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Episode 186: Welcome to Rockstar INXS

In December 2004 INXS announced the bold move to enter the “Reality TV” world with the global media release of Rockstar INXS. A talent identification based competition filmed and released via CBS, VH1 and affiliates aiming to find INXS’ new lead singer.

In this episode, we discuss the backdrop behind this announcement, the format of the show, the motivations for INXS/Management going down this pathway amidst various anecdotes from this period as we set up one of the most fascinating and risky periods of INXS’ career.

As a framework setup to subsequent episodes, Rockstar INXS despite some of its critics was able to bring rock n roll and fantastic classic songs back into the mainstream audiences globally with songs from Radiohead, Pink Floyd, The Killers and many others front and center amongst the contestants. With excellent production values from the king of reality tv, Mark Burnett, credible hosting duties by Jane’s Addiction’s lead guitarist Dave Navarro and compering by the stunning Brooke Burke, Rockstar INXS managed to remind and probe older fans and new millennials what a force INXS were and could be despite the tragic loss of their original frontmen, Michael Hutchence.

With Bee in the UK for 4 weeks, our team has set you some “enjoyable homework” and that being to hit up YouTube, watch all 32 episodes and relive with fresh eyes and ears plus without prejudice the drama, the twists and the turns that were Rockstar INXS.

Love and Peace

https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/

Releasing this episode on our 4th Anniversary; we are beyond excited to have a special and featured guest on today’s episode of INXS: Access all Areas. Jon Lamoreaux from The Hustle Podcast, based in Denver Colorado has created over 470 episodes of fantastic music deep dive content over the last 9 years to critical acclaim.

The original driving inspiration behind Haydn creating this INXS podcast with Bee, Jon’s musical passion, love of Australian/New Zealand artists and fantastic dulcet tones has resulted in nearly a million downloads since its inception creating hours upon hours of interesting content that has brought listening pleasure to thousands.

Today we join forces to discuss the DNA of the Australasian music scene and how a band like INXS were able to take the mantle from iconic “live acts” that preceded them such as The Angels, AC/DC, Cold Chisel, Dragon, Midnight Oil and Split Enz to name just a few. What was this notion called “grit” that permeated all of these acts to perform to such truly high levels and meant the public/concert goers were given blistering, raw and pulsating performances up close and personal every time.

We talk about INXS’ place in history, their Rock n Roll Hall of Fame prospects plus what musically they meant to an ardent fan such as Jon. Filled with fantastic anecdotes, references, opinions and passion, this unique episode is one we are proud to share with you and trust you’ll love it as much as we do.

There won't be dropping an episode this weekend. We would like to wish all the Mothers out there a restful Mother's day, including Bee.

For more updates and to contact The Podcast Team here is the link https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/

The Hustle Podcast link below

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-hustle/id1050310200

Continuing our musical themes of recent weeks, we at last get the opportunity to finalize INXS: Access all Areas “Deep Cut” tracks Spotify Playlist that highlights the best of the best iconic “album tracks” that never made it to a “singles release”. “No filler, all killer” is a tagline that would adequately apply to INXS over their ten albums with Michael Hutchence. They never rested on their laurels when it came to putting an album together often having over 30 songs to choose from when it came to finalising the final track listing.

So in todays final compilation, Bee and I retrieve from all of the previous album review episodes, our favourite deep cuts and assemble them into a 36 song “Quadruple Album” tour-de-force playlist with themes for our 4 sided compilation.

We want this to be a truly interactive episode and ask you to open up the Spotify playlist below and embrace these wonderful tracks in “real time” as we discuss them with you. In this modern era where musical acts seem only be able to conjure middling singles, we celebrate the mighty INXS’ greatness once again with what could be taglined “the best of the rest”!!!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5Ky3JCzStF4VOGneEEuHv9?si=-8fAjeR9RUe6hDDZtJAWdQ

For more information about the podcast and how you can join this "Strangest party" click here https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/

We are privileged to be joined by patrons Darren Joseph, Brett Williams and Dr Jim along with good friend of the podcast Darren Jones, to discuss and celebrate the 40th anniversary of INXS’ commercial breakout album, The Swing!

Musical tendencies and tastes often formulate during those halcyon teenage years and today’s panel deep dive into the joys of this album evoke true feelings of nostalgia, sentimentality and happiness. We discuss which songs resonated upon release in 1984 and still to this day, the importance of VHS/Video on each songs impact and the album cover/contents that were of its time. Having sold over 2,500,000 copies globally, we tackle the albums mysterious initial commercial failings in the USA market which were likely due to the albums overtly political and racially charged lyrics that stalled radio and MTV support. That aside, American fans post Kick went back and re-discovered this gem leading to platinum status accreditation and embrace songs such as Original Sin, Burn for You and I Send a Message when played “live” over the years.

Having previously reviewed The Swing album in episode 13 and explored (Ep. 68, 121 and 122) with Nick Launay (Producer) and Philip Mortlock (A&R), this episode is a true joy and trip down memory lane to a time and place where INXS raised their game from underground, alternative darlings to true, versatile and musical players about to make their mark globally!

Love and Peace

for more info check out ourwebsite.

https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com and don't forget to sign the petition to help get INXS into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

https://www.change.org/p/induct-inxs-into-the-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-2025

After confidence boosting performances with Terence Trent D'Arby, the Tim Rice Extravaganza and closing out the 2000 Olympic Games, INXS sought an old mate to take the frontman duties in ex Noiseworks lead singer, Jon Stevens.

Having carved a 20 plus year career as a soloist, frontman and pivotal member of the 1992/93 Jesus Christ Superstar revival stage show throughout Australia, Jon’s credentials were bonafide and deserving. With domestic tours throughout Australia, subsequent ones to the USA, Latin America and Europe, it looked like INXS had overcome the inner uncertainty that plagued their previous 4 years.

Armed with a plan to assert themselves across the globe in both a “live concert” and recording sense, optimism was high. Despite strong reviews of Jon’s contribution to the band particularly in the performing sense, Jon would get disheartened with the lack of band creativity in the studio. With the sole single “I Get Up” released in 2003 to coincide with the Rugby Union World Cup the only fresh material, Jon would decide to leave INXS to pursue his own musical interests. That aside, Jon’s contribution to the healing, morale and confidence for INXS to continue as a going concern entity cannot be underestimated and should be appreciated.

We also go back to the year 1998 with a little pleasure and pain segment highlighting the sheer disparity of great and not so great songs that permeated the airwaves. So sit back, pour yourself a favourite tipple and enjoy a jam packed episode 182 of INXS: Access all Areas.

Plus the all important comp comes to an end and we see who will win the 2 tickets to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

for more info check out our website https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/

Nobody loves a good list more than Haydn.

In today’s episode of the INXS Access All Areas podcast, Bee allows him to indulge his longstanding wish to prosecute the case of which 25 INXS songs have had the most impact and importance within the cultural zeitgeist.

With a recording career that started in 1980 via their eponymous debut album, and culminated in 2010’s Original Sin reworking of old material, the band has written over 300 songs. So determining the top 25 that will still resonate in 100 years was a massive undertaking with many songs landing at '26!' Impact and importance are different criteria to favourite or best song. It's about which 25 songs, more than others, resonate with the public consciousness, whether it's the charts, fan enjoyment, legacy, musicianship or simply propelled the band forward in their progression from Aussie touring band to international superstardom.

So sit back, enjoy, agree, disagree, prosecute or revel in what might be our most controversial topic ever!!!

Love and peace. Haydn and Bee.

Entry to the Competition ends on 31st March. Check our website make a donation or become a patron to the show to enter, check out the website for all the details and more. https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/

In episode 131, we embarked on a deep dive into INXS compilation albums (1982’s INXSIVE and 1994 Greatest Hits) with attention and detail.

In the 2001-2002 period, INXS Management undertook the release of two distinct compilation albums for two different regions. “Shine like it Does” under their USA label Rhino, a 42 song extravaganza covering 1979-1997 released primarily in the USA.

Secondly, “The Years:1979-1997” for their Australian market, a 41 song deep dive catalogue representation covering their Australasian and global career.

With the band in a holding pattern, both releases served to remind old fans and new ones, the deep musical contribution INXS made to the sonic soundscapes since the inception. Both these releases overcame the shortfalls of 1994’s Greatest Hits releases in the USA, UK and Australia respectively and provided true fans with a thorough representation of their singles, appropriate album deep cuts and liner notes within to die for!

Often, complication albums can be a cynical record company cash grab exploiting each albums continued sale prospects. Pleasingly, this isn’t one of these exercises as both discs cover nearly 95% of the band’s recording successes. So for collectors without these double discs, for those unaware of their existence and to those who share a fondness and musical memory of these immense releases, do yourself a favour and listen in as we dive deep on all the interesting anecdotes and facts about these two mighty releases.

Also listen out to our Fan Engagement section, with Bee & Danyelle, when they thank the fans who have contributed to the socials over the past week. Not forgetting you can WIN 2 x Tickets to the Rock and Roll Induction Ceremony in the USA, just email the podcast INXSAAA@gmail.com once you become a Silver Patron or above. Check out our webstite for more details. INXSAccessAllAreas.Com

Continuing Part 2...

Frank Benbini of the Fun Lovin Criminals joins Bee and I to discuss the profound musical influence INXS had on him and his band mates as musicians.

As a hybrid musical act out of New York City, the F.L.C adopted a blended style of music prowess combining rock, blues, hip hop, dance and soul.

Uncompromising, unapologetic and unmissable “live”, Frank deep dives and revels in the skill, songcraft and talent of Andrew, Tim and Jon Farriss in particular whilst sharing a chance encounter he had with Michael in 1993 England! Frank’s versatility as a musician has led to regular gigs with UB40 as a touring musician and several respected side projects such as “Uncle Frank”. This allowed Frank to make a magical recording with Sinead O’Connor before she suddenly passed.

That and a jam packed news section bringing us right up to date!

So sit back, forget about the problems in your life and embrace this latest bumper double episode!

Love and peace