INXS

As music was transitioning from the 70s to 80s, rock was the predominant genre of choice. There were many kinds of rock coming out of Australia at the time, most famously was the hard rock of AC/DC. INXS changed all that with a new wave sound that became hugely popular on their hit records and stadium tour dates around the world. The sound became shared by bands like Oingo Boingo, Men at Work, and Devo, but INXS appealed to a wider audience than other bands. Even after the death of Michael Hutchence in 1997, INXS has continued to release records and play tour dates with new singer J.D. Fortune. J.D. Fortune can be seen fronting INXS on their North American concert dates in 2011, dubbed The Original Sin Tour.

INXS was formed in 1977 by the Farriss brothers -- Andrew (keyboards), Tim (lead guitar), and Jon (drums) -- along with classmates Michael Hutchence (vocals), Garry Beers (bass), and Kirk Pengilly (guitar/saxophone). After Tim met the manager for Midnight Oil in a bar parking lot, the group began opening tour dates for the band under the name The Farriss Brothers. In 1980, INXS scored a five-album record deal and released their debut, self-titled album in the same year. INXS' next few albums -- Underneath the Colours (1981) and Shabooh Shoobah (1982) -- achieved moderate success in Australia, but were but a precursor to their later fame. During this time, INXS played hundreds of tour dates around Australia and the US to gain exposure, often recording after a full night of playing live.

In 1984, INXS released Swing, which quickly went double platinum and contained their first #1 single, "Original Sin". The album added a harder edge to INXS' already New Wave sound and paved the way for their breakthrough album, Listen Like Thieves. The album was praised by critics and fans around the world, with the single "What You Need" shooting to the top of the charts. Before the album was even released, INXS embarked on an epic number of concert dates, including a show for Prince Charles and Princess Diana in Melbourne. Even more tour dates followed after the album's release, including a performance in support of Queen at Live At Wembley '86. INXS continued their string of hit albums and promotional tour dates with X in 1990 and Elegantly Wasted in 1997. In late 1997, lead singer Michael Hutchence was found dead in his Sydney hotel room.

INXS remained out of the music scene until 2004, when the band attempted to find a new lead singer on the reality show, Rock Star: INXS. Canadian singer J.D. Fortune was chosen and released Switch in 2005. In 2010, INXS released a tribute album to Michael Hutchence, titled Original Sin, which featured a bevy of hit musicians. In promotion of the album, INXS is heading out on concert dates in 2011 for the North American Original Sin Tour, which begins on July 3 at Riverfest in Brockville, Ontario. Before the tour dates kick off, INXS will play at the Clapham Common in London on June 11, and at the Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin on June 18. After playing tour dates in Canada, INXS will begin the US leg of their tour on July 17. INXS' concert dates in 2011 will end on August 14 in Atlanta, so be sure to check Eventful for ticket information ASAP.