INXS

Released: October 19, 1987

Songwriter: Andrew Farriss Michael Hutchence

Producer: Chris Thomas

Well you spent the whole day
With your axe to the wheel
Read the late paper it was full of bad news
Excuse me but I think what I'm saying is true
You've got to find some time and devote it to you

So come on down
To the party
Callin' all nations
To put it on the line

So come on all you people with the stars in your hair
You know what's going on
There's no need to despair
Take the chains from your mind
Take the chains from your feet
And do the sex dance 'cause it's necessary

You don't have to be rich
You don't have to be famous
You just gotta have a little bit of patience
Jump into your old car
Or take a cab, train or boat
The only thing that matters
Is that ya gotta really go

INXS was originally formed in 1977 in Sydney, Australia as the Farriss Brothers. The lineup included the three Farris brothers: Andrew

(songwriter/keyboards); Tim (guitar); and Jon (drums), along with Michael Hutchence (lead vocals/songwriter); Kirk Pengilly (guitar/saxophone) and Garry Gary Beers (bass). They began gaining popularity playing in pubs before moving on to support other local Australian bands, including Midnight Oil.

In 1979, they changed their name to INXS and released their first single “Simple Simon” in 1980. They went on to release their debut self-titled album INXS in 1980, closely followed by their second album, Underneath the Colours, in 1981. Neither album gained much attention outside of Australia, however, in July of 1982 INXS released their single “The One Thing” ahead of their next studio album. The song began to climb the U.S. and international charts, thanks in part to music video’s heavy rotation on MTV.

more tracks from the album

Kick

From the album

Kick (1987)

INXS popular songs

Calling All NationsINXS

INXS

Kick