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| INXS: Never Tear Us Apart - Luke Arnold as Michael Hutchence |
INXS have topped the Australian charts for the first time in 24 years following the broadcast of the debut episode of a new mini-series, "INXS: Never Tear Us Apart."
The Herald Sun reports “The Very Best” compilation hit No. 1 thanks to an explosion in sales after the broadcast.
The February 9 episode – the first of two parts about the global rise and fall of the 1980s pop band led by Michael Hutchence – garnered a national audience of 2.881 million, ahead of a biopic about infamous Australian drug smuggler Schapelle Corby (1.344 million) and the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, which drew 1.238 million viewers.
Their international breakthrough record, “Kick” also landed back in the top 10 at No.7 (it previously peaked at No. 2 when it was released in 1987). “Live At Wembley Stadium” shot to No. 17, while “Shabooh Shoobah” (No. 41), “The Swing” (43) and “Listen Like Thieves” (53) enjoyed ratings assisted boosts in sales.
Other songs to land back in the top 100 included “Need You Tonight” (33), “New Sensation” (56), “Original Sin” (61), “By My Side” (67), “Beautiful Girl” (77) and “Don’t Change” (92).
The last time an INXS album sat atop the Aussie charts was in 1990 with their “X” record. “This is the best resurrection of a catalogue that had flatlined which has ever been seen in Australia,” an industry expert said.
Drummer Jon Farriss said he was intrigued that most of the sales were for albums and not songs.
“People are exploring the records in an era where everyone cherrypicks songs,” he said. “It really warms my heart that it seems to be about the music for a change after all of this. And it’s surreal to be at home watching this happen when we would always be on tour and get a phone call saying we went to No.1.”
Directed by Daina Reed, "INXS: Never Tear Us Apart" features Luke Arnold as Hutchence.
Part two of the mini-series wrapped up Sunday night, landing second in the evening’s TV ratings with 1.768 million watching.
INXS formed as The Farriss Brothers in 1977 in Sydney, New South Wales. The band went on to sell more than 40 million albums worldwide before Hutchence’s death in a Sydney hotel room in November 1997.
INXS worked with a few singers before performing their final concert on November 11, 2012 at the Perth Arena.
See also:
INXS miniseries tops Olympics in Australian TV ratings
INXS: Michael Hutchence film in the works
INXS top the hennemusic Hot 10
INXS confirm split
Search INXS at hennemusic
