Michael Hutchence

Early Life

Michael Kelland John Hutchence was born on January 22, 1960, in Crows Nest, Sydney, to Patricia Glassop, a make-up artist, and Kelland Frank Hutchence, a businessman. He had an elder half-sister, Tina, and later moved to Brisbane, where his younger brother Rhett was born. The family eventually relocated to Hong Kong, where Hutchence developed an interest in music and poetry after a swimming injury curtailed his athletic pursuits. Returning to Sydney in 1972, he attended Davidson High School, where he met Andrew Farriss, leading to the formation of their first band, Doctor Dolphin.

Career

Hutchence co-founded the rock band INXS in 1977, which became one of Australia's most successful music acts, selling over 50 million records worldwide. The band was known for hits like "Never Tear Us Apart" and was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2001. Hutchence was the band's charismatic lead singer and lyricist, contributing significantly to their songwriting. His solo work included the album "Michael Hutchence," which was released posthumously in 1999, featuring collaborations with artists like Bono from U2.

Personal Life

Hutchence's personal life was marked by high-profile relationships, including with Australian singer Kylie Minogue and model Helena Christensen. He was known for his wild persona, which earned him the nickname "the wild man of rock." His relationship with Michele Bennett was particularly significant, inspiring the INXS hit "Never Tear Us Apart." Despite their breakup, they remained close friends, and she was considered his first real love.

Legacy

After Hutchence's untimely death in 1997, INXS continued to perform until 2012. His solo album was completed shortly before his passing, and his life has been the subject of documentaries and biographies, including "Just a Man: The Real Michael Hutchence" released by his family. Hutchence's influence on rock music endures, and he is remembered as a talented artist who left a lasting impact on the music industry.