The 22^nd day of November has become a day to celebrate Michael’s life achievements at MichaelHutchence.org, rather than focusing on the enormous sorrow and impact of such an unfathomable loss. Yet Michael’s untimely death was followed by a succession of sad and tragic consequences. His passing broke the hearts of so many, particularly those who were closest to Michael. It is one of life’s hardest realities, seemingly too often overlooked, that those closest to us sometimes go through a debilitating crisis alone. Serious mental health and well-being issues may go undetected as a love one suffers in silence, bearing it alone. Tragically, unchecked it can lead in an irrational moment to a precipice that has irreversible consequences.

Nineteen years on and we still feel the tragedy of his loss, not just the loss of a precious life, but of the consequences. Primarily the loss to his family, but also the loss to colleagues, friends and fans and above all, loss of life opportunities for Michael. But something I have learnt through it all, my journey with Kell and Susie and the friendships formed, I feel confident that Michael would want something worthwhile to triumph through such loss. If he was able to personally express to us all today, what he so wonderfully expressed in his life and music, he would passionately say, “Live, live!” Live your precious life, with optimism, faith and hope. Never give up hope and always look on the brighter side of life. Love others without bias or prejudice, don’t dwell on the hurts of the past but find new vision to live the present and the future in a renewed determination to overcome adversity, and wait for light and joy to shine through again if any dark cloud may currently hang over you. Try to forgive. If you are going through really difficult emotional trauma, share this with a trusted friend. Never solve temporary problems with such a permanent tragic solution. Realise we can muster the will to change, by God’s grace and power, the changeable aspects in our life that rob us and others of love, joy and peace. We can also find the courage to accept that which cannot be changed. In dark moments we need light, from spiritual inspiration, from a dear friend we have faith in.

While living in Hong Kong, Jon and Michael co-wrote a song “Faith in each other” that was to form part of the X album. The lyrics still ring true. Listen, really listen to Michael’s words.

“Yeah, you got to have faith in each other…”
(Loved ones)…”they give us a reason to go on living.
It’s all in the choices that you have to make
I got to tell you, you better make them good.”

Rest in peace you gentle-spirited, loving, kind and passionate man.

Ian Patterson for Susie Hutchence, Mario and Jacqueline Ferrari, fellow Co-Directors at MichaelHutchence.org

It’s hard to believe it has been nineteen years since your father and I sat down to dinner.  We laughed and joked as you regaled us with stories of your life in U.K. You spoke of Paula, Tiger and her sisters with such love and affection it touched our hearts.  The news the next morning forever shattered that idyll.

On a different note, along with Bowie and Prince I am sure you have welcomed another great into the heavenly realm.  Hallelujah the great Leonard Cohen. Enjoy the poetry and the music.

Susie Hutchence

Thinking of you today and every single day since you departed this realm.

All love,
Susie

This memorable celebration date for Michael, January 22^nd, rolls around each year with seemingly continued rapidity. His 38^th birthday is still vivid in my mind when Michael’s family, INXS band colleagues and closest friends met to commemorate his short but amazing life. You can read of that memorable afternoon and evening in the Ashes Ceremony article. 

In recent years Michael’s legendary music has continued to grow in reputation with amazing sales taking place in his homeland, Australia, breaking all previous records as new generations discover Michael and INXS.  We are also thrilled to see a new release recently of his much rumoured “Friction” song.  We gave a world preview, using an original studio excerpt of this innovative dance song some years ago, here at www.michaelhutchence .org

We are pleased to announce that one of Michael’s respected solo album collaborators, Danny Saber has been in contact with us and is enthusiastic about helping complete a short article in the way of interview about is creative work with Michael on “Friction” in the very near future, exclusive to Michael’s Official Memorial Site.

The frailty of music artists has been hard-hitting these past weeks with the sad parting of Lemmy, Bowie and Glenn Frey. No one is immortal and today as we celebrate Michael’s 56th together, may we also be thankful for good health and longevity, as well as giving thought and prayer to those who are struggling with health, and family loss. Make the most of every moment. It is always a great day to be thankful for all we have and all we have been given. This includes the large and precious catalogue of Michael’s music, films, and interviews. Play some Michael, leave a message of hope in his Guestbook and make it an uplifting day.  While it is understandably always with mixed emotions that we celebrate yet another birthday for Michael, it is unimaginable to think of him as anything less than as he left us in his youth (and our youth), and so he is forever young.

Ian Patterson

100 hundred years ago this year Kelland’s father, Frank, a ship’s captain in the Royal Merchant Navy was risking life and limb transporting Australian soldiers to the frontline. A descendent from such a brave and strong man is destined to be of the same stock, strong in character, a leader, and defender of the vulnerable. Michael’s Dad was every bit that man.

Kelland Hutchence who we remember with great affection embarked on his eternal journey on this day 13 years ago. He is missed for his caring, loving heart and his jovial personality. The launching of Michael’s new Official Memorial Site last month is a direct result of the original vision of Kelland to honour his son Michael Hutchence with a perpetual cyberspace consecrated site.

Today we send warm, loving thoughts and prayers to dear Susie, Rhett and Tiger as we also pay homage to dear Kelland Hutchence.

This anniversary Michael is tinged with an overwhelming sadness of what has occurred in Paris, and the subsequent loss of so many innocent lives – a loss of innocence for the world.

The beautiful City of Light is close to your heart – a city where you and Helena loved, laughed and generally enjoyed a carefree existence. You both gave your dear father and I the most memorable and exciting time of our lives when we holidayed there so many years ago. You were always in my mind when I re-visited with your beautiful daughter many years later.

Rest in peace dearest Michael
Your loving step-mother