Michael Putland/Getty ImagesFollowing lobbying by fans and family, Michael Hutchence, the late singer of legendary Australian pop/rock band INXS, will have a statue erected in his honor.
According to The Age, the statue will be erected in Melbourne, though Hutchence spent his life in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Hong Kong. A local mayor told the paper that the city council “looks forward to exploring this opportunity” in the new year. The council is working with Hutchence’s family and the project’s supporters.
The paper quotes Michael’s sister, Tina Hutchence, as saying, “Michael loved Melbourne and most of his best friends still live there. I am elated that [Melbourne is] taking steps to honor my brother’s global legacy. I honestly don’t know how to express my gratitude and absolute joy and relief right now.”
Michael’s statue is expected to be placed near Melbourne’s live music venue The Corner Hotel, near a recently unveiled statue of noted Australian music journalist, producer and entrepreneur Ian “Molly” Meldrum.
Hutchence was just 37 when he was found dead in his Sydney hotel room in 1997. His death was ruled a suicide “while depressed and under the influence of alcohol and other drugs.”
As the charismatic lead singer of INXS, Hutchence led the band to worldwide sales of over 55 million records, and scored hits like “Need You Tonight,” “Devil Inside,” “Suicide Blonde,” “Never Tear Us Apart,” “The One Thing” and many more.
Hutchence never married, but dated Helena Christensen, Kylie Minogue and Paula Yates, the ex-wife of musician and Live Aid organizer Bob Geldof. Hutchence and Yates had a daughter, Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily aka Tiger. Yates died of an overdose in 2000.
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