It’s The Swing: Petition Gathers Pace to Induct INXS Into U.S. Rock Hall

Now that the dust has settled on the 2022 Rock And Roll Hall of Fame, attention turns to the class of 2023, and the potential long list of candidates.

A new campaign is keen to see INXS inserted at the top of that list.

A trio of superfans, Dina Ghram, Shanon Steele and Jim Skivalidas, who collectively go by the name “Team Induct INXS,” have built a bespoke website and started a petition to Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame president Greg Harris.

The Change.org campaign carries the clean title, “Induct INXS into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame,” and, at the time of writing is well advanced on its goal to 15,000 signatures.

Currently, more than 10,600 supporters have signed up.

“After many years of amazing music and dynamic ‘live’ performances, it’s time to ensure the legacy of one of the greatest bands in the world – INXS,” reads the blurb. 

“We’re asking fans from all over the globe to become one voice by signing this petition to help get INXS nominated and inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame.”

Acts from the great southern land remain scarce in the Rock Hall.

The first entrant from these parts was the Bee Gees in 1997. Though born in Britain, the Gibbs relocated to Redcliffe, Queensland in 1952 and the lads started their musical career before the decade was out, performing during breaks in the action at speedways.

AC/DC also did it, in 2003, while Michael Balzary, better known as Flea, qualifies as an Aussie in the Rock Hall. The 60-year-old bass player was born in Melbourne, and got the red carpet treatment when he and his Red Hot Chili Pepper bandmates were named to the Rock Hall class of 2012.

The Rock Hall was established in 1983, and has a physical presence in Cleveland, Ohio.

Inductees during a ceremony last weekend in Los Angeles included Pat Benatar, Eminem, Eurythmics, Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, Carly Simon and Duran Duran, whose enduring studio relationship with Nile Rodgers was inspired by the Chic co-founder’s production work on INXS’ “Original Sin.”

To qualify, an artist or band must have released its first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination, and, of course, be seen to have had influence and made significant contributions to the contemporary music scene.

INXS was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2001, four years after the death of its charismatic frontman Michael Hutchence, in 1997, but the new wave legends have never been nominated for the U.S.-based Rock Hall, despite meeting those qualifying requirements.

Formed in Perth, Western Australia back in 1977, INXS would accumulate a trove of hits that travelled the world and placed them on the biggest stages.

Led by Hutchence, the alternative rock outfit scored six U.K. top 10 albums (including a No. 1 with Welcome To Wherever You Are from 1992) and five U.S. top 20 albums.

Career album sales top 60 million units worldwide.

The blockbuster Kick album from 1987 saw INXS kick down barriers in the United States.

It went on to become the band’s highest and longest-charting album there, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and staying on the chart for 81 weeks.

Four of its singles — “New Sensation,” “Never Tear Us Apart,” “Devil Inside” and “Need You Tonight” — hit the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, the latter going to No. 1.

“The level of success and popularity at that point was astounding and yet I can gladly say they, the band, were still the same down to earth bunch of people I had meet years earlier,” comments ORiGiN Music creative director Philip Mortlock, who worked closely with INXS during his Warner Music days. “Their work ethic was amazing.”

The music industry veteran also points to the tireless behind-the-scenes work of fans Haydn Murdoch and Bridgit “Bee” Hewitt with their popular podcast, INXS: Access All Areas.

“Yes, they should be recognised by the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. It’s not like they need it,” Mortlock says of Rock Hall elevation, “but that recognition is important for so many fans and friends around the world who hold them in high esteem.”

Visit change.org/p/induct-inxs for more.