November 22nd is a date synonymous with death. It was on this day that President John F. Kennedy was infamously assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald as his convertible limousine crawled the Texan streets of Dallas. One of those ‘where were you’ moments, it was the death that shook the world.
This date also commemorates another untimely death. In a hotel room on the other side of the world, Michael Hutchence, the lead singer of INXS, was found dead at the age of 37.
Ruled to have committed suicide, Hutchence’s death has long been a contentious subject. Speculation that he may have died as a result of erotic asphyxiation has never disappeared; largely fuelled by his notoriously adventurous sex life. As such, the music industry as well as those who knew the Australian personally, plus his adoring fans, remain divided over the precise cause of death. Ultimately only Michael knows what his true intentions were.
Whether you accept the New South Wales coroner’s verdict or support the version of events that his partner, Paula Yates, subscribed to; it is undeniable that Hutchence’s death was tragic. Revered as one of the iconic frontmen of his generation, the Australian was on the eve of a homecoming tour to commemorate INXS’ twentieth anniversary. A multimillion selling artist, Hutchence had recently become a father for the first time and had both an impending solo album and acting roles in Hollywood on the horizon. His future looked bright.
But that future was one never to be seen.
His death was the antithesis of Michael. Once dubbed ‘the sexiest man on earth’ he would leave in a grotesque and unromantic manner. The mortifying thought of him, or anyone for that matter, dying alone in a hotel room is heartbreaking to say the least. When we contemplate the most ideal way to die this is far from our thoughts. It is not a manner in which any of us would wish to depart.
When people discover that Hutchence is one of my heroes their reaction depends upon their age. Those too young to recall INXS in their prime during the eighties are ignorant to his existence, often responding with ‘who?’. Given that he never lived to see the millennium such a response is understandable.
Then there are those who are aware of him. Their faces puzzled; surprised that somebody born the same year as he died would admire somebody who realistically should know nothing about him. They are equally bemused that anybody would idolise an individual known for his infidelity and regular substance abuse whilst also being prone to punching photographers. Their reactions too are justifiable. Michael’s faults are lengthy and he does not offer the purest kind of hero one could have.
Most people I have met know little about INXS. Few are enormous fans of their music. Being Australian arguably hindered their progress in the British Isles. Though the band toured endlessly and once packed 74,000 into Wembley Stadium,in 1991, they lived in the shadows to the likes of Duran Duran and U2 for much of the eighties in Britain. As a result, many fail to appreciate the man that Michael Hutchence was.
Anybody who saw INXS live will testify to the attraction of Hutchence. The man oozed charisma. Watch the ‘Need You Tonight’ video and you will see a man that is totally and completely comfortable within himself. He is the embodiment of sex with his androgynous swagger luring you in. His husky whisper adds a level to that song that few others are capable of providing.
I can vaguely remember seeing that video as a young child. I am sure it was on VH1 but I could be wrong. My mum did mention who he was to me then, but being so young I failed to process it. The only significant things I can remember her saying was that he ran away with Bob Geldof’s wife and that he was now dead. Sadly, this is how too many define him.
He didn’t appear again in my life until I was about 15. ‘Need You Tonight’ was used as a track on an advert (boohoo.com I believe) and I asked my Mum who the song was by. She told me it was INXS and brought Hutchence up once more. It was from here that I started to read up about him and listen to his music.
Kick is my favourite album of all time. There are very few LPs that you can put on and listen from start to finish without the need to skip through any song. Kick is one of these. It is an album that flows effortlessly. Its cornerstone songs like ‘Need You Tonight’, ‘New Sensation’ and ‘Never Tear Us Apart’ would sell today were they released. Throughout the album Hutchence excels; his voice soulful and flawless. When my Mum bought me a record player for my 17th birthday, Kick was one of the first albums I took from her redundant record collection.
But music is not the only reason why Hutchence is a hero of mine. I have done a lot of research into him, watching numerous videos and reading a ridiculous amount. His appetite for life emanates through each clip and every account of him describes an incredible man. His lust for life is abundantly clear. His cheekiness, charm and sultry behaviour are enviable. Add to this his glowing beauty, flowing hair and smooth lisp and it becomes clear that Hutchence possesses all the qualities an individual can. He is the person you wish you were.
It saddens me that he is more famous for his death than his life. As someone that Kylie Minogue once described as ‘Byronesque’, Hutchence certainly lived an elegant and fulfilled life. Yet the chaos of his private life towards the end overclouds his legacy. Instead of being recalled for his music catalogue, his swagger and being one of rock’s most iconic frontmen he is instead known for his ugly demise. Hutchence, to many, will always be the guy who stole Bob Geldof’s wife and hung himself in a Sydney hotel room.
Twenty years is a longer time dead than it is alive. Having turned 20 in July I can testify to just how short a time it is lived. Michael Hutchence has know been dead for 20 years. A life ended all too soon; the world of rock has arguably failed to find as charismatic a frontman since he left.
His career will always remain unfinished. What he could have achieved had he lived will forever be debated.
Michael Hutchence achieved a lot in his all too brief life; it is through the impact of his successes that he should forever be remembered.