On Nov. 22, 1997, Australia beat Scotland, 37-8, in a rugby union match and in Central Asia, Harry Kewell scored as visiting Australia drew, 1-1, with Iran in Tehran in a soccer World Cup Qualifying play-off.
However, there would be no celebrations on Nov. 22, 1997.
That was the day INXS lead singer Michael Hutchence was found dead in his Sydney hotel room.
Last night, Vh-1 Classic broadcast a collection of INXS live appearances. Seeing Hutchence take command of the stage again, I was reminded of INXS' greatness. Catchy, funky songs... multi-instrumentalists filling out their sound... and of course Hutchence. He gave Bono a run for his money, I believe, as the pre-eminent frontman of the 80s and early 90s. What presence he had! You couldn't take your eyes off him!
Last night's broadcast also reminded me of the exact moment in time when I heard of Hutchence's death.
It was 34 degrees and partly cloudy in Peosta, Iowa, where Jill, Kerstin and I were living at the time, after having moved from Oregon. Jill's parents were preparing to host a card party that night, but all I could think about was INXS and how they couldn't possibly carry on.
Fast-forward to 2005, and another hideous reality television show seeks a lead singer for INXS, or rather, the aging Australians who once played with Hutchence.
But Nov. 22, 1997 extinguished the brightest spark in Australian rock.
I was correct in 1997: Without Michael Hutchence, there could never be another INXS.
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