We send a special greeting today to our little princess, Tiger Lily. I am sure the rest of Michael’s family, friends and fans from around the world join with us in this special greeting. We pray your day is wonderful and full of special things that become fond memories for years to come. May your singing and laughter echo to heaven and bring joy to your dear loved ones that can’t be with you. May you continue to grow in love, peace, and wisdom. God bless and protect you.

We remember today with deep respect and great affection our dear Kelland Hutchence and wish him a hearty “Happy Birthday” on this special day. Always one to celebrate special events, I know Kell would feel grateful if you raised a glass today in his honour. He would also want you to be joyful and think happy thoughts. His choice of music undoubtedly would be Michael and INXS, in particularly his favourite, “Stay Young” would bring joy to his heart.

Greetings from a New Generation discovering the New Sensation

Zac was 7 years old when Michael celebrated his 37th birthday on January 22nd, 1997.  Over the past 10 years Michael’s music has made a major impact on him and many other young people too young to remember or fully appreciate the sorrow of that year.

He is one of thousands of a whole new generation of fans around the world who remind us all how vibrant, joyous and alive Michael’s large volume of music is. For this birthday greeting I have asked Zac to represent all those younger in years who have written to us at www.michaelhutchence.org  expressing their joy at discovering Michael’s music and their admiration for him as they realize how dearly he is held in people’s hearts.

So as a typical member of the new generation discovering the New Sensation, Zac writes:

For countless young people today, it is becoming apparent that Michael is reaching a whole new audience with his inspirational lyrics and energized music. Those who may have been too young to remember Michael while he graced this earth are left with the gift of his music legacy which we are blessed to be left with.

Many young people are getting to know the INXS frontman retrospectively and count themselves as adoring fans of Michael, even though they will never have the opportunity to see him play live or meet him face to face in this life time. It is clear that while Michael the man may have left us behind, Michael the legend will always be in the hearts of those who continue to discover the joys of his music with every passing year.

We salute you Michael Hutchence and say: Thanks for the awesome music and happy birthday, mate!
Zac, 17

This coming Monday, 22nd January, 2007 would have been Michael’s 47th birthday. As in previous years, we will gather to celebrate the life of this beautiful man with a big beautiful heart! His life message of love and peace, often underlined in his lyrics has helped establish Michael as a poet for our generation.

Michael once said that the key to his songwriting success was merely, “sensitivity” keep feeling is all one needs to do!”

We too, can apply this to our day to day lives.  We need to nourish and feed a sensitivity for one another and to maintain a respect toward others.

We welcome everyone, “wherever you are” to spare a  thought for Michael and to remember the legacy of love and peace he left us.  Many of us saw him as a distant figure on a stage, yet felt that we knew him personally. Some may feel that his spirit surrounds them still.

Remember on Monday, 22nd January, 2007, to raise your glasses in a birthday toast to Michael Hutchence.

“Happy Birthday, Michael!
Thanks for all the love and peace you helped place in the world.
“Stay Young and Live Baby Live!”

Birthday Celebrations
Dinner and Drinks for
Michael Hutchence (1997-2007)

All Welcome !!

Saturday 20th January, 2007
Hard Rock Cafe
Crown Street,
Darlinghurst, Sydney,
Australia.

Dinner: – 8:00pm
Afterwards:
Mandalay Room,
The Vegas Hotel,
54 Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross.

For those unable to attend on Saturday, we will also gather at sunset at Milk Beach, in Carrera Road Vaucluse. This is the location where Mike’s ashes were scattered on 22nd January, 1998.

Please B.Y.O.
Love & Peace,
Ange  Perou

Kelland Hutchence was a warm and generous man whose passion for life was exuberant. He rose each day excited by activity, whether it was walking and talking with Susie, writing letters, working on his book, planning “Michael projects”, organising his gourmet food export business or entertaining friends. Sometimes he would spend the morning sitting on his balcony overlooking the glorious Sydney Harbour, sipping tea and reading the paper in the warmth of the Australian sun. His cat, Puskas, would never be far from him, looking on inquisitively. He loved life and even after the terrible shock of Michael’s passing, while bearing his own grief in private, he would put on a brave face, choosing to devote his energies to supporting and encouraging others in their grief.

Kell also took on the task of promoting Michael’s legacy with vigour and determination. It was his way of ensuring Michael’s life was not wasted and of seeing positive outcomes from a tragic circumstance. Nothing seemed to lighten up his eyes as much in those days as the love he felt for his family, particularly for his wife Susie, son Rhett and his grandchildren, especially precious Tiger Lily whose bubbly spirit was heaven sent.

But there were moments when he would fall deeper into despair, overwhelmed by the sorrow of Michael’s death. It was in those darkest moments that I believe the grace of God would comfort and shine on him. Occasionally alone during the day in the years following Michael’s death, Kell would find himself crying out. For him the writing of St Paul held so true that “the God of all comfort is able to comfort us through the comfort given to us by others who have also experienced God’s comfort.”

One day as I was returning from Sydney Airport, I felt a sudden need to call by and offer Kell support. Susie was at work. When he answered the door that day he hugged me saying he was very glad to see me. I offered to pray with him and he responded by saying it was the very help he needed. We had no sooner finished praying when the telephone rang. It was a friend from England who Kell had previously introduced me to. She told Kell that she had a strong feeling to pray for Kell to be comforted. It was so strong that she lifted the phone and called him. I remember Kell conveying to her that God had just answered her prayer as I had also that moment dropped by. The experience lifted him and re-assured him that he was not forgotten.

Kell, like Michael was also proud to be an Australian. In St Philips Church in Sydney is the original and only Bible that arrived with the first fleet of convict settlers. The Reverend Richard Johnson read from it on the occasion of the country’s first church service in January, 1778. The Bible is left open at the text the Rev. Johnson read from that day. “How precious in the sight of God is the death of his Saints”. Kell found the same comfort and peace in his own passing, assured that God would not abandon him in eternity because he was precious in the sight of his God.

We love you and miss you precious man; dear husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Love and peace,
Ian Patterson
On behalf of the Directors of Michaelhutchence.org Susie Hutchence, Mario and Jacqui Ferrari and Ian Patterson.

22nd January, 1960 – 22nd November, 1997

Never Tear Us Apart
As this goes to print, it has just been announced that Michael’s song, “Never Tear Us Apart” has been voted Australia’s all time most popular lyric. He wrote simple, yet sensitive lyrics that people everywhere can identify with. The award is an amazing and fitting tribute to Michael and to INXS. Whenever we hear those unmistakable opening chords, it may take us back to a sad time. We reflect about Michael.

We Could Live For a Thousand Years
The nine years since November 22nd, 1997, have flown by in a fleeting flash. Next year, of course, is the tenth anniversary of the sad loss of our dearest Michael Kelland Hutchence. Are you finding it difficult to believe that time has flown by so rapidly? Time is so precious and so short. No wonder so many of us identified with Michael’s words, We could live for a thousand years. The day is drawing near to prepare reflective tributes for next year, when we pay extra special homage.

I Love Your Precious Heart
To give this tribute to Michael a more personal focus, a time may come when someone close to you may be tempted to give in to the lie and believe that his or her life is nothing, just a dot or dash on a very large page. On the third line of Michael’s Memorial Stone in Sydney, Australia, there is a simple dash that separates two dates. But that small dash represents all that happened between those dates; it represents a creative life of 37 years that was amazing to millions of people around the world.

Perhaps he was stuck in a moment, and it was then that Michael needed to know how dearly his precious heart was loved and how deeply he was treasured. We all need to know our hearts are precious. It is another reason why Australia identifies with Michael’s lyrics. If you have especially come to this page today, chances are you are joining others such as Michael’s family, INXS, Bono, Kylie, Helena and many more who privately have this day indelibly written on their hearts with precious thoughts for Michael.

Don’t Ask Me What You Know Is True
Part of our reflection for Michael this year is to highlight something that he would doubtlessly bring to us himself; Oh! If only he could. As you know he was a passionate warrior for the under-dog and the underprivileged of this world. Michael used his gift with words and melody to express his most personal feelings about many issues. Justice and peace were an important part, so also was the excitement of warm human relationships built on love and genuine affection. But human relationships are at breaking point in many parts of the world.

Two Worlds Colliding
It is eerier to think that a sinister, coldly calculated form of self-destruction has so violently and harshly changed the world in which we have lived since 9/11. Fanatical, ideological collisions have reached a frenzied point and are forcefully demanding allegiance and submission through ill-conceived, evil acts of mass devastation. We all know that such acts of aggressive suicide are adding to the misery of millions of God’s created and precious beings, irrespective of colour, race, age, sex or creed. The combating of it seems just as bloody. Two worlds are colliding. If only everyone pursued true love and peace. How heaven must weep.

Make Your Peace
Considering the sentiments and admonitions above, Michael’s words from “Make Your Peace” are poignant and apt:

There are rivers running
Just for you and me,
In the darkest hours
Choices made to be.

Make a choice for living in hope and faith. Celebrate Michael’s and your own life today with gratitude. Even in the darkest hours, make this the greatest aspiration of your heart to know genuine love and to strive for a peace within that surpasses all understanding.

We love and miss your precious heart, Michael!

Love and peace,
Ian Patterson
For the Directors at Michael Hutchence’s Official Memorial Site
Susie Hutchence, Mario and Jacqui Ferrari and Ian Patterson

You are greatly endeared in the hearts of all your family both near, and not so far away.

We hope you’re having a big party wherever you are. You’ll never be forgotten.

Always a big fan of the official Michael Hutchence Memorial site, INXS band member Kirk Pengilly recently took time out of his busy world tour schedule to talk with us.

Jodie Patterson: In January 2005, when we last spoke with you at the Australia Week Gala Dinner in Los Angeles, you said the band was wading into unchartered territory. You were about to embark on the search for a new lead singer with the CBS TV show, “Rock Star”. There were a lot of high hopes, but it was also high risk. Since then, “Rock Star” turned out to be a huge success. It seems you’ve got a good “fit” with JD (Fortune), and INXS is now in the middle of its first world tour in eight years. It’s been a remarkable journey for the band over the past 12 months. What’s the feeling from where you guys are standing right now?
Kirk Pengilly: We’re very honored that we’ve been granted a second chance as a band – that’s probably pretty rare. The only other band that I can think of that has really pulled it off is AC/DC. We’re very elated that we’re out playing again. I mean, that’s what we love doing and we missed it so much. Being in a position where we have a new record, and going out and playing to sold-out houses and enthusiastic fans – it’s just amazing. I think all of us probably feel at our most prominent comfort zone when we are on stage together. The rest of the time we are kind of pacing around waiting for the show. It’s been a stressful but exciting year in what we’ve been through, and we’re not about to let go of it. We are happy to be working really hard and doing lots of shows in a row… and JD is coping really well with it, so it’s really good

What’s it been like touring with JD now as your front-man?
It’s been great. He’s a handful, but at the end of the day he clearly had all the goods we were looking for. He’s young – younger than us – and it’s all new to him, certainly at this level. He’s settled down now, but at first he was lapping up the lifestyle… partying, and he – as we all did – had to learn to pace himself on the first leg, but it’s all good now.

What has been the most challenging aspect of this world tour for INXS?
Learning how to pace ourselves again, and work out what we are capable of doing as a band at this stage in our lives. On the first leg we worked really hard. We had one particular leg where we had eight shows in a row, and it was just too much for us and JD, so it was very stressful. We were all so tired, JD was starting to lose his voice, and it kind of freaked us out. We were able to realize that for the next leg, we don’t do anymore than three or four shows in a row before having a day off. That was kind of a learning process. We’d obviously seen JD perform on “Rock Star”, and we did a couple of TV performances once he was our sixth member, but we still hadn’t done a whole gig… so with the first couple of shows, we didn’t really know how it was going to go, so that was a good learning process, too.

How is JD handling the pressures of fronting INXS and any comparisons to Michael?
Overall, he’s handled everything amazingly, considering where he was a year ago and what he went through on the TV show. In some ways it’s probably been a total mind f— for him, but he’s come through it fine. What happens on the road is that you do have moments where it’s overwhelming. There’s the occasional tantrum, not just from him, but from any one of us. That’s just part of being on the road. It’s not a “normal” lifestyle – it’s unnatural – so you are bound to have ups and downs, and that’s just life.

What has JD brought to the band that’s been different perhaps to others that have taken the microphone since the loss of Michael?
He’s brought a renewed energy for the band. It’s been great to see the world through his unjaded eyes. Not to say that we are jaded, but we (INXS) have certainly done a lot. But for him it’s all new, so it’s really inspiring. It wakes us all up to not being complacent or blasé about what we are doing.

I’ve heard it said somewhere: “Rock and Roll was made for Michael (Hutchence), and Michael was made for Rock and Roll.” Do you think the same could be said of JD, or has he had to grow into this new role?
Well, Michael had to grow into it, too. When we started as a band with the Farriss Brothers, Michael predominantly was a shy person. When we first started as a band, we were all pretty crap and we learnt as we went along. We learnt the tools of our trade, what worked and what didn’t, as did Michael. In the beginning with the Farriss brothers, Michael and I shared lead vocals because he was still learning to be a vocalist. So I think you do grow into it, but JD’s had enough experience prior to joining us to be able to step up to the plate straight away – but you are forever learning.

During those difficult years after the loss of Michael Hutchence, the band tried to move on and find it’s feet – and ended up doing a lot of great collaborative work with other artists. But was there this kind of this underlying sense of, “Well, who is INXS now?” would you say?
Not to us there wasn’t, of course, but I think in the year after Michael’s death we all did some soul searching, apart from going through the grieving process as well. What we kind of realized as a band, in fact as a family – which is what we are – is that when you lose a family member you don’t cease being a family. I think it was that sort of thought process eventually that made us come around and realize that well, yes we still are a band, and we still are INXS. With the first couple of performances we did (after Michael’s death), firstly with Jimmy Barnes for Mushroom Records’ 25th anniversary, and then with Terence Trent D’Arby, we realized that yes, we are still a band, we are INXS, and we still sound like INXS. Those two shows specifically were very important, I think, in reinstating to ourselves who we were. From that point, then we spent two or three years with Jon Stevens, which was great. We did shows all around the world… and it just didn’t move forward in the way we all hoped, and that was when we researched and put together the idea of doing the TV show (Rock Star).

Do you feel that you have reached a new milestone for the band now, perhaps a redefining of who you are?
I think that where you redefine is when you record a new album, and with this album it was pretty different for us because it was the first time that we allowed collaborations outside of the band. Secondly, we came off the eve of “Rock Star” and went straight into the studio with our new singer and we had less than five weeks to record, mix, master, come up with the artwork, and deliver the record to Epic records. It was really an amazing, yet high-pressure situation where we had no time to second guess the direction it was going in. So the making of “Switch” was all very organic… and very spontaneous. The weird thing is it’s probably one of our most INXS-sounding albums to date. It’s kind of weird, but that just goes to prove that we are what we are.

So have the creative juices been flowing with JD? Have you guys even had time to write for a new album while on this tour?
We haven’t really – it’s just been so full-on. We’re talking about it, and we’re obviously really excited, because we only had the opportunity for JD to collaborate on three songs on “Switch”, so with the next album, we start from scratch. That’s pretty exciting, and I think what will be apparent and interesting is that it will be more of a JD/INXS album probably than “Switch”.

You have been hailed as one of the best live bands ever; and there continues to be whole new generations of kids who are just now discovering INXS. What is it about the music of INXS that sees it enjoying such a strong following from such a wide age group?
It’s because we’re unreal (laugh)… The important thing we always felt was that it was all about good songs – songs that stood up and stood the test of time. We are just really fortunate that we were born into the world at the time we were – the technology was becoming good, and bands started getting paid money instead of being ripped off. It became a legitimate business. We arrived at the right time, and thankfully we chose some really good producers over the years that weren’t too caught up in the latest technology, but in just making sure that what was put down on tape was real and recorded in the best way possible. What I find now when I hear some of our stuff from the 80s and the 90s, is it still sounds “now”. Some of the earlier stuff perhaps doesn’t, but definitely when we finally found our groove, I think a lot of that stuff really still stands up. I think that at this time, too, a lot of people just want to be entertained; to see a group of musicians that can actually play, and are entertaining. I think the latter part of the 90s and the early “noughties”, with early dance music, and the whole DJ thing is great, but really boring, unless you took disco drugs.

Rick Wakeman from the band YES once said that the band would always be there, and that just like like a football team might change players, the team may change, but will always carry on. Do you have that same vision for INXS as a band?
I don’t know. I’m not really sure that we are the sort of band that would do that, or could do that. We would take a really long, hard look if one of the other band members decided to call it a day… a long, hard look at whether or not we want it to continue.

What about doing something with Tiger Lily (Michael Hutchence’s daughter) one day? Could you see her singing for INXS?
(laughs)… What would be fun would be to do something with Tiger Lily one day, to actually record something with her. That would be great. Since Michael died and it changed the equation, we were carefully thought out, but we have always entertained all sorts of options. At the moment we are just happy that we are a true band again with a new front-man, and we’ll take that as far as it goes.

Do you know how the tradition began? I first celebrated Michael’s birthday eight years ago with his family, band, crew and friends on board a small yacht in Sydney Harbour.

It was an idyllic Saturday evening and the first occasion all had come together since Michael’s funeral some two months before. Conversations tried to centre on normalities, as the mention of Michael’s name was still extremely delicate and emotional for everyone. Most of those invited had gathered in the late afternoon at Kell and Susie’s top floor apartment in Sydney’s Bellevue Hill. Refreshments where served amid conversations of escapades over the holiday season, discussions of the splendid harbour views from Kell’s balcony, the weather, current world events, and family anecdotal musings. There was a kind of expectancy, as if Michael would be arriving late at any moment and life would once again continue in the direction that it had taken before the horrible shock of November 22nd.  But Michael didn’t arrive.  So as the day faulted, the group moved on to a harbour pier where they waited until the yacht, “Ambience” moored to afford an easy boarding. A beautifully carved, polished, wooden urn containing Michael’s precious ashes was carried on board, the only indication that this was a party with a different mission. I remember the irony of the bystanders on the pier who continued lazily fishing, totally unaware of what they were witnessing.

We commenced our journey around the harbour under engine power while a small professional catering team immediately made everyone feel at home.  Jimmy Barnes and Tim Farriss sat at the bar and chatted while other small huddles sipped wine and reflected. Every now and then an outburst of laughter broke the sullen air as one group found common cause to reflect on an endearing moment with Michael.

Erana Clarke and I moved from group to group, hoping to offer some comfort. I stopped to talk with Andrew Farriss, Kell and Susie Hutchence, Jenny Morris, Hiraani and husband John, Rhett and Mandy, and Richard Lowenstein who was now busy recording the event on a small DV camcorder.  As the sun began to set, the party of twenty five people came together on the deck to complete what they had set out to do, say good bye to Michael Kelland Hutchence.

It was now my responsibility to speak, bring the people together and set the tone of what would follow. What did follow was beyond anyone’s calculations. The wind that had been forcefully blowing ceased, a settled calmness prevailed as the whirring of marine engines also came to a stop. In that embalming stillness a beauty adorned the skies, as shafts of blazing pinks and reds filtered through stoic clouds in the western horizon.  Soft, gentle weeping, the lapping of waves against the bow below and the cries of sea gulls above was the poignant canvas that Erana commenced her hauntingly beautiful tonal painting, a Maori lament that crescendoed into the healing warmth of Amazing Grace. And so a father and a brother dispersed all they had physically left of a son and a sibling. Rose petals fluttered gently down to accompany Michael. It was the end of a day… the end of an era.

Knowing words can be powerfully healing agents, I reminded those gathered that the human spirit is eternal and the hope of eternity certain to those whose rest is found in the grace of God.  A phoenix experience then transcended and transformed their spirits as they lifted their glasses to toast Michael.  All who were there would scarcely forget that moment. The patriarchal Kell, ever the strong and encouraging soul he was, lifted his glass first. “Happy Birthday”, he said with a smile, “Happy Birthday, dear Michael”. And so began a tradition that celebrates an amazing man with an amazing life.

So… “Happy 46th Birthday, Michael!”… from all your family, friends and fans.

Ian Patterson
For Susie Hutchence, Mario and Jacqui Ferrari
Co-Directors of the Official Michael Hutchence Memorial Site.

It was on the 22nd January, 1960 at 8.30am, when Michael Kelland Hutchence first graced this earth. From his first smile to his parents, Patricia and Kelland, he would continue touching hearts all around the world. He had a natural gift of spreading love, peace and inspiration, through soulful eyes and an infectious smile. How fortunate we are to have the gift of Michael and his music.

As we approach Michael’s 46th Birthday, why not raise a toast wherever you are on 22nd January, and say, “Happy Birthday dear Michael and thanks for all the love and peace you helped place into this world.”

Michael you will always stay young and live, Baby live on in our hearts!

Announcing: Birthday Drinks for Michael.
Date: Saturday, 21st January, 2006
Venue: Hard Rock Café
131 Crown Street,
Darlinghurst (Sydney, Australia)
Ph: 9331 1116
Time: 8pm (and onwards into the wee hours of Sunday 22nd January)
Admission: Free
All Welcome!

Love and Peace,
Ange Perou
Phone: 0414 554122

Today we sadly reach the third anniversary of the passing of Kelland Hutchence who was one of the dearest men I have ever had the privilege to call a close friend. Providentially, now the world has a rare glimpse into the personhood of Kelland through last month’s release of “The Loved One”. Perhaps the DVD documentary on Michael’s life could have better been entitled “The Loved Ones” as it presents both father and son through the various interviews and family archive footage.

“The Loved One” was very much made possible by the enthusiastic support given to the producers by Michael’s Dad, Kelland. It contains precious video footage of Kell, his deep reflections about Michael as well as some priceless family footage of Michael with Kell, Paula, Tiger, Susie, Rhett, Patricia, Tina and other extended family. There are some sweet scenes with Kell embracing Michael by the pool at Michael’s former villa in Roquefort Les Pines, France. As well as offering more insight into Michael’s life, it is an opportunity to experience the devotion and admiration Kell held for his family. It is refreshingly a documentary void of family factions and criticism (by design on Kell’s part) and as such has been easily embraced by the rest of the family (something Kell would have been grateful for as he always strived to bring the family together, particularly after Michael’s passing).

Kell would probably have most appreciated being remembered today as a loving husband to Susie, a devoted Dad to his children and grandchildren and a man who wanted to make a difference in an unfair world. He would have rejoiced in Susie taking up further university studies, Rhett completing a successful book, Tiger growing into a charming little girl, Patricia and Tina embracing his documentary on Michael “The Loved One”, and INXS moving on by choosing a new lead singer and exploring new horizons, as well as taking Michael’s music to a new and mostly younger audience.

During his life Kell became increasingly a spiritually sensitive man (as his mother was) and one who saw spiritual solutions as more lasting in this life and the next than financial gain. He loved people and was always generous with his time for those that cared to stop by, write or call him. This was an attribute no doubt impressed on Michael who was similar in disposition. Sadly he was occasionally misunderstood and subject to criticism by those who judged from a distance, but his side of the story is yet to be told. He wasn’t perfect of course and sometimes would draw fire from his candid comments. On the other hand he was never one to hold his tongue when he saw injustice toward others and he deeply felt the peculiar harshness of the press on his son, Michael.

He was wonderful company and greatly admired by Michael’s close friends such as Bono, Kylie, and Helena to name a few. I fondly remember his devotion to Susie, his deep belly laughter, his wonderful stories, his caring concern, his ability to comfort Michael’s fans, his hundreds of telephone calls, our walks to Milk Beach, and sips of coffee at Dee Bee’s in Double Bay where he was a regular figure. We miss you Kell. God bless and keep you eternally.

Ian Patterson

As we reach the 8th anniversary of the passing of Michael Kelland Hutchence, the question many are asking is, “Will Michael’s boots ever be filled?” The past year has seen a substantial growth in the number of people visiting his Official Website and leaving him a message in the online Guestbook. Up to 10,000 new visitors a day have been regularly logged, which is an indication that Michael is as popular as ever.

Much of the surge in interest undoubtedly must be attributed to the successful RockStar: INXS that rekindled fans adoration for Michael and INXS. As well it has introduced a new and younger audience to Michael’s performances. Apart from RockStar there is a gradual realization around the world of the magnitude of the man and his achievements.

It also has been a year marked by the release of two new books featuring Michael, including the candid and humorous biography of Michael’s brother, Rhett Hutchence, “Total XS”, as well as the band’s first official biography, “Story to Story”. Added to this is the much awaited documentary, “The Loved One” by Steve Graham which takes an honest appraisal of Michael’s life, devoid of the usual controversies that one has regrettably come to expect with the “tabloiding” of his private family life. We cooperated with Steve Graham with the production of “The Loved One”, because we all perceived, Kell included, that they would take an honourable and accurate approach to it. Hence there is some delightful footage of our beloved Kelland Hutchence speaking from his heart about his son, Michael, as well as rare footage from the family archives that Kell trusted to Steve. It was Kell’s desire to see an honest and enduring Michael Hutchence video biography. Sadly due to legal delays with the documentary, Kell never lived to see the final production.

This year we once again honour Michael and are thankful to God for giving him to this world, his life and his talents that have brought so much joy to so many over the years. We also pray for the protection and healthy nurturing of Michael and Paula’s precious daughter, Tiger Lily.  Michael would be honoured by your tributes to him today, whether you light some candles, raise a glass as a toast, or play your favourite Michael songs.

So after 8 years, the realization and magnitude of the loss of Michael Hutchence has not diminished and despite the criticism and cynicism of some, it seems no one has filled his shoes, or may we venture to say, no one has even attempted to try. Everyone acknowledges that you cannot replace the irreplaceable.  But you can go on with a new entity without dishonouring the legacy Michael left us all. Michael’s shoes will never be filled because there is only one precious and unique Michael Hutchence.  Let us remember him with affection, honour him with dignity, and be thankful with a joyous spirit. This is all and everything that we can do on 22nd November, as today is the memorial day for Michael Kelland Hutchence.

Ian Patterson
On behalf of  the Team at www.michaelhutchence.org

Michael’s 8th Memorial Anniversary is fast approaching on the 22nd of this month, so as in previous years, we will be gathering in honour of Michael’s memory for a drink and chat at the Sydney Hard Rock Café on Friday 25th November. For those of you who still haven’t been to the Hard Rock Café, you will be awestruck by the magnitude of the collection of impressive memorabilia which adorns every available space, not to mention the larger than life murals of Michael, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Elvis Presley and Kurt Cobain that are hand-painted on the huge dome ceiling.

Michael Hutchence at Rhino Studios 1992

Richard Simpkin, photographer, will be joining us.  Richard, who was huge INXS fan while still in high school was inspired by Michael to start photography as a hobby in 1989, the year he first photographed Michael.  It was a friendship that would endure the rest of Michael’s life and during those years Richard gathered a formidable collection of photos he would take of Michael whenever he was in town. Ironically the very last person photographed with Michael was Richard Simpkin taken just a day prior to Michael’s untimely death by Michael’s beloved father, Kell.

Richard’s private collection of photographs of Michael is perhaps the most prolific anywhere in the world. He also has many warm-hearted stories centred around the times he spent with Michael.  Richard has also photographed many other celebrities but  Michael was Richard’s favourite.  Michael was always generous with his time and agreed to Richard doing private photo shoots.

Richard Simpkin has recently launched  a book, “Australian Legends”, which he has painstakingly put together with stories and photographs of some of  Australia’s greatest legends.   So do come and meet Richard and other dedicated fans and celebrate Michael’s amazing life. The Hard Rock Café will be screening some classic INXS song clips during the evening as well as providing some awesome in-house entertainment.  There is no cover charge, all are welcome, from wherever you are!  Hey why not join us for a meal or at least a drink at the bar. There is always more room for your memories

Date: Friday, 25th November 2005
Time: From 7:00 pm till late
Place: Hard Rock Café, 131 Crown Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, Australia
Tel: 9331 1116
Time: 8pm

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Love & Peace
Ange Perou
(Mob.  0414 554 122)

We wish precious Tiger a very happy birthday. We hope your day is very special, filled with fun and surrounded with love from family and friends.