Last week INXS released a statement confirmed that the band had parted ways with singer JD Fortune. The announcement explained that “it was a mutual and amicable decision,” which Fortune backed up with a statement on his website. The singer joined the group after winning the reality television competition “Rock Star: INXS” in 2005. Founding lead singer/songwriter Michael Hutchence died in 1997.

Gribbin, who hails from Belfast, Ireland, has previously worked with artists including Paul McCartney, Madonna, Paul Oakenfold, Snow Patrol, and Groove Armada. He picked up a Grammy nomination for co-writing Madonna’s 2009 hit “Celebration.” Gribbin has also worked as a film composer. He wrote, recorded and produced all of the music for the 2011 comedy “Killing Bono.” 

The announcement about Gribbin answers the question about the mystery singer featured on INXS’ new tune, “Tiny Summer.” The song, which was co-written by INXS keyboardist/guitarist Andrew Farriss and Gribbin, was posted on the band’s website earlier this month.   

“I’m currently writing more songs for INXS with Ciaran, and we as a band hope to share more new music with you all as soon as possible,” Farriss said in a statement on INXS.com, which noted that an upcoming studio album is in the works.

Last year INXS released its twelfth studio album, Original Sin, featuring covers of the band’s songs with different guest singers on each tune.

“It’s all so amazing and sometimes overwhelming, especially when I look up and see that my writing partner is one of the greatest songwriters of our time,” Gribbin added.

The band also announced half a dozen dates for its upcoming tour, “INXS ‘Now Playing’ (Like You Have Never Seen Them Before).”

The confirmed dates include Arequipa, Peru at Anfiteatro Municipal Nov. 3; Fremantle, Australia at Esplanade Dec. 3; Amsterdam, Netherlands at Melkweg Dec. 8; Paris at Le Bataclan Dec. 11; and Ghent, Belgium at Vooruit Dec. 12. INXS will also take the stage at “Personal Festival” Nov. 5 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at Estadio GEBA.

A post on the group’s website promises that additional dates will be added in South America, Australia and Europe.

Click here for INXS’ website.