INXS seeking new vocalist via reality TV show

[pscates2.0]

:eek:

Well, THAT'S an odd little story (http://www.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/TV/06/15/music.inxs.reut/index.html).

Seems kinda weird - and vaguely tacky - but I guess it's the way things are. I wonder if the guy currently singing for them is a bit irked?

"Uh, hel-LOOOOOO? It's me, your SINGER...WTF?!?"

:D

They were a great band, truly one of my favorites. Not sure how this will go over. It'll be funny to see how many contestants do their own thing and how many come in and treat it like a Michael Hutchence tribute, and do their best to ape his clothing, hair, moves, vocalisms, etc.

I'd rather see someone just come in and be themselves and mesh the band around it. It'll be embarrassing otherwise.

[iBrowse]

The reality show thing is getting pretty lame. What's next, Who Wants to be President?

[HOM]

The reality show thing is getting pretty lame. What's next, Who Wants to be President?
Done and done (http://www.americancandidate.com/home.php).

[Moogs]

I don't think there has been a guy singing for them in a long time has there? I wasn't aware of any new albums since their original lead singer committed suicide some years ago. Then again I don't follow the pop scene at all so it's possible they've been playing "new" INXS songs on the radio for years and I never heard them.

And yes, it is extremely tacky... as all reality shows are (it's a requirement).

:|

[Mac+]

Reality TV :rolleyes: ugh...

Actually, I think INXS had Terence Trent D'arby sing for them (that didn't work out too well) and Jon Stevens (the old lead singer from NoiseWorks - a powerhouse Aussie band from the 80s). But I'm not too sure on the full details of these experiments.

Anyway, sounds to me like the guys are at a bit of an "impasse" and thought they should top up their bank accounts some more whilst trying to produce some music once again.

"Hey, I'm bored on the farm, let's record again."
"But we need a new singer and I can't be fucked doing private auditions."
"I know, let's sell the concept to a reality TV producer!"
"Yeah that'll be win-win: we 'll get all this free publicity, record sales should be rejuvinated and our costs will be minimal."
* All nod head in agreement. *

insert Simpsons fast talking voice over man
(dramatisation - may not have actually occurred)

I personally was more impressed by the repsect Queen gave Freddie (the frontman on which all others should be based imho) by not continuing without him. (Although I could understand that insuance companies may not have wanted to run the risk of insuring those old age rockers for another bout of world tours, anyway. ;) )

Still , credit where it's due: INXS - like Queen - have an enviable record of mega-success with regard to their live shows and have not had a line-up change whilst all members were still living. In the tempestuous world of rock music, that is an impressive accomplishment.

[pscates2.0]

Yeah, Queen was pretty damn awesome. I think the general rule - the Townshend Edict, I believe - is that your a) drummer can die and your b) bassist can, and the band is still able to soldier on.

:D

I'd like to imagine the Who would hang it up, upon Daltrey's death. But hell, part of me wonders if THAT would be enough?

INXS is one of the few bands I can recall that is still kicking around after the frontman passed. I mean, one of those three brothers could've croaked, or that goofy-looking sax player or bassist, and no one would've blinked.

Depends on the band, their success, impact, etc. I guess. Yes, it was supremely cool that Brian May, John and Roger decided to gracefully lay it down when Freddie died. Just seemed right. Who, honestly, would ever replace him, and make it feel right? No one I can imagine.

Would be like Paul and Ringo staging a Beatle reunion. Uh, hellooooo? Your two coolest guys are dead, numbnut. Why bother?

:rolleyes:

[Mac+]

Hey Paul - has the Queen musical, "We Will Rock You" made it to the States yet?

If you liked Queen, then by all means go out of your way to see this show - the production is awesome and the musicianship and arrangements are superb. It's like seeing a mini Queen concert. If you go for the music alone, I am prepared to guarantee that you will not be disappointed. :D

(The production, set design and lights are also cool - but the story is simply a vehicle that enables all these Queens songs to propel the narrative... so it is a little bit corny, but not in a show destroying way. ;) )

[pscates2.0]

Wow, I don't know...I'd have to look around and see. Sounds interesting. People can say what they want about the over-the-top stuff and the flamboyancy, but damn...what great songs, beautifully crafted, and those amazing vocals, layered and layered.

Listening to something like "Killer Queen" with headphones on - and hearing all the little subtle crap going on, vocally and guitar-wise, left and right, is a mindblower!

:eek:

[Mac+]

Don't get me started - I am a big fan of Queen's contribution to music. :cool:

fyi: here's a link for you *click me* (http://www.queenonline.com/#)

Their production values were indeed incredible - and not one synthesizer appeared on their albums until "The Game" in 1980. They definitely had studio chops - but could also back it up with a stage show that was second to none when it came to live performance!

I think I spent half my youth learning all their stuff on piano, instead of practising for exams sometimes. ;) (served me well a while back at a gig, when "The Urban Playboys" - a band I play in sometimes - were doing a tribute to England after they won the World Cup in Rugby and I had the whole pub signing along to Piano doing Bo Rap.)

Ahh... misspent youth. :)