INXS Says Goodbye To Touring

Before INXS played its 1987 hit “Need You Tonight” at Perth Arena Nov. 11, Fariss borrowed the mic at the center of the stage to say that it was the band’s final show, adding “I’m getting teary.”

Because Sunday’s gig was the last night of the band’s Australian tour with Matchbox Twenty, it wasn’t initially clear whether Farriss was talking about the end of INXS’s touring career, or just the conclusion of the Matchbox Twenty excursion.

Since then the band has posted an announcement on its website titled “INXS … The Touring Ends … The Music Lives On.”

The following statement is credited to the original surviving members: Tim Farriss, Andrew Farriss, Jon Farriss, Kirk Pengilly and Garry Beers.           

“We understand that this must come as a blow to everybody, but all things must eventually come to an end. We have been performing as a band for 35 years, it’s time to step away from the touring arena.

“Our music will of course live on and we will always be a part of that.

“We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all the friends and family that have supported us throughout our extensive career. Our lives have been enriched by having you all as a part of the journey.”

The announcement noted that it was fitting that INXS’s last show took place in Perth, where it all began 35 years ago.

An additional statement from Jon Farriss addressed original frontman Michael Hutchence’s death in November 1997. The band’s final year between 2011-2012 featured vocalist Ciaran Gribbin, following a six-year stint with J.D. Fortune on lead vocals between 2005-2011 and guest appearances by other singers between 1998-1999. 

“It’s been 35 years for INXS as a live touring band and unbelievably it’s been 15 years ago since we lost Michael,” Jon Farriss said. “We lived for each other in the trenches and we loved each other. It was the six of us against the world and then suddenly and inexplicably we were but five. We were lost right at the moment we were on top.”

Andrew Farriss added, “We never took a soft option, it was the adversity, the challenge and the struggle that forged us into the live working band we became. And this was as big as it could possibly get when it came to a challenge and in the end we decided for a whole bunch of reasons to march forward. To us there was no other option, families always move forward.”

The announcement ended with a statement from the band’s manager Chris Murphy and a final quote from Jon Farriss.

“INXS’ touring days could never last forever. We wanted it to end on a high. And it has.”