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Michael Hutchence

Historical Figure

Michael Hutchence

1960–1997

Australian singer (1960–1997)

Postwar

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Biography

Michael Kelland John Hutchence was an Australian singer and songwriter. He was the co-founder, lead singer and lyricist of the rock band INXS from 1977 until his death in 1997. The band sold over 50 million records worldwide, making them one of Australia's highest-selling music acts of all time. They were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2001.

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Timeline

The story of Michael Hutchence, told in moments.

1980 Event

INXS releases their self-titled debut. Six guys from Sydney playing new wave rock. Hutchence is the frontman. He moves like Jagger, sings like Morrison, and has the kind of charisma that makes large rooms feel small.

1987 Event

Kick is released and sells over 20 million copies. "Need You Tonight," "Never Tear Us Apart," "New Sensation." INXS is the biggest band in the world for about a year. Hutchence dates supermodels and lives like he's invincible.

1997 Death

Found dead in a hotel room at the Ritz-Carlton in Sydney. He was 37. The coroner rules it a suicide. He'd been battling depression and was locked in a custody dispute over his daughter. INXS tries to continue. It's not the same.

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