Rock News
INXS & JD Fortune: The Real Story Post by: Dave-O 4 May, 2010 - 8:16 AM
There seems to be massive confusion over the actual status of INXS singer JD Fortune, with the band saying while they didn't sack him, they don't want him either.
"No, we never sacked him," Pengilly told Triple M's Chit Chat. "He got a little crazy... but we kissed and made up".
Hours later in an interview with Triple M's Becko they said they were "pretty sure" JD would be there for their upcoming show in July but then said, "we have a lot of ideas for our live shows".
The Canadian singer has had a rocky relationship within the band since winning his role as lead singer on the reality TV show, Rock Star: INXS.
There is a belief amongst fans that the original members just use JD when they need him. And judging by the below footage of JD playing with INXS earlier this year at the Winter Olympics they may just be right.
JD Fortune fans believe he's the rightful successor to Michael Hutchence. INXS, it seems, have other ideas.
The INXS show in Townsville, Queensland will be their first concert in Australia this year and it's happening on Saturday July 10.
Tell us, who should be the singer of INXS?
Leave your comment
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Matthew Marsland says
Michael Hutchence! It's not like AC/DC you can't replace Michael, he was the singer from 1977 to 1997. Apart from the "winners single" from Rockstar which is a certain hit no matter what they released... INXS hasn't has a hit song for 17 years since The Gift in 1993. What other band goes almost 20 years without a hit song? It's almost as long as MH's whole career in INXS!
INXS released INXS Platinum with MH on all 42 tracks and it's being number 1 on the the digital charts for 2 weeks. Just shows INXS fans want MH always as the lead singer!
http://www.michaelhutchence.com.au
Posted Tuesday 4 May, 2010 9:39 AM -
Mundy says
Ah Matthew Marsland, there you are again trying to promote that s***ty website that's harder to navigate than a Collins Class Submarine.
I agree with you about the leader singer bit though. Hutch can't be replaced. Certainly not by a failed Canadian Elvis impersonator with an inflated ego and ridiculous tattoos. But then again, how did he find himself in that position? Why by the greedy men who now can't decide wether or not they want to kiss him or kick him.
Hutch forever. You know it's right people.
Posted Tuesday 4 May, 2010 9:55 AM -
Melissa Demidov says
I totally disagree with Mr. Marsland. I have been a fan since 1982 and losing Hutch was just as devastating as losing Presley and Lennon. YET, having said that, as a fan of INXS, still wanted music from the boys. The band has had several guest singers over the years but NONE of them fill Hutch's shoes the way Fortune did. Fortune was an awesome "replacement", being able to sound like Hutch at times and being himself at others, adding to the sounds of INXS.
Just because there were no "hits" as you say does not mean the fans of INXS do not support JD Fortune. "Switch" was, in my opinion, one of the better albums INXS put out in the past several years Hutch was alive. You mention the 42-track disc that shot to the top of (Australian) charts, and ask why there were no JD tracks listed? That baffled many INXS fans BECAUSE we support JD. There were many wonderful tracks missing from that disc. So, you say, he is not worthy and that is why his songs were not on the album. Ask yourself this question, why was "Don't Change" NOT on that cd, either? Whoever put it together just did not have their head on straight, and many INXS fans will back me on that one.
Posted Tuesday 4 May, 2010 10:01 AM -
Melissa Demidov says
Also, to put it into perspective, when a family member dies, does a family stop being a family? No, they go on, sometimes bring a step-mom or step-dad into the picture, NOT as a replacement but as a person to help them be "whole" again.
JD brought life back to the band, their shows were exciting as ever and with him we were able to see the band perform again on a global scale. Sure, he had problems and HOPEFULLY has gotten pat them.
As a long-time fan, missing Hutch terribly, I support JD Fortune as the singer of INXS and until the boys in the band can provide a better frontman, I always will.
Off my soapbox now...just remember to ENJOY THE MUSIC as Hutch would want!
Posted Tuesday 4 May, 2010 10:02 AM -
Lucinda says
I absolutely adored MH. But we do have to move on, unfortunately.
JD Fortune was well suited to come and join INXS. I do not understand. Don't all bands have ups and downs with band members?
Try & work things out. I hate constant change. I thought Jon Stevens was great. What happened there?
Posted Tuesday 4 May, 2010 10:04 AM -
Matthew Marsland says
The reason Don't Change isn't on the CD is because Universal Music own the rights to Shabooh Shoobah, The Swing and Listen Like Thieves in Australia.
Which is why no songs from those albums are included except for live versions as INXS isn't allowed to use the studio versions. And Switch is owned by Sony.
http://www.michaelhutchence.com.au
Posted Tuesday 4 May, 2010 10:18 AM -
Rubes says
Maybe he p*sses the bed?! Imagine that on tour - bus tour eww..
I love the boy too! But there must be good reasons why they're defying the odds..
Posted Tuesday 4 May, 2010 10:21 AM -
Allie says
I am 21 years old, and discovered the band because of the Rockstar TV show. I had been hearing INXS songs since I was young, but I never actually knew anything about the band.
Rockstar was one of the best TV shows I ever invested time in. I did all my research and absolutely fell in love with Michael, as a singer and as a person. With him, INXS were absolute gold, and played the best music I have ever heard. But, sadly, he isn't here anymore to front them. He is truly irreplaceable, but I don't consider JD a "replacement".
Like someone else has said, he is coming onto the scene to make them whole again. I do believe that JD Fortune is the right person for the band now, and I, personally, want him to be their singer.
I know a lot of people will brush my opinion aside because I'm young and got into the band somewhat recently, but whenever I fall in love with something I put all of my heart and soul into it.
I love INXS. I saw them with JD three times and the concerts were absolutely incredible. The guys were magic with JD and I really wish that he will, eventually, become their lead singer again. But I'll support them no matter what they do.
Posted Tuesday 4 May, 2010 10:37 AM -
Pete says
Jon Stevens should be begged to front INXS... he did a few songs around 2000. Why didn't they secure him then? Chasing reality TV dollars, lot easier than going on the road?
Posted Tuesday 4 May, 2010 11:32 AM -
Karen Rutherford says
I believe there will only be one lead singer of INXS, and that is Michael Hutchence. JD is a band-aid solution. I have listened to these guys since 1980, and all of the guest artists the guys have brought in have done NO justice to MH, and the memory of him! On to who should front the band, I have no idea. There is a big wide world out there, time for the lads to start exploring there options, Not on a reality show either!! To me JD is a ticking time bomb, ready to let the band down, yet again. You move on INXS, without JD, go and find someone who isnt going to throw it away. If not just call it a day!
Posted Tuesday 4 May, 2010 12:06 PM
