Yaffa Phillips
Anyone who knows me, knows that there are certain bands that I’ve grown up with that I’m goofy passionate about. Van Halen in the Roth years, as an example,is one. I will debate you for hours on the merits of why Diamond Dave is a God of all front men, and why those first six albums were the greatest maybe ever. You could say, I’m a tad bit nutty about my Rock youth. In that same vein, you will find out quickly that I’m also very passionate about the band INXS. In particular, the talent of their front man, the late, great, Michael Hutchence. You see, I was at two INXS shows as a kid, and those concerts left an indelible mark on me. Hutchence absolutely owned it on stage. His vocal power, his look, his ease, his sexuality with the masses, especially the females, was over the top. At one point in the early 1990’s, INXS was arguably the biggest band in the world, along with U2 and R.E.M. Don’t believe me? Go listen to the albums “Listen Like Thieves”, and “Kick”, and get back with me. Epic music. INXS combined Rock with Funk, New Wave, Soul, R&B, Punk, into one, amazing sound. To top if all off, Hutchence provided soulful unique vocals, and amazing writing with band mate Andrew Farriss.
Despite the “Rock Star” appeal of Michael, he was also an artist. A gifted musician, writer, poet, and a man who was largely misunderstood. At the time of his tragic passing, he was a lonely, embattled man, dealing with pressures of stardom, family, and challenges of leading a big band. He took his own life, on November 22nd, 1997. Michael left a huge gap in the world of music. Fast forward to 2019. His good friend, producer and film maker Richard Lowenstein, who produced many of the INXS music videos, has produced a touching and heartfelt documentary, titled “Mystify.” The film shows all of the sides of Michael, his life, his band, his music, his all too human struggles. The documentary is getting rave reviews. The documentary film has been released and shown in his native Country of Australia, and in the U.K. However, it’s been a challenge for a U.S. showing. Until now. The movie will be shown at select theaters in the United States on January 7th. I’ll check into to see if there is a Peoria showing. You dig Michael? If not, or you simply don’t know the band, go download all of INXS this weekend. You’ll thank me later.
-Bahan
