Don’t Change – Remembering Michael Hutchence

Laura Bock , , , ,

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the untimely death of a musical icon, Michael Hutchence of the Australian band, INXS. 

 

I must admit, I was shaken when I first heard the news of his death on November 22, 1997.

 

It’s hard when you lose a pop culture icon from your youth, especially when it is unexpected and in a bizarre way. There’s been some controversy surrounding his death – some believe he was murdered and others think it was accidental auto-erotic asphyxiation. Either way, the world lost a beautiful soul that day.

INXS was one of my favorite bands growing up and I saw them live four times. I had every album and cassette; I can’t tell you how many copies of Kick I warped on cassette tape. I was thrilled when I finally bought it on CD in the early ’90s.

My first ever concert was INXS in March 1988 – with Public Image Ltd. oddly enough opening for them. What a treat to see Johnny Rotten in his obnoxious neon suit, belting out “This is Not a Love Song”. We had nose-bleed seats, but nonetheless, it was an amazing first concert to attend. I don’t think we sat down once during INXS’ set and encore performance. I was beside myself with joy to hear all my favorite songs live.

I would see them two more times live that year, and twice more the following year.

Their music was a huge part of my teenage high school rebellion soundtrack, even though their music was far from rebellious – although Mom-ster thought differently. That’s another story, which can be read in my upcoming book next year.

INXS had a unique sound, brought together by Michael Hutchence’s velvety vocals. Their music was great as a party soundtrack, dancing, or even shared between lovers. The lyrics are some of the most memorable from my youth, and even today.

Michael Hutchence might be gone physically, but his music lives on, and as with all great musicians and artists, he is immortal.

The following is a playlist of some of the best songs from INXS.

Thank you for being part of my youth and coming of age with your music, Michael.

Rest in peace, Loved One.

 

Image by © Lynn Goldsmith/CORBIS

 

 

  1. Don’t Change
  2. The One Thing
  3. Kiss The Dirt (Falling Down The Mountain)
  4. What You Need
  5. Guns in the Sky
  6. Devil Inside
  7. Need You Tonight/Mediate
  8. Johnson’s Aeroplane
  9. New Sensation
  10. Love Is (What I Say)
  11. Dancing on the Jetty
  12. Original Sin
  13. Listen Like Thieves
  14. Good Times (with Jimmy Barnes)
  15. Suicide Blonde
  16. I Send A Message
  17. Burn For You
  18. Underneath the Colours
  19. Stay Young
  20. Never Tear Us Apart
  21. Mystify
  22. Bitter Tears
  23. To Look At You
  24. Melting in the Sun
  25. This Time
  26. The Swing
  27. The Loved One
  28. Just Keep Walking
  29. Lately
  30. Elegantly Wasted
  31. Taste It
  32. Black and White
  33. All The Voices
  34. Just a Man
  35. Not Enough Time