I have just read the dedication that Angela left on the memorial site and found myself trying to fight back the tears, two full years after the death of Michael Hutchence. I felt I could identify with everything she said. It angers me, also, to find that the coverage of Michael Hutchence's death was scant at best. I found that no-one seemed to really care, and that a lot of people hate INXS to such an extent (for some reason) that they were actually sort of happy that he died. I never had the pleasure of seeing Michael and co in concert, and that is something that hurts me beyond most peoples' recognition and I feel as if I missed out on something truly wonderful. I did, however, have the good fortune to be able to interview Kirk Pengilly from the band shortly after the release of Elegantly Wasted, but to be honest, I was really gutted that it wasn't Michael. I have just heard his solo album, and it makes it harder to accept that he is gone, because it feels so final. That is the last recording we will ever hear from the great man. There is, apparently, no more to be had, unless INXS release some secret tapes or B-sides or something. I find that hard to take, and I have found myself having to fight back the tears all week in anticipation of being able to hear the album. I really wish more than anything else in the world that it wasn't the end. But I look at the happiness Michael gave me since a friend inadvertently introduced me to Listen Like Thieves in 1986, and I think that his music lives on even although he doesn't. I feel so sorry for Tiger, and I wept when I saw that the album had been dedicated to her before Michael died. This is the only reminder she has of her father. I think I have been going on too long here, as there is nothing that will bring him back, but I have to say that reading this memorial web-site has been one of the most moving things I have ever read. I think it is especially touching when you see the care and devotion that Kelland Hutchence has put into it. It is clear to see where Michael got many of his great qualities.
Thanks for listening.
Thanks for listening.