INXS Splits With Singer

Fortune joined the Australian rock group after winning the reality television competition “Rock Star: INXS” in 2005.

In addition to touring with INXS, Fortune was featured on 2005’s Switch, which marked the group’s first studio album since founding lead singer/songwriter Michael Hutchence’s death in 1997. Fortune also recorded one tune for the 2010 album Original Sin, which featured covers of INXS songs and special guest singers on all of the other tracks.

Entertainment Tonight Canada (via NME.com) reported in February 2009 that Fortune had parted ways with INXS after the band wrapped up its recent tour. The singer had reportedly been fired with a handshake in an airport in Hong Kong. Fortune reunited with the band in 2010. 

On Aug. 16 Fortune tweeted “Now the real work begins … New music anyone?” He followed that up the next day by writing, “To clarify, as of now I have not been invited to be a part of INXS’ ‘new music.’”

Earlier today INXS posted the following statement on the band’s website about the split. The news came days after the band debuted a new tune online called “Tiny Summer.”

“There has been a lot of speculation in the media regarding INXS and JD Fortune. To all our friends and family, we would like to say we have gone our separate ways to pursue different musical paths. This was a mutual and amicable decision. We would like to thank JD for all the memories, and wish him all the best for his future endeavors.”

Fortune also posted a statement about his departure from the band on his website, explaining that he was not fired from the group.

“Prior to this summer’s amazing tour, INXS and I mutually agreed that my contracted services as their lead singer for The Original Sin Tour would end in Atlanta, GA on August 14. We had a great time and a great tour and are all very proud of those shows.

“Now, as planned, we are all moving on to different artistic projects. We do retain a deep friendship and respect for each other than was built over the past six years of working together.

“Right now, I am currently developing several exciting projects as a solo artist that I had put on hold until my obligation for the INXS tour was complete.” 

The news about the split came days after the band debuted a new tune online called “Tiny Summer.” The Herald Sun reported on Monday that the tune featured a “mystery Irish vocalist” and that INXS planned to announced the name of its new singer sometime this week.

Click here for the INXS website.

Click here for JD Fortune’s website and here for his Twitter page.