INXS: Access All Areas

Epi 166: The Nile Rodgers Interview

Epi 165: Young Johnny Farriss

With two weeks off, Bee and I are back with renewed vigor and passion as we welcome to the show Shaun and Scott from Voxneon. Shaun just happened to be part of “The Keep,” a Davidson High band that included iconic INXS members Michael Hutchence, Garry Beers and Andrew Farriss.
 
We take listeners back nearly 50 years ago when the early genius of Andrew was on full display, to Shaun and a raw, broody and emerging Michael who was developing his singing and stage craft.
 
Interestingly, we take a deep dive with both Shaun and Scott into the magic of early synth soundscapes of the emerging 1980’s, highlighting Gary Numan, Simple Minds, Icehouse, Human League and Kraftwerk.
 
The duo’s love for INXS shines through as we dive deep on the bands complex and versatile sonics and legendary vocal phrasing of Michael. Their passion and respect comes through.
 
Finally, we make a big announcement regarding an upcoming guest that, simply stated, will be our biggest musician to ever appear on our show. All that and a whole lot more!
 
Love and Peace ✌️ Haydn
 
https://www.change.org/p/induct-inxs -sign the petition
 
https://www.facebook.com/voxneontheband -check out Voxneon
 
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/115946601310?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=705-154756-20017-0&ssspo=YzRIJ5lWRdq&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=0b-rhoamrhc&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY -Bid for Michael's Bike and help Ollie Olsen :)
 

Epi 164: Mark Pope Interview. Part two

In this episode of INXS Access All Areas, we zero in on Australian Made with Mark Pope, who along with Chris Murphy planned, coordinated and executed the biggest array of Australian musical talent on stage in each capital city.
 
With further anecdotes and insights, what shines through when chatting to Mark is his true love of Australian music, the live touring scene and assisting bands and acts becoming the best they can be. We get the feeling that there are so many more stories Mark Pope shall share with us again.
 
In addition, we have the biggest news section in 164 episodes with new “Record Store Day” releases imminent and detailed updates on the Calling All Nations book release and processes.
 
Hey! We even had time to celebrate (or commiserate) on 1999 with a “Pleasure or Pain” snapshot that doesn’t hold back on what was a fascinating end of the century time in music. Limp Bizkit and Britney Spears fans—you’ve been warned!!!
 
All that and a whole lot more, so buckle down and “forget about the troubles in life” and enjoy this latest episode of the only 100% dedicated INXS podcast on the planet!
 
To purchase tickets for the two raffle click on the links below.
More info: INXS Access All Areas
 

Epi 163: Mark Pope Interview, part one

They say behind every great band, there is a great team, and this is definitely the case with INXS. The world knows about the profound influence Chris Murphy had on the band becoming an international juggernaut.
 
What is less known is the immense workload and influence that Mark Pope had on supporting and creating an infrastructure and pathway to allow INXS to do what they do best: play live and thrive!
 
Recruited by Chris Murphy in the late 1970’s, Mark cut his teeth looking after luminary Aussie acts such as The Angels and Cold Chisel. With obvious passion and dedication, he aligned with Chris to create the legendary Australian Made Concert series over the Summer of 1986/87 in all capital cities.
 
Never one to rest on his laurels, Mark managed Jimmy Barnes, headed up the ARIA Awards Hall of Fame committee, resuscitated Warner’s Australia in the 1990’s and in recent times set up Helium Records.
 
In a modern world where streaming, corporate suits and cliché recording productions reign with often soulless results, Mark Pope is a true linchpin of what’s great about INXS and Australian music heritage.
 
https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/
 
 
Jon Farriss playing Drums with Gary Gibb on Guitar
 
 

Epi 162: SHOWDOWN—Kiss the Dirt v. To Look at You

With a quick turnaround between episodes, we want to get back to basics and pay homage to the songs that make INXS music so fantastic and memorable.
 
In our first ever “Song Showdown”, Bee takes the red corner and myself the blue corner as we face off in our first musical debate about the virtues of these two songs that represented the third singles released, respectively, from Shabooh Shoobah and Listen Like Thieves.
 
“To Look at You”, a new-wave paean to mystery love, is sung and played with a mood unlike any INXS song ever recorded to this point. “Kiss the Dirt” begins with a subtly-restrained intro with evocative outback-inspired keyboards leading to a vocal and guitar escalation that culminates with an early grunge-type payoff.
 
Both great songs are, musically and sonically, diametrically opposed. Shall Bee make the case? Or shall Haydn make his case with prosecutorial bombardment?
 
Listen in for this snack-sized episode and cast your vote via this link
Click to go to the voting page

Epi 161: Keeping the Music Alive! With INXSive 🎸

November 11th, 2012, otherwise known as Remembrance Day in the Commonwealth countries, was the last time INXS performed live. Bowing out in their hometown of Perth, it was with much regret and sorrow that INXS, the live touring entity, was no longer.
 
That aside, after thousands of electrifying performances across the globe over 35 years, INXS has inspired countless tribute acts in America, Argentina, Brazil, England, Russia, and their homeland of Australia—each with a united desire to keep these epic songs alive for past and current generations to enjoy on nights out with friends and loved ones (pardon the pun)!
 
It’s not easy covering such an iconic band insofar as balancing the craft of imitation, acknowledgement and expertise with spontaneity, experimentation and individuality when performing INXS songs. However, many of these wonderful acts do so with great panache and style, creating pure joy to the earballs and eyeballs (hello ladies).
 
Today we get to check-in with longtime lead singer of INXSIVE (Melbourne) David Graham, plus Don’t Change Ultimate INXS’s Blair Dwyer, who both articulate tremendously the art of paying homage without bordering on twee or cringe.
 
So, in a world where the real INXS no longer tour, we are thankful to all the tribute acts globally who put themselves out there with true passion and heart!
 
If you want to know more check out our website and the page on INXS Tribute Bands.
 

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 ✌️