Channel Seven is set to unlock a captivating chapter in Australian music history with an exclusive documentary, “INXS: Live at Wembley,” offering an unparalleled look behind the scenes of the legendary band’s iconic 1991 concert. This highly anticipated special promises to transport viewers back to the momentous night when INXS commanded the stage at Wembley Stadium, performing to an electrifying crowd of 72,000 devoted fans.
Narrated by veteran presenter Michael Usher, the documentary provides an intimate and unfiltered glimpse into the band’s preparations and performance. Featuring candid interviews with INXS band members Jon Farriss and Kirk Pengilly, the special delves into their personal recollections of the historic event, guiding audiences song by song through what proved to be a pivotal moment in music history.
Kirk Pengilly vividly captures the essence of that night, recounting, “It was just another stadium show… or was it? The most iconic stadium in the world, and we sold it out. Incredible.” This sentiment underscores the magnitude of their achievement and the enduring impact of the Wembley performance, which was previously immortalized as the platinum-selling album “Live Baby Live.” The documentary aims to add new layers to this celebrated recording, revealing untold stories and unseen footage.
The timing of this exclusive special is particularly significant, following the recent triumph of INXS’s legendary 1987 power ballad, “Never Tear Us Apart,” which was crowned number one on Triple J’s Hottest 100 Australian Songs national countdown. This beloved anthem garnered an astounding 2.64 million votes, cementing its status as the best Australian song of all time and reigniting widespread interest in the rock legends.
INXS’s impressive discography extends far beyond this single hit. Formed in 1977, the Australian music pioneers rapidly ascended the charts with an array of classics including “Need You Tonight,” “Good Times,” “New Sensation,” and “Kick.” Their global reach was evident with tracks like “What You Need,” which achieved significant international success, peaking at No.5 on Billboard’s Hot 100.
The band’s journey, marked by extraordinary success, also faced profound challenges, notably the tragic passing of their charismatic frontman, Michael Hutchence, in 1997. Despite this immense loss, the legacy of INXS has continued to thrive, their music resonating with new generations of fans and maintaining a prominent presence in popular culture.
Evidence of their sustained appeal can be seen in their 2011 greatest hits album, which has spent a record 636 weeks on the ARIA top 100 albums chart. This enduring popularity was further bolstered by Channel Seven’s own 2014 mini-series about the band, also titled “Never Tear Us Apart,” which captivated audiences and reaffirmed INXS’s iconic status within the rock legends pantheon.
As Channel Seven prepares to air “INXS: Live at Wembley,” fans old and new are poised to experience an intimate and revelatory journey into one of Australian music’s most electrifying moments. This documentary not only celebrates a monumental concert but also pays homage to the enduring artistry and profound influence of INXS, solidifying their place as true rock legends.
