Back in the 80’s I contributed to, edited, and published an Australian INXS fanzine called ‘Underneath The Colours’, which featured everything from news and reviews to previously unpublished photos, poetry, interviews and more. The name ‘Underneath The Colours’ – taken from one of the bands early LPs – was chosen because of it’s ambiguity and it’s reference to perhaps a ‘deeper’ side of things. The idea was to explore who INXS were and where they were coming from, both musically and as individuals – and of course, to celebrate the best band in the world!
Originally written for ‘Underneath the Colours’, this is a review of an unannounced club show that INXS did on the eve of their Sydney ‘Australian Made’ gig. There’s a whole story to how I found out about the gig, and managed to score a spot in the front row – but I’ll leave that for another time. For now, enjoy this rare firsthand account! INXS LIVE at The Tivoli!
It was a surprise show, and judging from the line outside, it didn’t take long for the word to spread – INXS at The Tivoli! Too good to be true – but it was!
Once inside, there was a strong atmosphere of anticipation and excitement. No-one could believe that they were about to see INXS in such a fantastically small venue on the eve of ‘Australian Made’ where they would be playing to in excess (excuse the pun!) of 20,000 people.
Ska band The Mustard Club were support, and although they played a fairly good 60’s-inspired set, they weren’t the band everyone was waiting for.
INXS time. Absolute pandemoneum from the moment they hit the stage, and in the next 90 minutes or so, INXS proved once and for all that they are Australia’s top rock band.
They played as a group – definite and well-defined, pulling the energy from the audience every minute and pounding it back out with a vengance. Michael Hutchence was by far the centre of attention – cheeky and leering; shy, sleek and sweet, he held the audience in the very palm of his hand for practically the entire show.
Tim Farriss was every inch the guitar hero, full of energy – racing from one place to another every few seconds – playing as if it were the only thing left on earth to live for. Andrew Farriss, Garry Gary and Kirk Pengilly were obviously enjoying themselves – Garry intently plugging away at his bass, Andrew bopping away from behind the keyboards, and Kirk on sax playing his heart out to the crowd. Jon Farriss, from behind a huge set of drums, played brilliantly the entire set. Incredible just to watch him work, he added a distinctive drumbeat, without which INXS just wouldn’t be the same.
“We thought we’d spring this one on you!” Michael told the crowd, and in fact, it added to the excitement. From ‘Shine Like It Does’ (beautifully done) to ‘The Loved One’, the audience loved every minute. INXS introduced two new songs, both gems, particularly the bluesy ‘Mystify Me’, a song which suits Michael Hutchence’s sound and style right down to the ground.
It was obvious that INXS won the audience over right from the word go – the crowd simply loved them, and they loved the crowd right back. “You’re beautiful people” Michael told us. And in return, we just didn’t want them to leave the stage.
But all good things must come to an end as the old saying goes, and after the crowd had promised to be at ‘Australian Made’ the very next afternoon, INXS left to one of the loudest cheers I’ve heard in a long time. It had been an incredible night (if only they’d do club shows more often!!).
Outside I heard comments about Michael Hutchence’s incredible stage presence. But that night they were all magical. It was that kind of a show…
PS: If you do happen to watch Australian Made – The Movie (now on DVD), look out for a bunch of fans in the front row with a big red and white INXS banner. That would be me and my friends!
[Linda Memphis, 1987]
© 2020 Linda Memphis
I was there that night! I stood right in front of Michael for some time. My house-mate was an A&R girl for a record company. I can’t remember which one. She told me about it, so I went down there alone to the Tivoli from my Bondi Beach flat. There was a long line out front when I arrived but I went straight to the door and was let in. It was a great show. One that I will always remember. Michael appeared to be a little “lit” and since it was more of an “in house” crowd of people who were in the business or connected to it, he was casual with his language. It was the only time I ever went to the Tivoli.
I was just thinking about Michael Hutchence and an acquaintance of mine who had dated him and had remained friends with him. She was crying when she informed me he had died. Then I ran across this page. I’m glad you wrote about this event.
I used to go to the Tivoli all the time, was so sad when they closed it. Saw Pseudo Echo there a few times but don’t remember seeing anything about the INXS gig. What a great memory for you!