INXS Nominated for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Australian band INXS has been nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The iconic group has sold more than 70 million records globally and received three Grammy nominations throughout their career. Previous Australian acts inducted into the Hall of Fame include AC/DC, the Bee Gees, Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), and Steve Smith (Journey).
2026 Nominees and Selection Process
INXS is among 17 nominees for 2026, a diverse list that also features global superstars like Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, Phil Collins, P!NK, Shakira, Wu-Tang Clan, and Luther Vandross.
John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, stated that the diverse list acknowledges the evolving nature of rock and roll and expressed anticipation for the Class of 2026.
Artists and bands become eligible for nomination 25 years after their first commercial recording. The 2026 ballot notably includes several first-time nominees:
- INXS
- Jeff Buckley
- Phil Collins
- Melissa Etheridge
- Lauryn Hill
- New Edition
- P!NK
- Shakira
- Luther Vandross
- Wu-Tang Clan
An international voting panel, comprising over 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals, will receive the nominee ballots. Selection criteria include an artist's impact on music culture, their influence on other musicians, and the scope and longevity of their career and body of work.
The 2026 performer inductees, along with those entering under special committee categories (Musical Influence, Musical Excellence, and the Ahmet Ertegun Non Performer Award), will be announced in April. The induction ceremony is scheduled for autumn in the United States.
Band History and Legacy
INXS formed as the Farriss Brothers in Sydney in 1977. The name INXS, a phonetic play on "in excess," was adopted to reflect the band's energetic sound. The original lineup featured Michael Hutchence (vocals), Kirk Pengilly (guitar/sax), Garry Gary Beers (bass), Jon Farriss (drums), Tim Farriss (guitar), and Andrew Farriss (guitar, keyboard, percussion).
Frontman Michael Hutchence died in Sydney on November 22, 1997, at age 37, with his death ruled a suicide. He had a daughter, Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily Hutchence, with British television presenter Paula Yates and was previously in a high-profile relationship with Kylie Minogue. Following Hutchence's death, INXS did not perform publicly for nearly a year. Subsequent lead singers included Jon Stevens, JD Fortune, and Ciaran Gribbin.
The group's last live performance was in November 2012, though they remain active with archival releases. INXS is known for classic songs such as "Never Tear Us Apart," "Original Sin," and "Need You Tonight," which continue to feature on global playlists.
Andrew Farriss expressed that the band members are thrilled by the nomination.
"While he did not start making music to be in a hall of fame, he appreciates the recognition."