humbled by the level of support, participation and love for what was a little idea in late 2019 that materialized into a fully blown concept in May 2020. So for those unable to attend, Bee and myself aim to bring the essence, events and vibe of the entire day to you through this episode. With audio acknowledgements from Ollie Olsen’s Manager Bruce Butler, Sean Dickson (Soup Dragons) amongst many, we are truly humbled. With special guests Richard Simpkin ( Michael in Pictures) and the greatest INXS cover band, Don’t Change; guests were astonished and blown away by INXS’ very own Kirk Pengilly who turned up and stayed till the very end mingling and embracing the night. Shout out to all those who traveled so far to join us and thankyou to all the raffle, auction and prize winners with fantastic merchandise and INXS treasures going home with the lucky bidders. So as we continue to push the band’s cause to be inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, we were excited to have the event acknowledged in the latest edition of Rolling Stone Magazine some few days later and believe with your support and patronage, we can lobby for true musical justice and attend as a collective the 2026 Induction ceremony knowing we did our bit. Love and peace Haydn & Bee To donate to help Lisa Mac click this link 🙏 https://gofund.me/40c6d94d our website  https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com Sogn the petition  https://www.change.org/p/induct-inxs-into-the-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-2026 Rolling Stone article  https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/inxs-kirk-pengilly-talks-rock-hall-snub-76810/  

Late April and May is a special time in Australia, the UK and the USA where we commemorate our returned soldiers and remember those who fought so bravely to provide the freedom we deeply appreciate and enjoy today. Lest we forget. Inspiring us with loyalty, mateship and bravery, a little band of brothers from the Northern Beaches of Sydney channeled the courage of our war heroes to traverse the globe with no guarantees, promises or favours to become the biggest band on the planet between 1988-1990 with style, sacrifice and substance. In no way are we comparing the ultimate sacrifice of our war heroes to INXS however the DNA of true Aussie mateship, loyalty, commitment perseverance were traits INXS drew upon when many other bands before them disappeared after so much promise. So Bee and I count down individually our “Top 7 moments” when INXS bravely fought against the odds, self-doubt and industry challenges to usurp their contemporaries such as Dire Straits, U2, The Police, Simple Minds and Duran Duran to become the biggest band in the world. Typically our lists vary but the sentiment and unabashed pride in INXS’ achievements evoke similarly. So sit back and take a moment to enjoy the characteristics and attributes that created INXS’ success not just the outcomes. Love and peace https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/ https://www.inductinxs.com/signthepetition  

As we wish the world a Happy Easter, we thought what better occasion for INXS: Access all Areas to deep dive on that pop culture touchstone of highlighting INXS’ very own Easter Eggs, that being the trail of cultural touchstones they have left behind over some 48 years. As with movies, books and music, artists often leave a trail and footprint in the cultural zeitgeist through multiple platforms such as movies, lyrics, sports and film clips and INXS are no different. So Bee and I have great fun in this episode locating these cool little nuggets in some obvious and obscure places. We kick things off, pardon the pun at the peak of INXS’ international fame between 1987-1990 and divert into the world of movie and TV soundtracks. We then take a left turn to sports and bring it home with something more ethereal like religion, faith and spirituality. All whilst not taking ourselves too seriously!!! So for all of you adults out there who seem to miss out on the Easter Bunny chocolate fix, sit back and get your own very dose and dollop of INXS Easter Eggs!! Love and Peace Click the link below to win a vintage copy of Listen Like Thieves, signed by Kirk and Tim. The winner will be announced at the party on The Strangest party on the 10th May. Good Luck! https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/product-page/raffle

We're Back! INXS:Access all Areas is pleased to take pause from all that is happening in the INXS multi-verse and acknowledge the musical maestro, genius and engine room that is Andrew Charles Farriss on his recent 66th birthday. Every great band has one member that is the musical juggernaut, auteur and sheer skill, creativity and vision to propel their band from good to great and INXS were fortunate enough to have such a person as Andrew Farriss despite his humble bowing to the collective unit. So today we examine Andrew’s inimitable skills in songcraft, instrumentation, production and lyricism paying due homage to individual songs for INXS his influences and influence on the wider musical generations to follow. Forever evolving and challenging himself without fear or threat of changing trends and fads, we aim to dive deep on the real Andrew Farriss behind the music. With a jam packed news section, exciting competition to win a signed original "Listen Like Thieves"Album https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/product-page/raffle Lots of updates and snippets of cool info from Bee regarding our 5th anniversary party in Sydney, this is a not to be missed. Pssst If you want to know more about the party we might beable to squeeze you on the bus too. Get in touch [email protected] Love & Peace

With the pending May 9th release of the 40th anniversary Deluxe Edition of Listen Like Thieves, Bee and Haydn couldn’t wait to provide their listeners around the globe a deep dive preview into the formats, track listings, special features and bonus material. But before we do, we revisit and discuss the original 1985 album release in all of its glory as the album represented INXS’ first genuine international commercial success spearheaded by the infectious funk groove of “What you Need” that soared up the charts providing the musical template of things to come. Listen Like Thieves seemed like a guitar tour-de-force response to the perceived over- produced but iconic and brilliant The Swing album, re-creating the “live sound” that Producer, Chris Thomas, wanted to encapsulate. With tracks like Good & Bad Times, This Time and the eponymous title track, this mission was achieved. The 40th anniversary Deluxe Edition release features the brilliant Giles Martin and Paul Hicks on production, remixing and engineering duties utilize the modern Atmos Dolby Mix, brilliant liner notes by famed music journalist Paul Sexton and a remastering of the forgotten but famed Royal Albert Hall gig INXS performed in unison with the BBC. With pre- orders on vinyl and CD’s available, get in early and place your orders to avoid missing out. Order via the INXS Website https://www.inxs.com Catch up on all our episodes https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/ Email us if you would like more info about the “On A Bus” Tour and or “The Strangest Party” which will be on the 10th May, in Sydney Australia. We would love to meet you 🙌 [email protected]  Love and peace  The INXS AAA Podcast Team     

Listen like Thieves vs Elegantly Wasted Time to get back to the music that filled our heads, hearts & eardrums over the years with our song showdown episode. With the 28th anniversary of Elegantly Wasted single upon us, the Bee contends that it’s the greatest INXS song that namesakes an album title. Haydn, takes the contrary view that Listen Like Thieves is the greatest single release that namesakes an actual album release. “So Houston, we have a problem” that requires a deep dive debate with opposing thoughts, views and opinions. Etched in pour collective minds and souls, both tracks managed to traverse INXS’ recording career at starkly different times. Listen like Thieves, the last ever single released that was a full band songwriting compilation and Elegantly Wasted, recorded uniquely in Ireland at a time post a Michael & Andrew night out on the town with Bono from U2. Either way, both songs serve as a signpost of INXS’ incredible versatility in musicianship and songwriting. With a jam packed news section to add, there is no other place to be this week than with the INXS: Access all Areas Podcast team! Love and peace Make you vote below and lets see who you agree with. Obviously we love them both but this is just a bit of fun. check out our facebook page to make your votes plus email the podcast if you would like to know more about the event on the 10th May  [email protected]   https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com