Michael Hutchence Biography

Michael Hutchence was a successful Australian singer, songwriter, and actor, best known as the lead singer of the rock band “INXS” which sold over 75 million records worldwide and was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2001. Hutchence was known for his high-profile relationships with prominent actresses, models, and singers, and his private life was often reported in the press. In 1996, he had a daughter with English television presenter Paula Yates. 

In addition to his successful music career, Hutchence was also involved in acting, starring in several feature films, including Dogs in Space (1986), Frankenstein Unbound (1990), and Limp (1999). He also worked on solo projects and was briefly part of the pop rock group “Max Q”. Hutchence died on November 22, 1997, in his hotel room in Sydney, with the cause of death ruled by the New South Wales Coroner to be suicide by hanging.

Where was Michael Hutchence from?

Michael Hutchence was born with the full name of Michael Kelland John Hutchence on January 22, 1960, n Crows Nest, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. His parents were Kelland Frank Hutchence and Patricia Hutchence. His dad was a businessman while his mum was a makeup artist, author, and former model. He often accompanied his mother to film sets, where he met famous people including his former classmate, Nastassja Kinski. His family moved to Brisbane where his younger brother, Rhett Hutchence, was born. His paternal grandfather, Frank Walter Hutchence, was born in Madras in British India. Michael held Australian by nationality while his ethnicity was mixed of British and Irish. For the last time, he celebrated his 37th birthday. 

His family then moved to Hong Kong where Michael grew up. His parents split in 1976, and he went to live with his mother in America but later moved back to Australia to live with his father due to finding life in America too hectic. Jr was musically inclined from a young age and joined various bands during his school years. He started with Doctor Dolphin, a band formed by his friends, and later joined The Farriss Brothers with Andrew, Tim, Jon, Kirk, and Garry. The Farriss family’s move to Perth caused a brief hiatus, but Michael and Andrew reunited the band there before forming INXS in 1979. Hutchence attended the King George V School in Hong Kong and later enrolled in Davidson High School in Belrose. There he met Andrew Farris and joined his band Doctor Dolphin, along with Geoff Kennelly and Garry Beers. All the boys eventually studied at Davidson High School, and it was during this time that Hutchence and Farris formed a lifelong musical partnership that would ultimately lead to the creation of INXS. 

How was the music career of Michael Hutchence?

• Michael began his career on September 1st with the band ‘INXS’. They debuted at the Oceanview Hotel in Toukley, New South Wales, and were well-received. In 1980, they released their debut single “Simple Simon”/”We Are the Vegetables” and album “INXS,” which included the successful track “Just Keep Walking” that made it into the Top 40 of the Kent Music Report chart.
• After that, the band worked together to release their second album “Underneath the Colors”. He got a solo opportunity to record ‘Speed Kills’ for the film “Freedom.” The next year, their album “Shabooh Shoobah” was released, showcasing their diverse musical style.
• In 1984, “The Swing” album was completed and followed by the hit Extended Play (EP) version of “Decadence”. The band continued to produce albums like “Listen Like Thieves”, “Kick” and “X” until 1990. 
• In 1986, Hutchence starred in the film “Dogs in Space” and became a composer in 1989 when he formed the band “Max Q” with Ollie Olsen, recording the critically acclaimed album ‘Max Q’, which didn’t achieve commercial success.
• Hutchence continued to work with INXS from 1991 to 1997, releasing several albums, including “Welcome to Wherever You Are,” “Full Moon, Dirty Hearts,” and “Elegantly Wasted.” During this period, he also acted in films such as “Frankenstein Unbound” and “Limp.” Unfortunately, “Elegantly Wasted” turned out to be his last album with the band, as he died under mysterious circumstances in the same year.

How much was Michael Hutchence’s net worth?

Michael Hutchence was a well-known musician and his primary source of income came from the music industry. He was the lead vocalist and lyricist for the Australian rock band INXS, which was formed in 1979. With the band, he achieved great success and worldwide fame, selling over 60 million records and winning numerous awards. Apart from being the frontman for INXS, Hutchence also pursued a solo career and collaborated with other artists. He was known for his charismatic stage presence, unique vocal style, and songwriting ability. Despite his untimely death in 1997, his legacy in the music industry continues to live on.

Michael Hutchence had an estimated net worth of $1 million at the time of his passing, but the details of his wealth and estate have remained a mystery for the past two decades. Despite earning an impressive $60 million dollars throughout his career, he reportedly had only $40,000 in his bank account when he died. His remaining assets, totaling $700,000 after liabilities were deducted, were apparently consumed by legal and administrative fees following his death. A 2005 report disclosed that his assets were controlled by a complex web of trusts with a vague ownership structure, none of which benefited his parents or daughter.

Was Michael Hutchence ever married?

Michael Hutchence, the late INXS frontman, had a colorful love life and dated a number of famous women throughout his career. But he was not married to anyone till his death. Therefore, he does not have a wife. He dated actresses Charlotte Lewis and Terri Nunn, as well as supermodels Elle Macpherson and Helena Christensen. He also had a rumored relationship with Kristen Zang and Belinda Carlisle. 

Everything To Know About Tiger Lily Hutchence

After his relationships with the supermodels, Michael began dating Paula Yates, a British television presenter and writer. The couple had a daughter together, Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily Hutchence(born on 22nd July 1996). However, their relationship was marred by a bitter custody battle over Yates’ children with her ex-husband, Bob Geldof. Michael’s final known relationship was with Kym Wilson in 1997.

How did Michael Hutchence die?

In 1997, Michael Hutchence and his band INXS were on a world tour to promote their latest album, Elegantly Wasted. However, during the tour, Hutchence’s partner, Paula Yates, was unable to bring their daughter and her other children to visit Hutchence due to legal action taken by Bob Geldof. On November 22, 1997, Hutchence was found dead in his hotel room at the Ritz-Carlton in Sydney at the age of 37. The cause of death was ruled as suicide while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. There were reports of Hutchence being upset over not being able to see his daughter and of a phone conversation with Geldof, which turned heated and argumentative. The funeral was held on November 27 at St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney, with members of INXS and Hutchence’s brother Rhett carrying his casket while Nick Cave performed a song. In his book “Total XS”, Rhett claimed that Paula Yates had placed a gram of heroin into Hutchence’s pocket the day before the funeral. Additionally, in a 1999 interview, Yates suggested that Hutchence’s death might have resulted from autoerotic asphyxiation, but this contradicted her previous statements to the police and the coroner.

Duran Duran’s album ‘Medazzaland’ featured the song “Michael You’ve Got a Lot to Answer For” in 1997, referencing Hutchence’s wild lifestyle. At his funeral, Nick Cave performed “Into My Arms,” while Terri Nunn of Berlin collaborated with Billy Corgan on “Sacred and Profane,” a song about her infatuation with Hutchence. Hutchence’s close friend Bono wrote “Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of” on U2’s 2000 album, inspired by their disagreements over suicide. U2 paid tribute to Hutchence during their Joshua Tree Tour in Sydney in 2019.

How tall was Michael Hutchence?

Michael Hutchence was not only known for his incredible voice but also for his striking appearance. He had a lanky frame with a tall height of 5 ft 10 in or 178 cm, and he weighed around 70 kg or 154.5 lbs. Hutchence had light brown hair that was neck-length, center-parted, and curly, which added to his unique style. He had light brown-colored eyes and a clean-shaven look that accentuated his affable smile.

Throughout his career, Hutchence’s looks and style made him a fashion icon of the ’80s and ’90s. He was often seen wearing tight-fitted leather pants, shirts, and jackets that gave him a rock-star vibe. His style inspired many, and his unique fashion sense still influences people today.