INXS (pronounced "in excess") were an Australian rock band, formed as
The Farriss Brothers in 1977 in
Sydney, New South Wales. They began playing
covers in Western Australian pubs and clubs, occasionally playing some of their original music. Mainstays were main composer and keyboardist
Andrew Farriss, drummer
Jon Farriss, guitarists
Tim Farriss and
Kirk Pengilly, bassist
Garry Gary Beers and main lyricist and vocalist
Michael Hutchence. For twenty years, INXS was fronted by Hutchence, whose "sultry good looks" and magnetic stage presence made him the focal point of the band. Initially known for their
new wave/
pop style, the band later developed a harder
pub rock style that included
funk and
dance elements.