INXS released today their first new album in Australia since “Elegantly Wasted”.

The INXS 1977-1997 compilation from past singles and albums, as well as new never-before-released material, will be a welcomed addition to all of Michael’s Australian fans.

The Sunday Telegraph ran a large picture of Michael on their front page glossy magazine with a four page story within by INXS on life with and without Michael.

The Telegraph also in another section reported the visit of Bob Geldof with Kell and Susie at their Sydney apartment. It is wonderful to see the ties that have been developed by Kell and Susie for Tiger’s sake.

Bali has long been a haven and refuge for millions of Australians who have visited it over the years. Michael and his family have regularly taken solace there. Kell, Susie and Tiger recently took a holiday in Bali. Kylie was there at the same time. How hideous it is that evil people in the name of who knows what twisted cause, can so quickly turn a paradise on earth into a living hell. The agony of losing loved ones, the pain of sustaining horrific injuries, the deep trauma of experiencing such a violent and devastating act will be cemented in the memories of many Australians for a long time to come. We at www.michaelhutchence.org including Kell and Susie Hutchence, Mario and Jacqui Ferrari, and Dennis Patterson wish to extend on behalf of all of Michael’s family, friends and fans, our deepest sympathy and heart-felt prayers to all of those thousands of people who have been directly and indirectly grieved by the Bali bombings. We know that over 80% of casualties and fatalities were Australians, but people from all over the world lost their precious lives that day.

Michael’s concerns for peace in the region can be dated back to the East Timor struggles of the early 80’s. He and Richard Lowenstein even had a protest poster displayed in the house as a back drop in the film “Dogs in Space”. How the world is changing and how the frequent words of Michael Hutchence ring loud and clear. More than ever it is time to pray for “Love and Peace” to prevail over hatred and war.

Once again Michael’s birthday is here and it’s his 42nd on the 22nd January 2002. Its hard to imagine that four years have passed since Mike left us… we miss him heaps and his music lives on.

Mike’s birthday will be celebrated on Saturday 26th January 2002 at the Hard Rock Cafe in Sydney starting at 8pm ­ the address is 121 Crown St, Darlinghurst (parking available at the rear) and all friends and fans are welcome. For reservations email me on ange@michaelhutchence.org or phone me on 0414 554 122.

Another party will be held in New York, here are the details:
Saturday Jan 26
Barramundi – 147 Ludlow (just below Houston)
8pm – ?? (bar closes at 4am)
Contact Kris (with a K)

It seems that the world is a different place this Christmas as to what it was last year. And it seems with every year we learn of new heartaches and atrocities that would have been averted had genuine love and peace been practised. Tolerance, forgiveness, hope, understanding, peace and love are all God-given character qualities that are worth hanging on to in a mad, mad, world. It’s good to remember that the greatest we can hope for is the prevailing of God’s goodness over injustices, violence and evil. The Angels said to the Bethlehem shepherds on that first Christmas night, “Peace and goodwill to all mankind”. Our greatest gift from God was revealed that night, Jesus, Prince of Peace.

Michael loved peace and pursued it, and wherever he travelled he loved to spread goodwill. He waved his Nation’s flag too, he was proud to be Australian, for to be Australian still means freedom. But not all people are free this Christmas, so our hearts and prayers go out to those trapped in a Nation of evil leaders, or of famine, or plagues, and those universal families trapped in a household without love. So this Christmas, help to “keep the peace” and never lose hope in God’s gift. We all at www.michaelhutchence.org wish you a peaceful and loving “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year”. Whatever your faith or belief, whether you celebrate Christmas or not, we say to you all, “Love, peace, and goodwill to all humankind”. …and Merry Christmas TIGER!!

Dennis Patterson
Director, Michael Hutchence Web Sites
For and on behalf of
Kell & Susie Hutchence, Mario & Jacqueline Ferrari, Ange Perou

“FAREWELL AND DO NOT FORGET ME after I am gone. O men, I have deserved that you think of me, for in my life-time I have often thought of you to make you happy. May it ever be so!” – from the last Will and Testament of Ludwig Beethoven.

How fitting it was that Australian rock icon, Billy Thorpe, should be the presenter of Michael’s “Lifetime Achievement Award” bestowed at the recent Australian Music Industry Awards. Billy told of a heart warming story which he will never forget. When INXS were at their dizziest heights in the US, playing to packed arenas across the country, Michael and INXS were booked to appear in LA , Billy’s home town. Michael had heard that Billy’s little girl was bananas over INXS and so he arranged for a limo to pick up Billy and his whole family to come to the concert that evening. They were taken back stage and there Michael and the other guys made a fuss over Billy and his starry eyed daughter, giving them VIP treatment. But the best was yet to come according to Billy Thorpe who though a relatively unknown in the USA, had enjoyed huge success in the 60’s and 70’s in Australia. At the beginning of the show, Michael encouraged Billy to join him on stage where the band did a rendition of Billy’s 70’s Australian hit, “Some People I Know Think That I’m Crazy”.

“Here was Michael, a mega star,” said Billy Thorpe, “And me, a relatively unknown, but in his finest hour, Michael used that opportunity to honour me. Michael really honoured me that night and I will never forget it” he said.

And so we today honour back a man that gave his heart and spirit to entertain, and to make others happy. And around the world those fans remember Michael Kelland Hutchence on this day, 22nd November. Networked through www.michaelhutchence.org , fans will gather at his Memorial Stone in Sydney from 3:00 pm (on Saturday, November 24) having travelled from Japan, Britain, Canada, the United States and many other parts of the Globe.

It is four years this November 22nd since Michael Kelland Hutchence left us. Michael’s impact on the world has not diminished with evidence of a new generation of music lovers being captivated by his creative genius.

Old and young alike drop by the Memorial Web Site daily and there is no waning in the number of greetings being left in the Guestbook. With soundtracks appearing in major feature films, remixes climbing up the dance charts in Europe, and a string of recent record industry awards in the bag, Michael Hutchence and INXS are taking a well-deserved place in pop history.

Whether it be 4 or 40 years, the legacy Michael has left is as timeless as the human spirit. Family, friends and fans will again gather at Michael’s Memorial in the Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens in Delhi Road, North Ryde, Sydney Australia on Saturday 24th November at 3:00pm and at sunset on Milk Beach near to where Michael’s ashes were scattered. The evening will be concluded as in previous years with an approximate 8:00pm dinner at Sydney’s Hard Rock Cafe. It has become a tradition to gather to celebrate his life rather than dwell upon his death. If you are interested in attending or know others who may wish to, please email us at ian@michaelhutchence.org or phone us in Australia on 0411 149401 or 61 411 149401 from International.

Michael will be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame

We are honoured to announce that on Saturday, 13th October, 2001 in the Sydney Film Studios of Fox, Michael will be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of the Australian Live Music Awards. This follows only days after Michael and INXS being inducted into the ARIA’s Hall of Fame. This is fabulous news and we all can feel very proud of Michael’s recognition.

In a feature story in today’s Sunday Telegraph entitled “We’ll dedicate it to Michael”, INXS has announced it will be inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame on Wednesday, 3rd October (the most prestigious award that can be bestowed on an Australian music artist).

Band member, Tim Farriss said accepting the award will be tinged with sadness because of the absence of their front man, Michael Hutchence. “I would have loved for this to have happened while Michael was still alive, and I will be dedicating the award to him and my mother Jill, who also had so much to do with the band”, the Telegraph quoted Tim Farris. He went on to say that “It is sad it didn’t happen in his lifetime as it would have meant a lot to him”. The Australian ARIAS are the pinnacle of the Music Industry awards in Australia. This year nominees include Kylie Minogue, the Avalanches and Powderfinger.

Congratulations guys and congratulations Michael, the acceptance you were often denied from your home turf has been acknowledged and bestowed upon you at last.

Michael’s Harley Davidson bike which was his pride and joy, is going to be offered as an item on the Chivas Regal Internet Auction under celebrity items the proceeds of which will go to underprivileged children’s charities.

Tony Woodhall who now owns Mike’s bike (he was Michael’s security guard and close friend) is donating it and has put an auction price of $20,000.00 on it. We feel sure Michael would be very pleased while Tony Woodhall, the current owner of the bike at one time had thought he might invest long term in preserving the bike for Tiger, realistically it is more practical to use the resources to make an immediate impact on the lives of children who are right now in dire need. We feel Michael, would have made the same decision.

We sadly reflect and honour Paula Yates who tragically passed away at this time just one year ago. She is greatly missed and loved by her family and friends. We continue to pray for little Tiger Lilly that she may continue to evolve out of these trials as a radiant little girl.