Sometimes it is hard to know how to write about Michael Kelland Hutchence. There is such a dilemma of joy and heartache about him. His spirit was so strong that many of us still feel the deep loss of his presence after more than 6 years on. Last night I re-visited the recently re-packaged “Live Baby Live” DVD and was reminded of his amazing gift to capture and excite an audience. His own description of his compositions as “morality songs” is heart-warming to reflect upon. He intentionally wrote to lift people’s spirits and to have them ponder on some aspect of our human plight, as well as to share part of his own heart. If you really want to be reminded of his uniqueness, spend time this 22nd January watching the above DVD. You will be taken back to a time when INXS ruled the airwaves around the world and Michael was shining so brightly. Try to listen to other material like the “Listen Like Thieves” album with the song that adorns Michael’s memorial stone, “Shine Like It Does”. Rhett found those original hand written lyrics amongst some things of Michael’s and so Kell decided to have them set in bronze. Those words are fixed to his stone so that they may remain many years.
Yes, it is all positive, uplifting music and you will come away feeling fortunate that we have such tangible parts of Michael as a lasting memorial to him, as well as memories of an era when the world seemed to be just that little more innocent. Doesn’t it seem a crazy, more heartless place since 9/11? And all this recent sorrow may prompt us to pray for the thousands of families who have lost loved ones in the above atrocity, as well as in Afghanistan, and Iraq (over 500 US soldiers have died in recent months, not to forget the many British soldieers and thousands of Iraqis) while masses of people are mourning loved ones lost in the incomprehensible, devastating earthquake in Iran.
May God speed the day we can truly sing …
I’m standing here on the ground
The sky above won’t fall down
See no evil in all directions
Resolution of happiness
Things have been dark
For too long
So this January 22nd, it may be also timely to ponder the question Michael sang of in “Dancing On the Jetty”…
Watch the world argue with itself
Who’s going to teach me peace and happiness?
God knows.
Blessings to you sweet, adorable Tiger
…and happy 44th, Michael!
From Ian,
On behalf of the Hutchence family and
all the Team at MichaelHutchence.org