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Entertainment • Rock

INXS

INXS was an Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1977.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

INXS was an Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1977. Originally known as the Farriss Brothers, the group became internationally known for its blend of rock, new wave, pop, funk, and dance influences, and for frontman Michael Hutchence. The band remained active in various forms until 2012.

History

INXS began as a Sydney-based band in 1977 under the name The Farriss Brothers before adopting the name INXS, a phonetic play on “in excess.” The group developed from a local pub-band act into an internationally recognized rock group.

Musical style and success

The band’s sound is described as a mix of rock, new wave, pop rock, funk, and dance influences. Their international profile grew through the 1980s, with major success in the United States and elsewhere, particularly after Kick.

Members

The best-known lineup consisted of Michael Hutchence, Andrew Farriss, Jon Farriss, Tim Farriss, Garry Gary Beers, and Kirk Pengilly. Hutchence was the lead singer and principal public face of the group until his death in 1997.

Later years

After Hutchence’s death, the band continued in altered form for several years. INXS later announced they would stop touring after 35 years, and their final studio album was Original Sin in 2010.

Key facts

  • INXS formed in 1977 in Sydney, Australia.
  • The band’s original name was The Farriss Brothers.
  • Its core lineup included the Farriss brothers, Garry Gary Beers, Kirk Pengilly, and Michael Hutchence.
  • INXS became one of Australia’s best-known rock acts and sold tens of millions of records worldwide.
  • The band is especially associated with Michael Hutchence’s stage presence and the success of the album Kick.
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Canadian context

INXS achieved strong international commercial success, and the band’s awards listing specifically notes platinum, gold, and diamond recognition in Canada, indicating a notable Canadian audience.[2]

Frequently asked questions

What does INXS mean?
INXS is a phonetic play on “in excess.”
When was INXS formed?
INXS was formed in 1977 in Sydney, Australia.
Who were the original members of INXS?
The core original members were Michael Hutchence, Andrew Farriss, Jon Farriss, Tim Farriss, Garry Gary Beers, and Kirk Pengilly.
What kind of music did INXS play?
INXS was known for rock, new wave, pop rock, pub rock, and later funk- and dance-influenced material.
What is INXS’s best-known album?
Kick (1987) is widely treated as the band’s signature album and a major international breakthrough.
When did INXS stop touring?
INXS announced in 2012 that they were ending touring after 35 years.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/INXS
    Supports: Formation date, original name, and core membership.
  2. INXS — https://www.inxs.com/band/
    Supports: Official band history, lineup, origin, and record sales claims.
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-42112327
    Supports: Early history and formation in 1977.
  4. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-20309292
    Supports: Touring announcement and final studio album.
  5. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/literature-and-arts/music-popular-and-jazz-biographies/inxs
    Supports: Genre description and long-term membership overview.
  6. WatchMojo — https://www.watchmojo.com/articles/the-history-of-inxs
    Supports: Summary of career milestones, international breakthrough, and Michael Hutchence era.