I had the privilege of meeting Michael in Newcastle, England in July 1993. INXS were doing a small venue tour and chose hopeful unsigned bands to support them in the town they were playing. My band was chosen from as you can imagine thousands of demo tape entries to play with them. I haven't gone on to MAKE it as a pop icon but I don't care, I played on the same bill with a true rock legend. For me all the hard work struggling over ten years to be signed somehow didn't matter, it all came to fruision that night. We played well and the crowd were fantastic especially as we were only the support but we were in the clouds most of all because of Michael and the band's genorisity. Myself and the band were as high as kites (on adrenalin and nothing suspect) in the dressing room after the show when out the corner of my eye I spotted Michael sitting quietly smiling to himself. This was a tour to take them back to their early days and here in front of him were five wanna be's bouncing up and down. His wry smile said it all.....yup been there! Michael and most of the band spent half an hour with us ignoring frenzied requests from their staff to get back to the hotel. I tell you INXS for all the record sales and worldwide fame are the most humble, down to earth bunch of blokes you're ever likely to meet.
Michael's death, even though I only knew him personally for half an hour really knocked me off balance probably because of his work which I had followed closely and having met him it effected me as deeply as if I'd lost a family member. To me it doesn't matter the circumstances in which he died, he will always remain rock steady yet human and not be untouchable as some are when they reach his status.
I'd like to congratulate Mr. Hutchence Snr. on a great website but most importantly send my thoughts during another difficult time. I hope that for Tiger's sake matters can be resolved with her best interests considered and she can enjoy her coming years without the spolight and tug of war to hinder her childhood. She is most definitely the apple of her Father's eye.
God bless and all my best wishes.
Martin O'Nions.
Michael's death, even though I only knew him personally for half an hour really knocked me off balance probably because of his work which I had followed closely and having met him it effected me as deeply as if I'd lost a family member. To me it doesn't matter the circumstances in which he died, he will always remain rock steady yet human and not be untouchable as some are when they reach his status.
I'd like to congratulate Mr. Hutchence Snr. on a great website but most importantly send my thoughts during another difficult time. I hope that for Tiger's sake matters can be resolved with her best interests considered and she can enjoy her coming years without the spolight and tug of war to hinder her childhood. She is most definitely the apple of her Father's eye.
God bless and all my best wishes.
Martin O'Nions.