INXS: Access All Areas

Epi 160: Michael Hutchence, The “Quiet Activist” with Paulie Stewart

It was cool in the 1980s as a rock star to loudly proclaim and attach yourself to worthy causes—think Sting (Brazilian rain forests, Russian leaders), Little Stevie (Artists Against Apartheid) and Bono/U2 (Chile, Ireland, drugs, September 11, Greenpeace, and the vegan hippos of Botswana North, East and South 😜).
 
Less virtue-signalling were INXS, who quietly attached themselves to the people of Kuwait, the anti-nuclear movement, and Amnesty International. What was even less known publicly were the efforts of Michael Hutchence, whose links to the East Timorese/Indonesian incursion were done with sincerity, true altruism, and often, anonymity.
 
Today we are joined by Paulie Stewart, founder of seminal Melbourne 80’s band The Painters and Dockers. With links to the East Timorese conflict in 1975, the Indonesian invasion changed him and his family’s lives forever with the tragic killing of his brother and four other journalists, known as the Balibo Five. This undeniable atrocity led to Michael and Paulie creating a true kinship to the cause that Paulie recounts for us.
 
We also have time for levity as we share the Painters and Dockers’ unique story and ascent to being inducted into the Victorian Music Hall of Fame. Forever quirky, subversive, effervescent, and challenging to society’s status quo, the Dockers are a true national treasure.
 
So, sit back and savour the warm, giving, and generous words of Paulie Stewart in this unique episode of INXS Access All Areas.
 
Bid here to win a signed copy of Rooms for The Memory 2023

Epi 159: INXS Day with Ollie Olsen Interview

 
August 16th, 1977, was a pivotal day in world music as one legend Elvis Presley passed, whilst another was born: with 6 guys from the Northern Beaches of Sydney playing their first-ever gig as the Farriss Brothers!
 
So, this episode is a special one where, in fan engagement, we acknowledge and highlight this fantastic 46-year anniversary; but, in the topic today, we help out a dear friend to Michael & Richard Lowenstein, the brilliant Ollie Olsen, with both a “record auction” and a “CD EP raffle” for the signed 2023 versions of “Rooms for the Memory”.
 
In addition, we are pleased to share Jane Gazzo from Australian Music Vaults’ fantastic deep-dive interview with Ollie Olsen, a discussion that showcases the early days, his affinity with electronica and those special days working with Michael Hutchence.
 
As Ollie is suffering from Multiple System Atrophy, a rare, terminal disease similar to Parkinson’s, we hope and trust the INXS community shall dig deep with these two special fundraising items. With 100% of all monies raised going to support Ollie, let’s show the music world just how important Ollie is and was to Michael Hutchence’s musical legacy.
Love and Peace ✌️

Epi 158: Part 2 “Michael’s best friend Greg Perano opens up”!

Hear Stories that you haven't heard before...
 
INXS Access All Areas doubles down with the coda episode of ex-Hunters Collectors and best friend Greg Perano diving deep into his longtime friendship with kindred spirit Michael Hutchence.
 
With a friendship dating back to pre-stardom INXS and the superstar status of Michael Hutchence, Greg fondly takes us back to a time and journey when true friendship was based on care, loyalty, mutual respect and plenty of scallywag moments between twenty-somethings then continued into the thirty-somethings.
 
Michael’s love for true company from true hearts is never more apparent on this episode as we hear how Greg would get a late night call saying, “Come to Paris. A flight has been booked for you, Greg!” Or how Michael would always look out for those close or afar to ensure they were made to feel comfortable in his presence.
 
The true notion of Australian mateship and brethren connections are wholeheartedly felt with every noun, verb and adjective when enunciated by Greg. Plus, we have a real intro and outro song treat that we’ve never done before in 157 episodes.
 
So, sit back, grab a tasty beverage, a tissue or two plus your best headphones and relive one of life’s great friendships, audio-style!
Love and Peace ✌️
 
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Epi 157: Part 1 “Michael’s best friend Greg Perano opens up”!

Hear Stories that you haven't heard before...
 
Greg Perano, a former member of the iconic Australian band Hunters and Collectors opens up about his long-time best friend Michael Hutchence in a revealing and heartfelt deep dive.
 
As we commemorate Michael's legacy to INXS we are fortunate to have Greg for two episodes who goes behind the public image and occasional facade of Michael's persona to shed light on his true essence, spirit, wit, sense of humour and unrivalled loyalty to his inner circle.
 
Joined also by Richard "Michael in Pictures" Simpkin, listeners shall get access to personal anecdotes, irreverent storylines and joyous moments recounted in a manner that only makes us miss Michael further. Delivered with both pathos and loving cheer, Greg had access to Michael's friendship unlike any other person on the planet hence his credentials to share and opine are beyond reproach.
 
So sit back, be prepared to listen, laugh, lament but most importantly "love baby love' the true friendship of Michael Hutchence and Greg Perano!
 
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INXS Access All Areas Podcast  

Epi 156: Michael Hutchence’s Last Interview with Famed Aussie Journalist, Nui Te Koha

Only 4 days before the legendary Australian frontman for INXS took his own life, he conducted his final interview with an emerging writer and journalist for the Herald Sun newspaper, Nui Te Koha.
 
Before boarding a flight from Los Angeles to his native hometown of Sydney, Michael carved a far different portrait as a man than the one Nui interviewed some 4 years earlier—all on the backend of some scathing personal and professional attacks from Fleet Street’s finest (not)!
 
Nui captured a Michael who was raw, vulnerable and self-reflective against the initial expectations that it would be a shameless upcoming-tour-promotional puff piece.
 
Contemplative, honest and somewhat melancholic, Nui captured publicly the true inner feelings Michael was possessing at a time when the “tall poppy syndrome” against the band was at its peak.
 
We are fortunate enough for Nui to read out the quoted words of Michael, and they’re delivered with heartfelt pathos and pain. Please, if you’re feeling vulnerable and low after listening to this interview, reach out to loved ones and professionals who can help. I’m sure Michael would want that.
 
Its a goodbye from me 
and its agoodbye from Bee, goodbye everybody see you next week.
 
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Epi 155: The Making of the Elegantly Wasted Video

As we tie our final bow on what was 1997’s Elegantly Wasted album release, we are delighted to be joined by video producer of the title track and first single release, the fantastic Bruce Haymer-Coleman.
 
Having worked with other artists including Elton John, Depeche Mode, Donna Summer and The Cranberries, Bruce coordinated at very short notice the shoot for “Elegantly Wasted” in Los Angeles with only 4 days before the band were committed to flying to the UK. Creating the airport scene from scratch, the production of the set came together with urgency and expertise with a budget “INXS” (😜) of $150,000 in costs, but it shows in the ultimate release.
 
A prolific video producer at the time, Bruce would often create 4-6 videos per month with a prior grounding working with famed directors George Lucas, Ridley Scott, David Fincher and Gore Verbinski—only proving that INXS were incredibly smart as to who they trusted turning their words and melodies into pictures!
 
So, buckle up and sit back and hear from another major player in the music scene who loved working with the band and whose favourite track of theirs was “Devil Inside”! Tribute track, perhaps? Make sure you listen to the end!
 
To learn more about Bruce Colemans book click here https://a.co/d/6PdTkZO
 

Epi 154: Band and Fans talk Elegantly Wasted Tour

As we step back in time to 1997, we rejoice in both the fan and band experience as they share their experiences of being on tour again after a nearly 3-year hiatus.
 
With patrons and listeners diving deep on what was the Elegantly Wasted Tour, we hear insights from gigs in Scotland, and Los Angeles amidst several prominent tour destinations but excitedly hear from the band as they did the media rounds between gigs.
 
With excerpts from interviews including Jon Stewart and Rosie O’Donnell, we hear a band enjoying being back on stage together making vital and meaningful music. We also may get an answer from Michael Hutchence himself regarding the rumoured “better than Oasis” refrain that did the rounds during the band’s globetrotting endeavours.
 
Excitedly, INXS Access All Areas gets all retro with the “Return of the Rant” and Bee’s 1997 “Pleasure and Pain” which has 90% bangers and only 10% clunkers! Additionally, we present an early news section with some genuine newsworthy nuggets.
 
So, do yourself a favour and block out the world as it argues and enjoy some peace and happiness!
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Epi 153: Elegantly Wasted Tour, Michael’s Last Dance

Fresh from a two-and-a-half year touring hiatus, INXS were back, refreshed and vital, with a new World Tour and all ten studio albums to draw from as eager fans got their first chance to hear tracks off their latest album, Elegantly Wasted.
 
Commencing with the fantastic INXS Rocks the Rockies in Aspen, Colorado, filmed for VH1, and taking in countries such as South Africa, France, Netherlands, England, Denmark, Germany, Canada and the USA, the band were in fine form and received great reviews.
 
With a new album to promote, the band did several “live radio sessions” of 3-4 new songs that gave fans an appetite for what they would hear and see at forthcoming gigs. Combined with a variety of tracks off all albums except the first two, the band’s tour spanned the globe, playing 88 gigs in total.
 
Sadly, it proved to be Michael Hutchence’s and the original lineup’s “Last Dance” together. With the tour culminating at the Coca-Cola Star Lake Amphitheater, Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, on September 27th, 1997, it would only be some two months later we lost dear Michael forever.
 
So, as a tribute to the “original lineup,” we at INXS Access All Areas pay homage to six musical icons who came from humble beginnings down under to conquer the globe and do it their way!