| So this one's
a head-scratcher. While there's some precedent for musicians
to soldier on after the death of a pivotal member (the
changeover of Joy Division to New Order comes to mind),
it's hard to think of a single good reason why INXS
is touring America in the summer of 2002. Oh, yeah.
They're flogging the rerelease of '80s chart-topper
Kick. But even years before singer Michael Hutchence's
bizarre 1997 demise, the band seemed sadly irrelevant
as they attempted to regain the pop limelight in a time
that had passed them by. They're late by now to even
capitalize on America's death cult, which in recent
memory has produced abominations like the solo career
of Puff Daddy piggybacking the fatal shooting of Biggie
Smalls.
On
a human level, it's understandable that INXS played
a few gigs in the wake of Hutchence's death -- survivors
working through their grief and paying tribute to
a friend, etcetera -- but at this late date there's
no point. They'll probably be fronted by well-muscled
unknown Jon Stevens. So what is the appeal without
their most distinctive element, Hutchence's Jagger
pout and Morrison croon? What's the market for ersatz
ersatz? Is there really an audience eager to hear
them trot out their funked-up chart toppers and power
ballads? Questions need to be answered, but it's up
to the truly inquisitive concertgoer to brave this
nonstarter.
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