INXS: Story to Story: The Official Autobiography

INXS: Story to Story is the definitive autobiography of the iconic Australian rock band. Released in 2022, this comprehensive and deeply personal account chronicles the band's journey from their humble beginnings in Sydney to their rise to global superstardom. The book is written by the band members themselves, along with music journalist Jeff Apter, and provides a unique and insightful perspective on one of the most successful rock bands of all time.

The book is divided into four parts, each covering a different era of the band's history. Part One, "The Early Years," traces the band's roots back to their teenage days in Sydney in the late 1970s. Part Two, "The Breakthrough," chronicles the band's rise to fame in the early 1980s with the release of their breakthrough album, Kick. Part Three, "The Height of Success," covers the band's peak years in the late 1980s and early 1990s, during which they released a string of hit albums and toured the world to sold-out crowds. Part Four, "The Aftermath," deals with the band's struggles in the wake of the tragic death of lead singer Michael Hutchence in 1997.

The Band Members

INXS was formed in 1977 by brothers Andrew Farriss (guitars, keyboards),Tim Farriss (lead guitar),and Jon Farriss (drums),along with Garry Beers (bass guitar) and Kirk Pengilly (guitar, saxophone). The band's lineup remained unchanged for over two decades, until the death of Michael Hutchence in 1997. Hutchence was the band's lead singer and frontman, and his charismatic stage presence and powerful vocals were a major factor in the band's success.

Each of the band members contributes their own unique voice to the book, sharing their personal experiences and perspectives on the band's journey. Andrew Farriss, the band's primary songwriter, provides insightful commentary on the creative process behind INXS's biggest hits. Tim Farriss offers a glimpse into the band's early days and the struggles they faced as they tried to make a name for themselves. Jon Farriss discusses the band's touring experiences and the challenges of maintaining a close relationship with his brothers while on the road. Garry Beers shares his memories of the band's early days and his experiences as a bass player in one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Kirk Pengilly provides a unique perspective on the band's relationship with Michael Hutchence and the impact of his death on the group.

The Music

INXS's music is a blend of rock, pop, and dance, with a distinctive sound that is both catchy and sophisticated. The band's early albums, such as Listen Like Thieves and Kick, are full of energetic and upbeat rock songs, while their later albums, such as X and Welcome to Wherever You Are, feature a more mature and introspective sound. The band's biggest hits include "Need You Tonight," "Devil Inside," "Mystify," and "Suicide Blonde," all of which are featured on Story to Story.

The book provides a detailed look at the Entstehung of some of the band's most iconic songs. Andrew Farriss discusses the inspiration behind "Need You Tonight," while Tim Farriss describes the creative process behind "Suicide Blonde." The book also includes a number of rare and previously unreleased photos of the band, as well as lyrics and chord charts for some of their biggest hits.

The Legacy

INXS is one of the most successful rock bands of all time, with over 50 million albums sold worldwide. The band has won numerous awards, including six Grammy Awards, and has been inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. INXS's music continues to be played and enjoyed by fans around the world, and the band's legacy is secure as one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time.

Story to Story is a must-read for any fan of INXS or rock music in general. The book provides a unique and insightful look at the band's journey, from their humble beginnings to their rise to global superstardom. The book is full of personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories, and it is a fascinating read for anyone interested in the history of rock music.