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Aussie act born again -
Creed singer stumbles

INXS / Scott Stapp
Rosemont Theatre
Rosemont, IL
May 23, 2006
INXS
INXS
Scott Stapp
Scott Stapp
INXS
INXS


Story and Photos By Andy Argyrakis

In the wake of Michael Hutchence's 1997 death, INXS has struggled to find its footing, going through a handful of forgettable lead singers and simply rehashing greatest hits compilations to pass the years away. Of course, going the reality TV show route to find a new front man lit a spark in the fire, which despite the questionable practice had America glued to the contest as if it were "American Idol."INXS Chicago's very own Marty Casey (of the Lovehammers) may not have taken the top prize, but fellow contestant J.D. Fortune scored the crown and has seemed to step in the late great's shoes as well as could be expected (given the Hutchence's iconic status).

For all the diehard INXS fans freaking out at the personnel change, this isn't the first time a historic act has been faced with the challenge of a departed lead singer. The Doors had to deal with the dilemma and even more recently so did Queen, two tours met with varying degrees of acceptance. But regardless of the motivations, the re-tooled INXS has staged quite a comeback, selling out the Chicago Theatre earlier this year, cruising up the charts with the singles "Pretty Vegas" and "Afterglow," while adequately recalling a rich catalogue that bands like The Bravery, The Killers and countless other 80s streakers have borrowed from as influences.

The curtain dropped to the opening harmonica cries of "Suicide Blonde," a certified smash that rang through the Rosemont Theatre like thunder. INXSp Fortune (now showing off some scruff) kicked into gear with the deep bellied soul of Hutchence and explosive stage mannerisms, but was also careful to interject his own stamp on the re-creative experience. The group's surviving original members Andrew Farriss (keyboards, guitar) Tim Farriss (guitar) Jon Farriss (drums), Garry Beers (bass) and Kirk Pengilly (guitar, sax) were also in fine form, obviously rejuvenated by the most publicity they've seen since the first singer's passing. But this reforming of sorts didn't come across like the gimmick so many have unjustifiably tagged to INXS circa 2006. Rather, the sextet seared with a blistering ninety-minute set leaving no necessary stone turned unturned when it came to the hits and sprinkling in mostly endearing material from last year's Switch CD.

When it came to the basics, the gang moved through its entire two and a half decade career, crushing through the new-wave inspired "Original Sin," "What You Need" and evening finale "Don't Change" while also spending ample time in the band's bookend albums Kick and X. Highlights off the former included the fiery "Need You Tonight," sleazy "Devil Inside" and power ballad "Never Tear Us Apart," while the other disc's "By My Side" made the ladies swoon. Out of the recent cuts, the guys dug out the overlooked "Taste It" (off Hutchence's last album of significance Welcome To Wherever You Are) in addition to Switch segments such as the anthemic "Afterglow," the somewhat half-baked "Never Let You Go," plus the party oriented pair "Devil's Party" and "Pretty Vegas."

Opener Scott Stapp hasn't had as much luck kick starting his career once again, thanks in part to a series of embarrassing personal incidents and the fact that Creed's sound is the central component of last year's solo record. Though he mixed a fair amount of from The Great Divide with the group's familiar moments, there was nothing immediate about the new tunes that hadn't been heard before and the older tracks have been so overplayed that they were almost burdensome to sit through. Recent offerings like "Let Me Go" and "Justify" were sugar coated with cliches custom tailored for arena rock statue while "My Sacrifice" and "With Arms Wide Open" appeared weathered (no pun intended) and long past their point of relevance.



INXS
INXS
Scott Stapp
Scott Stapp
INXS
INXS


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