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