Complete List Of INXS Band Members

INXS began as “The Farriss Brothers” with their first performance on August 16, 1977, at Whale Beach, becoming INXS in 1979 after incorporating their distinctive sound that blended rock, funk, and new wave. The band released 12 studio albums over 35 years, sold over 75 million records worldwide, and featured nine different members throughout their complete history, though the core lineup remained remarkably stable from 1977 to 1997.

The band’s commercial peak came with their 1987 album “Kick,” which achieved 6x Platinum status in the US and produced four Top 10 singles including their only #1 hit “Need You Tonight.” INXS earned 6 ARIA Awards, 3 Grammy nominations, and 5 MTV Video Music Awards, with their 1988 MTV sweep for “Need You Tonight/Mediate” marking one of the ceremony’s most dominant performances. They were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2001 and performed at major events including the Sydney Olympics and for Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1985.

Following Michael Hutchence’s death in 1997, INXS underwent a 15-year period of transition featuring three different replacement vocalists: Jon Stevens (2000-2003), J.D. Fortune (2005-2011), and Ciaran Gribbin (2011-2012). The band’s search for a new frontman included the global reality show “Rock Star: INXS” and various guest performances, but they never regained their original commercial success. INXS officially ended their touring career on November 11, 2012, in Perth, concluding one of rock music’s most enduring lineups and Australia’s most internationally successful musical exports.

Michael Hutchence

Michael Hutchence joined INXS as a founding member in 1977 at age 17 and remained the band’s charismatic frontman until his death on November 22, 1997. As the primary lyricist and co-songwriter with Andrew Farriss, Hutchence co-wrote over 300 songs and appeared on all 10 studio albums during his 20-year tenure, from the self-titled debut “INXS” (1980) through “Elegantly Wasted” (1997). His contributions extended beyond vocals to include the creation of iconic lyrics for hits like “Need You Tonight,” “Never Tear Us Apart,” “What You Need,” and “Devil Inside,” while his distinctive baritone voice spanning from bass B1 to high tenor F#5 became the defining sound of the band.

Hutchence’s songwriting partnership with Andrew Farriss produced INXS’s most commercially successful material, particularly from “Listen Like Thieves” (1985) onward, where his increasingly sophisticated lyrical approach matched the band’s evolving sound. On “Kick” (1987), his vocals and lyrics helped create what many consider the band’s masterpiece, contributing to its 6x Platinum certification and international chart dominance. His final album “Elegantly Wasted” showcased a more introspective writing style, though the band was already experiencing commercial decline by 1997.

Outside INXS, Hutchence pursued several notable projects including his side band Max Q with Ollie Olsen in the late 1980s, which produced experimental electronic music that influenced INXS’s later sound. He starred in the 1986 film “Dogs in Space” directed by Richard Lowenstein, recorded the solo single “Speed Kills” for a film soundtrack in 1982, and collaborated with Jenny Morris on the duet “Jackson.” A posthumously released solo album “Michael Hutchence” appeared in 1999, showcasing material he had been developing independently from the band.

Andrew Farriss

Andrew Farriss co-founded INXS in 1977 and remained with the band for its entire 35-year duration, serving as the primary composer and main creative force behind their sound. Born in Perth on March 27, 1959, Farriss appeared on all 12 INXS studio albums, contributing keyboards, guitar, and backing vocals while establishing himself as the band’s most prolific songwriter. His musical partnership with Michael Hutchence from “Listen Like Thieves” onward produced the majority of INXS’s hit songs, with Farriss typically composing the music while Hutchence provided lyrics and vocal melodies.

Farriss’s contributions to INXS albums evolved significantly over time, beginning with basic keyboard work on early releases and expanding to sophisticated production and arrangement duties by the 1990s. On “Kick” (1987), his compositional work on tracks like “Need You Tonight” and “New Sensation” demonstrated his ability to blend rock with dance and funk elements, while “X” (1990) showcased his increasing interest in sampling and electronic textures. He served as co-executive producer on “Original Sin” (2010), the band’s tribute album, and continued contributing to releases with replacement vocalists J.D. Fortune and Ciaran Gribbin.

Following INXS’s conclusion in 2012, Farriss launched a successful solo career with the EP “Love Makes The World” (2020) and full album “Andrew Farriss” (2021), receiving an ARIA nomination for his songwriting work. He was inducted into the Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2016 and received the Order of Australia (AM) in 2020 for his contributions to music. His production work has extended to artists including Jenny Morris, Yothu Yindi, Tania Kernaghan, and Richard Clapton, while his songwriting received recent recognition when Dua Lipa’s “Break My Heart” interpolated “Need You Tonight,” earning him another ARIA nomination in 2021.

Tim Farriss

Tim Farriss, born August 16, 1957, in Perth, served as INXS’s lead guitarist from the band’s formation in 1977 until their final performance in 2012. The eldest of the three Farriss brothers and often considered the “father figure” and leader of the group, Tim appeared on all 12 INXS studio albums, providing the distinctive guitar work that became central to their sound. His clean, precise playing style utilized primarily Fender Telecasters and Stratocasters through Marshall JCM800 amplification, creating a signature “hi-fi” tone that cut through the band’s increasingly complex arrangements.

Tim’s guitar contributions defined many of INXS’s most recognizable songs, including the iconic riffs on “Devil Inside,” the atmospheric work on “Never Tear Us Apart,” and the driving rhythms of “Don’t Change” and “Kiss the Dirt.” His playing evolved from straightforward rock on early albums like “INXS” (1980) and “Underneath the Colours” (1981) to more sophisticated arrangements on “Kick” (1987) and subsequent releases. Beyond guitar work, he contributed to songwriting on tracks like “Any Day But Sunday” for the “No Small Affair” soundtrack in 1984.

Outside INXS, Tim established ‘Montana’ studio to develop Australian artists and created the innovative “Deep Inside CD” (1996), featuring over 1000 instrument samples for use by other musicians. His career took a devastating turn in January 2015 when a boat accident severed his ring finger, effectively ending his ability to play guitar professionally. He subsequently engaged in a lengthy legal battle (2019-2024) against the boat charter company, though the case was ultimately unsuccessful. Prior to the accident, Tim had been involved in various side projects and maintained an interest in developing new Australian musical talent.

Jon Farriss

Jon Farriss, the youngest of the three brothers, joined INXS as drummer in 1977 at age 16 and remained with the band throughout its entire 35-year history. Born August 10, 1961, in Perth, Jon appeared on all 12 INXS studio albums, developing an innovative drumming style that integrated traditional rock with funk, dance beats, and electronic elements. His precise, “locked in like a machine” approach to rhythm became a crucial element of INXS’s sound, particularly when combined with bassist Garry Gary Beers to form one of rock’s most acclaimed rhythm sections.

Jon’s drumming contributions evolved significantly across INXS’s discography, beginning with straightforward rock patterns on early albums and progressing to sophisticated integration of electronic elements by the 1990s. His work on “Kick” (1987) demonstrated his ability to adapt to dance-oriented material while maintaining rock power, while albums like “X” (1990) and “Welcome to Wherever You Are” (1992) showcased his experimentation with sampling and sequencing technology. Beyond drumming, he contributed to songwriting on tracks including “Disappear,” “Faith In Each Other,” “Old World New World,” and “Melting In The Sun.”

Jon pioneered the use of technology in rock drumming, co-designing the “Racks of Love” portable MIDI setup in 1992 and establishing the high-tech Area 51 studio in Sydney for experimental work. He served as co-executive producer on “Original Sin” (2010) and has earned recognition from notable musicians including Nile Rodgers and Ringo Starr for his exceptional drumming abilities. Following INXS’s conclusion, Jon has remained active in music, currently preparing solo material and working on the “JAC-Music” project with former INXS vocalist Ciaran Gribbin while continuing to explore technological innovations in music production.

Kirk Pengilly

Kirk Pengilly, born July 4, 1958, in Melbourne, joined INXS as a founding member in 1977, bringing a unique combination of guitar and saxophone that became central to the band’s distinctive sound. Pengilly appeared on all 12 INXS studio albums over 35 years, contributing guitar, saxophone, and backing vocals while also serving as the band’s unofficial historian. His iconic saxophone solos on tracks like “Never Tear Us Apart” and “New Sensation” became some of INXS’s most recognizable musical elements, while his guitar work complemented Tim Farriss’s lead playing throughout their career.

Before INXS, Pengilly was a member of Guinness (1971-1976) with Tim Farriss during high school, where he served as main songwriter and lead singer for the progressive rock band influenced by Yes, Pink Floyd, and ELP. His early songwriting experience contributed to INXS’s development, and he co-wrote several early tracks with Michael Hutchence while also producing numerous B-sides and rarities throughout the band’s career. His contributions to “Switch” (2005) included co-writing “Like It Or Not” with replacement vocalist J.D. Fortune.

Pengilly has maintained an active career in music production and session work, collaborating with artists including Richard Clapton on “Distant Thunder” (1993), Jenny Morris, Martin Plaza, Crash Politics, The Igniters, Lior, and Andy Clockwise. He has served as an ambassador for Glaucoma Australia since his diagnosis in 1987 and maintains extensive INXS archives and collections. His marriage to champion surfer Layne Beachley in 2010 brought additional public attention, and he continues to be involved in various musical projects while preserving the band’s legacy through his comprehensive documentation of their career.

Garry Gary Beers

Garry Gary Beers, born June 22, 1957, in Manly, Sydney, was the eldest founding member of INXS and served as bassist throughout the band’s entire 35-year existence. Originally an acoustic guitarist, Beers switched to bass after being deemed “the worst guitarist” in his school trio, a decision that proved fortuitous for INXS’s development. He appeared on all 12 INXS studio albums, providing the foundational bass work that, combined with Jon Farriss’s drumming, created one of rock’s most celebrated rhythm sections.

Beers’s bass contributions extended beyond rhythm to include co-writing credits on significant INXS songs including “Listen Like Thieves,” “Don’t Change,” and “Perfect Strangers.” His playing style incorporated both electric bass and occasional double bass work, as heard on tracks like “By My Side.” His most famous instrument, nicknamed “Old Faithful,” was a 1958 Fender Precision Bass purchased in Chicago in 1985 and used during iconic performances including the band’s 1991 Wembley Stadium show. Throughout INXS’s career, Beers served as the band’s memory keeper, maintaining detailed diaries and remembering specific details about concerts and recording sessions.

During a brief INXS hiatus in 1989-1990, Beers joined Absent Friends, whose album “Here’s Looking Up Your Address” reached #7 on Australian charts, demonstrating his versatility beyond INXS. Following the band’s conclusion in 2012, he launched GGB Basses in 2021, a boutique bass guitar manufacturing company featuring his patented pickup design. He currently performs with AshenMoon alongside Toby Rand, releasing original material while based in Los Angeles for songwriting collaborations. His session work has included contributions to albums by Jimmy Barnes, Richard Clapton, Wendy Matthews, and Jenny Morris, establishing him as one of Australia’s most respected bass players.

J.D. Fortune

Jason Dean Bennison, known professionally as J.D. Fortune, became INXS’s lead vocalist in September 2005 after winning the global reality television show “Rock Star: INXS.” Born in Canada, Fortune was selected from over 50,000 worldwide applicants through the CBS reality series produced by Mark Burnett. He remained with INXS for six years, from 2005 to 2011, appearing on the studio album “Switch” (2005) and contributing to “Original Sin” (2010), though his tenure was marked by periods of temporary departure due to personal struggles.

Fortune’s primary contribution to INXS was his work on “Switch,” the band’s first studio album of new material following Michael Hutchence’s death. He co-wrote several tracks with Andrew Farriss, most notably “Pretty Vegas,” which became a significant hit reaching #7 on the Billboard Adult Top 40 and #9 in Australia. The album achieved platinum status in Canada and peaked at #17 on the US Billboard 200, representing INXS’s most successful commercial effort of the post-Hutchence era. His vocal style brought a different energy to classic INXS songs during live performances, though critics noted the difficulty of replacing Hutchence’s unique charisma.

Fortune’s career outside INXS included previous work as an Elvis impersonator and struggles with homelessness and addiction, issues that continued during his time with the band. Following his departure from INXS in August 2011, he formed a band called Fortune and continued performing, though he never achieved the same level of success as his INXS period. His selection through reality television brought INXS significant media attention and helped introduce the band to a new generation of fans, though the approach received mixed reactions from longtime followers and Australian music critics.

Jon Stevens

Jon Stevens, a New Zealand-born vocalist best known as the frontman of Noiseworks, served as INXS’s lead singer from May 2000 to October 2003. Initially invited as a guest performer at a December 2000 concert alongside Suze DeMarchi, Stevens became an official member in March 2002 after demonstrating his ability to handle the band’s catalog during extensive touring. His three-year tenure represented INXS’s first attempt to continue as an active recording and touring entity following Michael Hutchence’s death.

Stevens appeared on minimal recorded material with INXS, contributing only to the contractual obligation single “I Get Up” (2003), though he performed extensively with the band including a major 40-city US tour in 2002. His powerful rock voice provided a different interpretation of classic INXS songs, and he helped maintain the band’s touring presence during the difficult post-Hutchence period. However, the band’s slow creative process and Stevens’s desire to focus on his solo career led to creative differences and his eventual departure.

Beyond INXS, Stevens had an extensive career including his work with Noiseworks, one of Australia’s most successful rock bands of the late 1980s, and later became a member of The Dead Daisies featuring members of Guns N’ Roses and Whitesnake. His solo career has spanned multiple decades with numerous albums and collaborations, establishing him as one of Australia’s most recognizable rock vocalists. His tenure with INXS, while brief in terms of recorded output, provided crucial stability during the band’s most challenging period and demonstrated their determination to continue performing despite the irreplaceable loss of their original frontman.

Ciaran Gribbin

Ciaran Gribbin, a Northern Irish Grammy-nominated songwriter, served as INXS’s final lead vocalist from November 2011 to November 2012, when the band performed their last concert and officially ended their touring career. Gribbin’s recruitment occurred organically after he met Andrew Farriss at a Sydney party in 2009, leading to months of collaboration before he officially joined the band. His tenure, lasting exactly one year, represented INXS’s final chapter as an active performing entity.

During his brief time with INXS, Gribbin contributed to several unreleased tracks including “Tiny Summer,” “Honesty,” “Tears of Rain,” and “Dancing Like a Flame,” while co-writing songs with Andrew Farriss and performing “We Are United” at Australia Day 2012. The band performed over 50 shows across South America, Europe, and Australia during his tenure, including their final performance on November 11, 2012, in Perth. His songwriting background and collaborative approach with Farriss suggested potential for new material, though the band’s decision to end touring cut short any extended creative partnership.

Gribbin’s career outside INXS established him as a significant songwriter in the international music industry, with credits including work with Madonna (particularly on “Celebration”), U2, Paul McCartney, Snow Patrol, and Al Pacino. He was previously a member of the band Leya and has received Grammy nominations for his songwriting contributions. Following INXS’s conclusion, he has continued his songwriting career and recently collaborated with Jon Farriss on the “JAC-Music” project, maintaining his connection to the INXS legacy while pursuing independent creative endeavors.