Michael Hutchence, the charismatic and truly adored late frontman of iconic Aussie rock band, INXS will be immortalised with a bronze statue to be erected by Melbourne’s City of Yarra Council in the new year.
The statue is expected to be placed close to the newly unveiled bronze statue of Ian 'Molly' Meldrum, adjacent to Richmond railway station and long-running live music venue The Corner Hotel, creating a precinct focused on celebrating Australian music.
City of Yarra Mayor, Danae Bosler said, "Michael Hutchence is a true Australian music legend, and it’s a compliment his family has looked to the City of Yarra as the home for his statue."
"The City of Yarra has a proud history of cultivating and championing local music and is the home to some of Australia's top live music venues, so we're especially honoured his family saw Yarra as a good fit."
Triple M presenter, Jane Gazzo and Sarah McLeod from Australian rock group, The Superjesus were among those who lobbied the council for the statue, complimenting the City of Yarra for "taking the lead" in celebrating the important role of musicians, artists and entertainers.
"As a country, we glorify our sporting heroes no end, but we don't give hardly enough kudos to our musical legacy,” McLeod said.
"We look up to sporting statues because those people worked hard and trained hard ... and a that's a great influence on kids, but getting up on stage takes a different kind of courage.”
Michael Hutchence was an internationally acclaimed recording artist who won multiple Grammy and ARIA awards for the 10 studio albums he released with INXS. The band toured extensively and drew huge crowds, famously selling out Wembley Stadium when they recorded, Live at Wembley Stadium 1991 in front of 72000 adoring fans.
Now a statue of Michael Hutchence in Melbourne will stand as a permanent reminder of his contribution to Australian music.
Michael’s Californian-based sister, Tina Hutchence, who has been lobbying for such a memorial for some time now, said, "it's a wonderful day" after hearing about the statue plan.
"Michael loved Melbourne and most of his best friends still live there," she said.
"I am elated the City of Yarra are taking steps to honour my brother's global legacy.
"I honestly don't know how to express my gratitude and absolute joy and relief right now."
For a little more INXS magic on your day, check out our Glory Days of Aussie Pub Rock Playlist, stacked with all the best time-honoured Aussie classics!
