Epi 200: the INXS Mini-series Reviewed

This Week’s Episode: Behind the Scenes of Creative Vandal We’re beyond excited to bring you a special episode featuring an exclusive interview with Peter Pahor, the brilliant director behind Creative Vandalism, the award-winning documentary on our friend and podcast mentor, Nick Egan.   Nick’s journey with INXS started with a shared love of music and a friendship with Michael Hutchence back in the mid-‘80s. That connection paved the way for some of the band’s most iconic visuals, including the unforgettable Kick album cover, which continues to define the INXS legacy. But Nick’s influence didn’t stop there—his creative genius took him on an impressive path, working with legendary artists like Duran Duran, Bob Dylan, Oasis, and Alanis Morissette, just to name a few.   We’re proud to take a deep dive into how this documentary came to life, as Peter reveals the stories, inspirations, and behind-the-scenes moments that make Creative Vandalism a true masterpiece. So sit back, relax, and join us as we uncover the magic behind the making of this gem!   https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/

After 4.5 years, INXS: Access all Areas reaches a special milestone of 200 episodes and what better way to celebrate than commemorate the Mini Series: Never Tear Us Apart starting with a deep dive into Part One. The episode that we coined “The Ascent” where we see the band climb from humble beginnings to the career zenith of Wembley 1991. With impeccable casting and production values from Endemol Shine Australia, this iconic mini series launched on Australian TV on Sunday February 9th, 2014 and concluded the following week on February 16th to record ratings for the Channel 7 network. Filmed in Melbourne Australia with a cast of known but not overtly famous actors, Director Daina Reid elicits heartfelt and acute performances particularly from industry veteran Damon Herriman whose portrayal of INXS Manager Chris Murphy may be the shrewdest casting in many years. With a swathe of songs representing INXS’ early career success in Australia, fans and the less initiated are taken into a heady and nostalgic period when music and gigs were the soundtrack and vehicle for youth culture and entertainment. Additionally, we get to see the work ethic, commitment and sacrifice of an emerging band who had the courage to leave the safety and earnings potential of Australian shores and “risk it all” by tackling the behemoth that was America. Inspiring, endearing, passionate and purposeful, go back and watch with fresh eyes and ears before listening to this podcast!! A big thank you to everyone that sent in their thanks to add this episode hearing From Tim and Andrew Farriss, Leigh Francis, our wonderful friends and patrons but not forgetting Nick Egan celebrating our achievements with a firework ending. We love you all.  Love and peace Haydn & Bee https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/ https://www.inductinxs.com/  

Forever the creative soul, Michael Hutchence was born to be more than just a lead singer of an international rock band. From the early days, Michael embraced the theatrical possibilities of music video and was at the forefront in ensuring INXS songs captured a visual vibrancy and vitality. As such, in today’s episode we dive deep into the critical performances that shaped and piqued Michael’s acting urges commencing in 1982 when Michael joined forces with iconic Cold Chisel songwriter, Don Walker in contributing to the seminal 1982 Australian film Freedom with two tracks and one video, notably Speed Kills that showcases a 21 year old Michael. The next 4 years were committed to INXS’ global ascent via albums Shabooh Shabaah, The Swing and Listen Like Thieves, plus the relentless touring attached to these triumvirate recordings. So, it took till 1986 for Michael to clear his schedule when the opportunity came up to star in Richard Lowenstein’s Dogs in Space came up. A movie that embraced the punk leanings of shared living suburbia amidst musical graft, this iconic art house movie has endured and influenced generations of fans and filmmakers over 38 years, despite its middling box office performance at the time. Fast forward 4 years later post the juggernaut albums and tours that were Kick and X, Michael scratched a lifelong itch portraying famed British poet Percy Shelly, by joining Bridget Fonda, John Hurt, Jason Patric and Raul Julia in legendary Hollywood Director Roger Corman’s last ever picture “Frankenstein Unbound”. A true passion piece and one that Michael embraced with unyielding commitment and joy. Finally, Michael portrayed a Record Executive mogul in the underwhelming indie feature “Limp” that despite its problems, aroused the attention of both Michael Douglas’ and Quentin Tarantino’s production companies with speculation of future projects in the offing. Unfortunately, Michael’s untimely passing thwarted what may have led a promising acting career into a burgeoning one. What is known, Michael possessed a charisma, a stare and a glare amidst an inner drive and creativity to succeed and express. One can only imagine what more he could have achieved in this space. Love and peace Haydn & Bee https://www.change.org/p/induct-inxs-into-the-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-2025 https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/  

After deep diving on INXS’ 2010 Original Sin Album last week, we take a detailed look at the album’s legacy, the influence of Chris Murphy on the band during this period and some of the exciting tour/setlists performances that accompanied this album release. Having seen the band perform at Day on the Green at Rockford Estates Melbourne, Victoria in February 2011, the setlist provides an interesting backdrop to the sounds and styles of the album in a real time “live setting” with support bands including Train, Baby Animals and The Models. The influence of Chris Murphy rejoining the band again in a creative and supporting role cannot be underestimated. He took the pressure and burden off the remaining 5 members of INXS to prove their worth and bona fides. Rather, he instilled faith and direction in the band to embrace their past, thrust their catalogue and pursue a band to brand strategy that inspired the band to look back and re-record the tracks that ended up being the Original Sin Album. With a jam packed news section, tribute song for the ages and a whole lot more, we present to you another vital episode of INXS: Access all Areas. Love and peace Haydn & Bee   For more info check out our website https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/  

Having completed nearly 200 gigs with JD Fortune via the Switch Album Tour over 2006-2007, INXS took a much needed break in 2008 to recharge the batteries and contemplate further new chapters in their career post Michael Hutchence. Amidst, a temporary falling out with JD, the band reunited with long term Manager Chris Murphy after a 14 year hiatus from band duties. With a renewed focus to move the band to a brand, the bank found inner inspiration when jamming in the studio during 2009 deconstructing old songs with new arrangements. As such, the idea to re-record some well known and unique deep cut INXS tracks was born with the idea of inviting select singers, DJ’s and world music artists to lend a hand. A unique initiative rarely taken by a band and one normally reserved for tribute acts. With Jon Farriss and James Ash (Rogue Traders Founder) spearheading the production duties, the band put together an ambitious, creative and artistically successful album that avoided being a simple rehash or rebooting of existing soundscapes. With guest contributors including Ben Harper, Rob Thomas, Kav Temperley (Eskimo Joe), Pat Monahan (Train) and Nikka Costa, the album manages to incorporate modern production, excellent musicianship and soaring vocal performances imbuing a sense of celebration and admiration for INXS’ songs. The album undoubtedly did in 2010 and now in 2024 challenge ardent, stoic and rusted on fans whose ears may be permanently etched to the sounds of the original songs, however as we have said on many occasions, “listen without prejudice” and you’ll be in for a rare musical experience. we also have a poll running on our Facebook page. So cast your votes on your top 5 songs off this album there.  Love and peace ✌️ https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/  

Occasionally a song comes along that sits sedately surrounded by more spectacular songs but somehow over the journey of time reveals itself sonically, lyrically and emotionally within our hearts and minds. That’s the story of INXS’ masterpiece “The Stairs” from 1990’s X album. After the one, two punch of Suicide Blonde and Disappear, both which climbed into the Billboard Top 10 Charts, The Stairs subtly and gradually provides a moment of introspective reflection in urban living amongst the masses and social alienation. With a contemplative introduction devoid of lyrics and full band interaction until the 80th second, INXS (according to Michael Hutchence) commit to a songwriting process and pathway that was to this point, their most ambitious recording. Absent was the traditional intro, verse, chorus, verse outro song structure with a greater emphasis on lyrical resonance and escalation. With a passioned vocal by Michael and a film clip that supports the lyrical themes of isolation and lack of community connection, INXS create a soundscape, lyric and message that some 34 years later has current day meaning in this online heavy but community lacking world. Having done deep dive episodes on more prominent singles such as What you Need, Never tear us Apart, Don’t Change, Burn for You and The One Thing, we are proud to share a unique deep cut that has only blossomed and grown in the hearts, minds and souls of true INXS fans since 1990. Love and peace Haydn & Bee https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/

This week the girls take over the podcast and let the resident birthday boy have the week off. me (Bee) and Danyelle take on the usual INXS matters of the week and we listen to Bee delve deep in a solo interview. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Chrissie Vincent, who found herself intertwined with INXS through her boyfriend Nero, the bass player for the Machinations, during the vibrant music scene of the 80s. Chrissie shares incredible stories of her encounters with the band, offering a unique glimpse into the world of Michael Hutchence, his girlfriend Michelle, and her enduring friendship with Garry Gary Beers. We also explore Chrissie's remarkable rise in the music industry, from her early days in the scene to leading a prestigious Bachelor’s course in Music Business and Entertainment. Tune in for a heartfelt and nostalgic trip through rock and roll history, told by someone who lived it. So sit back, grab a glass of wine, and listen to the all girls episode! Love and peace Bee https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/  

H A P P Y  I N X S  D A Y!       H A P P Y   B I R T H D A Y   T I M! In todays “feature episode” we celebrate the important milestone that is INXS’ 47th birthday and as such, Bee and I countdown the most pivotal 47 moments, achievements and accomplishments since 1977; with a heavy emphasis on songs, albums, video clips, awards and live gigs, amidst other memorable successes. Counting down from 47 to 1, mone and Bee's list's  contrasted heavily in the beginning, phases with a mutual appreciation society naturally occurring as we approached the top 5 pivotal moments and successes. So as we come off last week’s episode whereby we acknowledged the birthdays of Jon and Tim Farriss, we aim to not “bore you and get to the chorus” by booting our news, fan engagement and wrap sections to the kerb by getting straight into our list with passion, purpose and pace! We also, look forward to having 5 patrons join us next episode to extend the INXS birthday acknowledgments, either their very own pivotal moments and INXS successes, that resonated with them. So sit, back, forget about the troubles in your lives and dive deep on the only 100% INXS dedicated podcast on the planet with love and peace Blast out those INXS tunes today!  

Episode 193 “The Birthday Boys: Jon Farriss & Tim Farriss Top 7 Memories and Moments!” As we pass through August 10th & 16th, it’s only appropriate that we take time out to celebrate the career and lives of the “Birthday Boys” of INXS, Jon Farriss turning 63 and Tim Farriss 67 on the latest episode of INXS: Access all Areas. Middle brother Andrew’s legendary songwriting contribution has been discussed at length but today Bee and I count down the “Farriss bookends” of Jon and Tim top 7 pivotal moments and memories that resonate in our hearts to this very day whilst leaving an indelible mark. Jon, the innovative, skilled, multi-talented and percussive heartbeat of that undefinable INXS sound who blossomed into a formidable songwriting force with such hits and classics as Disappear, Deepest Red, Melting in the Sun and The Gift amidst many. Tim, the leader, statesman, funk-meister, upbeat, personality and big picture heart of the band! INXS were more than the sum of their parts and the contributions of these two Farriss brothers cannot be underestimated in the INXS journey. So sit back, pop a cold beverage and send your birthday cheers to the much loved Jon & Tim Farriss. Love and Peace Haydn & Bee https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/  

We are ecstatic to have the very first bona fide superstar guest of INXS:Access all Areas in 2020, Nick Egan, returning to our airwaves to discuss his upcoming feature documentary which shall be launching in the not to distant future. Having forged his career in the UK back in the late 1970’s as a visual design artist, Nick went on to critical acclaim as a Director of music videos, commercials and film working with artists as varied as: The Clash, The Ramones, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Psychedelic Furs, Bob Dylan, Duran Duran, Iggy Pop, Malcolm McLaren, New York Dolls, The Cult, The Doors, Alanis Morissette, Carole King, Cheap Trick, The Deftones, Mick Jagger, Oasis, Sonic Youth, Rod Stewart plus our very own INXS! In todays episode, we dive further into his iconic contribution to INXS’ Kick album cover, his relationship with Michael Hutchence and discuss a sample of his top 10 music videos that are being highlighted in this documentary. Forever erudite and on point, Nick’s openness, passion and honesty shines through and listeners are in for a genuine treat. With a huge birthday shout out to those who celebrated milestones in the month of July, it’s fair to say the previous October was a quiet social period for many of the 20th century’s superstar artist parents!! With a bumper news section and a whole lot more, tune into the only 100% dedicated, 24/7 and 50 weeks a year INXS podcast!!! Love and peace Jon 17 hours ago Hi, I can’t afford much but I’m happy to support a podcast about my favourite band. I was thrilled to make it into Calling All Nations (page 320) and equally thrilled to hear about others who love Inxs! Rob 10 days ago Hi H&B well done on the podcast you guys do a great job, keep up the good work! Rob (Perth) Amber 19 days ago Hi! I’m Amber from Toronto Canada! Happy to be a patron! Thanks for all you do. Jon 19 days ago Hopping on the patron bandwagon here on podbeam. Thanks for all you do to get INXS into the Rock Hall! For more info on becoming a patron to support this show please click here:   https://patron.podbean.com/INXSAccessAllAreas  Check out the webite for more info about our shows and socials: https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/ Sign the INduct INXS  https://www.change.org/p/induct-inxs-into-the-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-2025