This memorable celebration date for Michael, January 22nd, rolls around each year with seemingly continued rapidity. His 38th birthday is still vivid in my mind when Michael’s family, INXS band colleagues and closest friends met to commemorate his short but amazing life. You can read of that memorable afternoon and evening in the Ashes Ceremony article.
In recent years Michael’s legendary music has continued to grow in reputation with amazing sales taking place in his homeland, Australia, breaking all previous records as new generations discover Michael and INXS. We are also thrilled to see a new release recently of his much rumoured “Friction” song. We gave a world preview, using an original studio excerpt of this innovative dance song some years ago, here at www.michaelhutchence .org
We are pleased to announce that one of Michael’s respected solo album collaborators, Danny Saber has been in contact with us and is enthusiastic about helping complete a short article in the way of interview about is creative work with Michael on “Friction” in the very near future, exclusive to Michael’s Official Memorial Site.
The frailty of music artists has been hard-hitting these past weeks with the sad parting of Lemmy, Bowie and Glenn Frey. No one is immortal and today as we celebrate Michael’s 56th together, may we also be thankful for good health and longevity, as well as giving thought and prayer to those who are struggling with health, and family loss. Make the most of every moment. It is always a great day to be thankful for all we have and all we have been given. This includes the large and precious catalogue of Michael’s music, films, and interviews. Play some Michael, leave a message of hope in his Guestbook and make it an uplifting day. While it is understandably always with mixed emotions that we celebrate yet another birthday for Michael, it is unimaginable to think of him as anything less than as he left us in his youth (and our youth), and so he is forever young.
Ian Patterson