Michael realised in his short lifetime some of the most amazing achievements that any singer songwriter anywhere has ever achieved…
During the lead up to this day on the history calendar, it has been encouraging to see all the music videos, photos and stories of Michael emerging across the world’s social media networks. Stories and sharing of his music and photos are travelling around the world, from Australia, U.S.A, South America, Japan and across to the countries of Europe, from United Kingdom to Russia. Every INXS fan knows the significance of this date, but the majority have focused on the creativity, zest for life and celebrations of Michael. And so it has mainly been these past 16 years at this time, a celebration of a life that reached millions on this planet, with much affection and appreciation pouring out from family, friends and fans. For it is a well-known fact, for the vast majority of his life and career, Michael had a zest and enthusiasm for life. He laughed, smiled and sang his way through it. He tried to bolster and encourage those around him who were having a bad day. Even up to his untimely death he was sharing with his family his enthusiasm about purchasing a house in Sydney and resettling there, or in Hollywood where new opportunities were emerging. Days before arriving in Sydney he had a meeting with actor Michael Douglas about a future film project. Michael could see he was on the verge of new creative possibilities. He also had just completed more tracks on his solo project while in L.A. with Danny Saber. Michael was also pleased to be back in Australia with INXS, looking forward to their 20 year celebration tour that had come after several years away from performing on their native shores. Michael spoke positively about all of these new ventures when he met with his loved ones in the days leading up to his death.
Michael really did have a zest and a love for life. He wanted to be creative and spiritual, romantic and blessed with family; he was a man who loved to take interest in people, before his spiral down that sunk him into what was a disastrous combination of events and conditions. Michael had a very bad day and no doubt in a moment of total despair, was overcome by it.
2 billion young people have been added to this earth since Michael left us. Precious lives that have started down a birth canal as we all have come down, though some into privilege, some into famine, some into peace, some into civil strife and war. I was very much moved by Angelina Jolie’s Jean Hersholt Humanitarian award for service to humanity this week. Her words from the acceptance speech were heartfelt and full of questions, but also full of sincere gratitude. She understood that it is an unanswerable question why some are blessed, others seemed cursed, some have a rich life, others impoverished, some have opportunity to live their dreams, others with equal ability don’t, some make it through the low depressions and live another day, some succumb to the moment and are lost from us forever.
So please continue those mutual exchanges and words of gratitude for the good years Michael had. Play his music and celebrate the greater part of a highly creative and productive life. Add a kind thought to Michael’s Guestbook. He realised in his short lifetime some of the most amazing achievements that any singer songwriter anywhere has ever achieved. That is the significant legacy he has left for all who remain, and for those yet to come. That is our focus today.
Ian Patterson
On behalf of the Co-Directors
Susie Hutchence, Mario and Jacqui Ferrari