INXS: Never Tear Us Apart
| Company type | Miniseries |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | February 9, 2014 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Television miniseries |
INXS: Never Tear Us Apart is an Australian two-part miniseries depicting the story of the rock group INXS, which originally premiered on 9 and 16 February 2014. Created by Shine Australia and shown on the Seven Network, the series traces the band's ascent to fame and the circumstances surrounding lead vocalist Michael Hutchence's death in 1997.
Synopsis
This miniseries portrays INXS’s journey beginning in the early 1980s in Perth, Western Australia, where the Farriss Brothers performed cover songs with Michael Hutchence as their singer. The group adopted the name INXS, inspired by an IXL advertisement, at their manager’s suggestion. Early obstacles included a police drug raid. The lineup features Jon Farriss, Andrew Farriss, Garry Gary Beers, Kirk Pengilly, and Tim Farriss. With new management under Chris Murphy, they secure a tour in the United States and finalize a recording contract.
Murphy motivates Hutchence and Andrew Farriss to compose chart-topping tracks, culminating in the acclaimed album Kick. The narrative explores personal dynamics, including Hutchence’s relationships with Michele Bennett, Kylie Minogue, and subsequently supermodel Helena Christensen. After an assault results in Hutchence losing his senses of smell and taste—triggering mood fluctuations—Murphy proposes a transition towards grunge music, which the band ultimately declines.
Following a break, Hutchence embarks on a widely publicized relationship with Paula Yates amid her separation from Bob Geldof. They welcome a daughter named Tiger Lily, creating a new family unit while Murphy steps down from managing INXS. The band reconvenes to produce Elegantly Wasted and prepares for their twentieth anniversary tour.
In late 1997, Hutchence undergoes emotional distress linked to custody conflicts involving Yates’s children and experiences depression. The series concludes with the announcement of Hutchence’s suicide and includes archival footage of INXS performing live, underscoring their influence on rock music.
Cast
- Luke Arnold portraying Michael Hutchence
- Toby Wallace as young Hutchence
- Damon Herriman playing Chris Murphy
- Andrew Ryan as Andrew Farriss
- Hugh Sheridan as Garry Gary Beers
- Alex Williams portraying Kirk Pengilly
- Ido Drent as Jon Farriss
- Nick Masters as Tim Farriss
- Samantha Jade playing Kylie Minogue
- Georgina Haig as Paula Yates
- Jane Harber portraying Michele Bennett
- Mallory Jansen as Helena Christensen
- Jacinta Stapleton playing Reen Nalli
- Ali Ryrie-Golding as Julie
- Freya Stafford portraying Kim D
- Ryan Johnson as Gary Morris
- Sarah Roberts playing Shelley
- Brett Swain as Dez Jose
- John Adam portraying Kel Hutchence
Production
Chris Murphy and INXS guitarist Tim Farriss served as executive producers for the miniseries. Filming took place during the second half of 2013, with post-production completed by October. This is the sole authorized biographical production permitted to feature INXS’s original music. The series was broadcast in two installments beginning on 9 February 2014.
Reception
The initial installment attracted a national audience of 2.243 million, securing the top position in its timeslot over Nine Network’s Schapelle, which drew 1.153 million viewers. The follow-up episode maintained strong ratings with 2.081 million viewers, once again leading its time period.
| Episode | Air date | Viewers (millions) |
Nightly rank |
Consolidated viewers (millions) |
Adjusted rank |
Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Part 1" | Sunday, 9 February 2014 | 1.974 | #1 | 2.243 | #1 | |
| "Part 2" | Sunday, 16 February 2014 | 1.767 | #2 | 2.081 | #1 |
Impact on ARIA charts
After the broadcast, there was a notable revival in the chart performance of INXS’s albums and singles on the Australian ARIA Charts.
Albums
- The Very Best – reached #1
- Kick – peaked at #2
- Live at Wembley Stadium 1991 – climbed to #17
- The Swing – attained #25
- Shabooh Shoobah – positioned at #33
- Listen Like Thieves – ranked #36
Singles
- "Never Tear Us Apart" – rose to #11
- "Need You Tonight" – reached #28
Awards and nominations
| Award | Category | Nominee | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| AACTA Awards (4th) |
Best Telefeature, Mini Series or Short Run Series | Julie McGauran | Template:Nom |
| Kerrie Mainwaring | Template:Nom | ||
| Andrew Prowse | Template:Nom | ||
| Best Direction in Television | Daina Reid | Template:Nom | |
| Best Lead Actor in a Television Drama | Luke Arnold | Template:Nom | |
| Best Guest or Supporting Actor in a Television Drama | Andy Ryan | Template:Nom | |
| Logie Awards (57th) |
Most Popular Drama Program | INXS: Never Tear Us Apart | Template:Nom |
| Most Popular Actor | Luke Arnold | Template:Nom | |
| Most Popular New Talent | Laura Brent | Template:Nom | |
| Samantha Jade | Template:Nom | ||
| Most Outstanding Miniseries or Telemovie | INXS: Never Tear Us Apart | Template:Nom | |
| Most Outstanding Actor | Luke Arnold | Template:Won |