Never Tear Us Apart: The Untold Story of INXS

The story behind the phenomenon that was INXS is certainly fascinating, particularly given their basic beginnings in a country that produces many great bands, but few that can reach such heights such as the Farriss Brothers and co. managed to ascend in the 1980's.

Without going into any sort of plot detail, as it merely follows the band's journey, it does bring home a few interesting points. Having a charismatic front man unquestionably contributed to their success, but was not the sole reason behind it. It was the songs, consistently good, in most cases great, over many years. Most bands have a good album or two in them, few can brag as many as INXS did with a killer run, particularly with The Swing, Listen Like Thieves and Kick back to back.

The other thing that is apparent is how much luck is a factor. Timing was crucial, as is the incredible hard work necessary. The Beatles perfected their live shows in Hamburg while INXS did it all throughout Australia in a similar fashion. Never Tear Us Apart also shows how much the diligence of Manager Chris Murphy got them to where they were. He apparently got a good deal but he was worth it. Others have noted how success is hard work, talent and luck and it's the case here. With middle age businessman running the show, you wonder how many accomplished bands have been overlooked (too many to name but Starky and Fourth Floor Collapse being recent-ish Australian examples).

The actors do a great job, mostly not just looking the part, but sounding like their real life counterparts. I especially enjoyed Andrew Ryan and Ryan Johnson but you couldn't ask for a better Michael Hutchence than in Luke Arnold. Across the board, he's done a wonderful job. (Caught a glimpse of Kirk Pengilly in a cameo. Any more in there?)

If there is any criticism it's the presence of the actual band hovering over the production. You get the feeling they wanted everyone to know how much of a good time they had rather than showing anything too negative. (No drug fallouts?) Plenty of that to come in Part Two no doubt. It's a lot of fun though and they narrow in on the humour. (No mention of Michael's extraordinary Dogs in Space role).

The series is successful as it leaves you wanting more, not less, always a good thing in any drama. Though it's played fairly safe there is a healthy dose of archival footage, complete with actual vox pox which gives you a real insight into the feelings and opinions of the youth of the day, rather than simple crowd shots of Wembley. It's all woven together seamlessly and lovingly, no doubt sparking off a huge re- interest in a band who really do belong up there in the collective memory as one of the best pop/rock bands of all time. Ending the way they did, they were never able to fade away that lingering bands do, thus ensuring their longevity. Let's hope this series solidifies their rightful place in history so that millions more can enjoy their music in the years to come.

INXS are arguably Australia's greatest music export. As such they hold a special place in the nation's psyche. Many Australian's can tell you exactly where they were when the news of Michael Hutchence' death was made public. So you can imagine that any film or television depiction of the band would have to be made with this at the fore front of the producers' minds.

This is particularly true of those, such as myself, who grew up in the 80's, bought their albums, and saw them live when they were at their peak. I still consider the 'Australian Made' concert that I attended in January of 1987, to be probably the best I have seen. INXS headlined the show, as at that time they were the biggest act in Australia. Later that year they would release 'Kick', and become for a while, 'the biggest band in the world'.

The show was promoted very heavily. Radio stations were playing INXS specials, Toyota started a new national advertising campaign using 'New Sensation' as the theme, and there were articles about the show and the band throughout the media.

So did it live up to the hype? The answer is a resounding yes! Never Tear Us Apart: The Untold Story of INXS part one deals with the early years of INXS, up until, and just after the release of 'Kick' – their most successful album in 1987. Although a long-time fan, the show shed light on much I did not know about the band, particularly when it came to Chris Murphy - their manager.

The show kicks off (pardon the pun) with INXS playing in front of a sold out crowd at Wembley Stadium in 1991. Footage from 'Live Baby Live' is interspersed with the actors, which perhaps surprisingly works extremely well.

This leads into an interview with Tim Farriss played by Nick Masters talking about the Wembley gig, adding that it wasn't always this way. This interview is the introduction to the story which then goes back to 1979, when INXS were still the Farriss Brothers, and living in Perth.

This technique, of an interview with a band member leading into another part of the story is used throughout the show, and works well. It allows for time to be skipped and shifted without confusing the viewer, even if they are unaware of the history of the band.

The story then shifts to the bands' early years in Sydney, where they get their first manager in Gary Morris, and release their first album. After Morris becomes a born again Christian he introduces the band to Chris Murphy, who, after meeting them decides to give up a lucrative business to manage INXS full time.

The remainder of Part One deals with the rise and rise of INXS, the extent they had to go to, and the risks Murphy was willing to take to make INXS 'the biggest band in the world'.

Part two covers the later years of INXS, mostly concentrating on Michael Hutchence - his increasing isolation from the band, and the downward spiral he finds himself in after being assaulted by a cab driver.

The final scenes depicting Hutchence's death are handled sensitively and extremely well. The day after Part Two was screened, message boards in Australia were filled with comments about how emotionally powerful these scenes were, and how they brought back the same feelings of grief, and or emptiness that were felt 15 odd years ago.

Never Tear Us Apart: The Untold Story of INXS is fascinating viewing. The script is very solid, and the production values are high. It is very well directed by Daina Reid (Paper Giants: The birth of Cleo, and Howzat: The Kerry Packer Story), and as has already been mentioned, the use of archive footage interspersed throughout is done extremely well.

The cast do an amazing job, particularly Damon Herriman (Justified, Vegas), who plays Chris Murphy, and Luke Arnold (Black Sails, Winners and Losers), is absolutely outstanding - in the most difficult role given the circumstances - as Michael Hutchence.

And of course if you are an INXS fan the soundtrack is fantastic.

I cannot recommend Never Tear Us Apart: The Untold Story of INXS highly enough, even if you are not a fan of the band. Perhaps the only negative I can say about it is that if, like me you grew up in the eighties, you will sadly be reminded of the amazingly horrendous fashion of what was otherwise an awesome decade.

9/10

The people have put bad reviews want the moon on a stick or they just expect the world to be there purely for them!!!!

This is a really good portrayal of INXS and Luke Arnold is simply superb.

I get that they want to sensationalise the band, but what was really missing for me was the music. They massively glossed over the bands biggest tour and barely acknowledged 'X' and 'Welcome To Wherever You Are' Some of those songs stand the test of time but instead we get Paula Yates giving birth? Not for me.

Worth a watch but I want more music!!

I liked the band, and was eager to see the movie, which nevertheless turned out to be a bit soap-operaish. For a movie that went two parts, I left feeling like the whole story of the band hadn't been told. It was more like here are the big moments, First Big US Tour, Bang! Wembley, Bang! and at times it verged on being the Michael Hutchence Story.

I know the band likes to play it up in their bio books, but I seriously doubt they were stealing Adam Ant's women. I was around for those shows back then, and believe me, for a while he was the biggest chick magnet going. Guess the guys feel compelled to create their own legends. Likewise I was amused at how the band apparently balked at opening for him, kind of arrogant considering they were nobodies then (at least in the U.S) and had a shot to play 5,000 seat arenas instead of 50 seat pubs.

Still, I watched it once, I'd watch it again just for the music. This often replays late nights on cable, and it's a fun watch. Nice touch also including the acoustic "Don't Change" tribute version (if you haven't heard the original which also includes the haunting background vocals give it a listen.)