Today we sadly reach the third anniversary of the passing of Kelland Hutchence who was one of the dearest men I have ever had the privilege to call a close friend. Providentially, now the world has a rare glimpse into the personhood of Kelland through last month’s release of “The Loved One”. Perhaps the DVD documentary on Michael’s life could have better been entitled “The Loved Ones” as it presents both father and son through the various interviews and family archive footage.
“The Loved One” was very much made possible by the enthusiastic support given to the producers by Michael’s Dad, Kelland. It contains precious video footage of Kell, his deep reflections about Michael as well as some priceless family footage of Michael with Kell, Paula, Tiger, Susie, Rhett, Patricia, Tina and other extended family. There are some sweet scenes with Kell embracing Michael by the pool at Michael’s former villa in Roquefort Les Pines, France. As well as offering more insight into Michael’s life, it is an opportunity to experience the devotion and admiration Kell held for his family. It is refreshingly a documentary void of family factions and criticism (by design on Kell’s part) and as such has been easily embraced by the rest of the family (something Kell would have been grateful for as he always strived to bring the family together, particularly after Michael’s passing).
Kell would probably have most appreciated being remembered today as a loving husband to Susie, a devoted Dad to his children and grandchildren and a man who wanted to make a difference in an unfair world. He would have rejoiced in Susie taking up further university studies, Rhett completing a successful book, Tiger growing into a charming little girl, Patricia and Tina embracing his documentary on Michael “The Loved One”, and INXS moving on by choosing a new lead singer and exploring new horizons, as well as taking Michael’s music to a new and mostly younger audience.
During his life Kell became increasingly a spiritually sensitive man (as his mother was) and one who saw spiritual solutions as more lasting in this life and the next than financial gain. He loved people and was always generous with his time for those that cared to stop by, write or call him. This was an attribute no doubt impressed on Michael who was similar in disposition. Sadly he was occasionally misunderstood and subject to criticism by those who judged from a distance, but his side of the story is yet to be told. He wasn’t perfect of course and sometimes would draw fire from his candid comments. On the other hand he was never one to hold his tongue when he saw injustice toward others and he deeply felt the peculiar harshness of the press on his son, Michael.
He was wonderful company and greatly admired by Michael’s close friends such as Bono, Kylie, and Helena to name a few. I fondly remember his devotion to Susie, his deep belly laughter, his wonderful stories, his caring concern, his ability to comfort Michael’s fans, his hundreds of telephone calls, our walks to Milk Beach, and sips of coffee at Dee Bee’s in Double Bay where he was a regular figure. We miss you Kell. God bless and keep you eternally.
Ian Patterson