INXS Musical Confirmed For Late 2016

INXS manager Christopher M. Murphy has set up Murphy Theatrical Group to handle the production. He has not revealed the international creative team behind “INXS – The Musical” and not decided if it will have its world premiere in Las Vegas (Murphy opines the musical will be more Las Vegas glam than Broadway), London or Sydney. He said, “It has always been my vision to present INXS’s amazing songs in a stunning theatrical environment as a testament to this bands incredible catalogue.”

It is the latest initiative by Murphy in reviving INXS as new sensations. He returned to take over their management in 2008 after a 13-year break. “There is no brand value in their songs at the moment,” he told Pollstar at the time, referring to the band’s difficulty in replacing their late charismatic frontman Michael Hutchence.

He rebuilt the songs’ profile with a tribute album and a tele-series last year of their story. Its runaway high ratings on the free-to-air Seven Network put six albums and nine singles back on the charts and sales for territories including North America.

The five-times platinum Very Best, the band’s first Australian chart topper in 24 years, remains in the official Australian Recording Industry Association chart 102 weeks later. Murphy has been able to sync their material globally, the latest being “What You Need” for Australian underwear company Bonds.

INXS co-founder Tim Farriss, who with Murphy executive produced the “Never Tear Us Apart” tele-series, is also working on the musical. “INXS music was born to be performed,” said the guitarist whose performing days ended in February after his hand was crushed in a boating accident in Sydney.

“I am very excited to bring INXS’ music to the theatrical stage in a way it never has. I want this to be a theatre experience that people will never forget.”