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.

May you have a wonderful day and may love, peace, harmony, beauty and happiness forever surround you!

Your fathers love is something
That no one can explain
It was made of deep devotion
And of sacrifice and pain
It was endless and unselfish
And enduring come what may
Nothing will destroy it
Nor can it ever take that love away
His love forever patient and forgiving

His love will never falter or fail you
Even though his heart may be breaking
He will always believe beyond believing

Your daddy’s love glows with the beauty
Of you the rarest and most brightest of gems
It is a many splendoured love
That man cannot try to understand
Just another perfect example
Of your daddy’s never ending love for you!

When I see a picture of you
With your tussled locks
It just reminds me
Of whose loins you came from
It is far beyond defining
For it defies all explanations
It will always remain a secret
Like the mysteries of creation
But one thing is ever so clear
That is your daddy’s eternal love for you!

All thoughts, passions and delights
Whatever stirs our mortal flames
Are all but delivered of true love
And feed upon it’s sacred flame
So Tiger about your dad
Oh he was as good as he was fair

In thought as pure as angels
To know him was to love him
I know that in years to come
You will be not unlike him
To evolve as you grow into a beautiful woman
You will have many to fall under your spell
You were and always will be the apple of his eye
His love for you will never ever die.

Happy Birthday Beautiful Tiger
You will always hold a special place in our hearts…

Love and Peace,
Judy Garnier xoxox

BBC CHOICE will air a 15 minute program called “Michael Hutchence’s Rock Shrine” on Thursday, February 22 from 19.45 – 20.00.

This widescreen special follows family, friends and fans as they gather at the memorial in Sydney built by his father to remember his music and the tragedy that ended his life. The program will repeat at the following times: February 23 (01.00-01.15), February 24 (00.00 – 00.15, 19.45 – 20.00), and February 25 (01.40 – 02.00). Check the BBC Website for more information.

Wherever you are, we always think of you. Thanks for your music, for your lyrics and for your love. We will make sure that you are remembered forever.

As you may know, in 1997 INXS visited the OpenAir Festival in St Gall, Switzerland, on the Elegantly Wasted Tour. The interview Michael held during this festival initiated the work on my websites. I recently could meet the organizers of the festival. They searched their huge archive for photographs and gave me some shots to add to the memorial website. A big thank you to Mica and Peter. (Note: the pictures have been moved to the pictures section).

Another “birthday gift” comes from Chris Frantz from The Heads who was so kind as to provide us with the song “The King is Gone”, which Michael recorded with The Heads in 1996 (No Talking Just Head, MCA MCD 11504).

The King is Gone

The Michael Hutchence Fan Club welcomes friends & fans “wherever you are” to come along and celebrate Michael’s Birthday as we all gather in unison again to celebrate Michael, but this time on a much happier note “celebrating his life, talent and music”.

Place: Hard Rock Café (121-129 Crown Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney)
Date: Saturday 20 January 2001, Time: 7.30pm

So, do come along and bring your friends to share the love as we celebrate his talent and keep his music alive!

The very popular cover band INXSIVE with lead singer JUSTIN BULL, will be performing a number of our favourite Michael/INXS songs (which we all love to hear and must dance to!) Woohoo! Come along and join the celebration!

Love, Peace & Michael
Ange