Triple J, the kings of alternative and underground radio since 1975 just held their public vote for Australia’s greatest 100 songs of all time with some 2.65 million people voting. That’s nearly 10% of the entire Australian population!!!

It’s with pride, joy, exultation and somewhat genuine surprise, that INXS’ 1987 classic “Never Tear Us Apart” came in at number one despite stiff opposition from iconic acts such as AC/DC, Midnight Oil, Crowded House, Nick Cave and Gotye. Originally, darlings of the early Triple J movement back in 1982, INXS were later promoted heavily by more commercial FM radio stations like Triple and Fox FM particularly as their career soared globally in chart, touring and record sales were concerned.

As such, INXS were often overlooked in previous polls which particularly in 1992 with their incredible Welcome to Wherever you Are, a sticking point for ardent fans. This poll win soothes the hearts of many.

With Need you Tonight and Don’t Change featuring as well, INXS’ inclusion is a true victory for what Triple J’s mission statement espouses, namely “the world’s greatest music democracy”!!

So we peel back how this awesome result came to fruition, tackle the time honoured debate and battles of Indie music vs the mainstream and most importantly why Never Year Us Apart as a song has grown in stature over the last 37 years!!!

On Sunday 10th August at 8 pm we will also be doing our first "Watch Party" via facebook. Gathering the global INXS fans, to watch INXS's Live Baby Live being played with new commentry, on Australia's Channel & and Channel & Plus.

Follow this link to find out more.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1C5eBzcPvh/

Final days until we draw our latest raffle "A Bag Full of INXS Goodies" buy 5 tickes get 5 free. $20 a ticket. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGXxzgRaG5Q&list=RDqGXxzgRaG5Q&start_radio=1

A special 1 hour 50 mins feature album review this week, as Bee and I take nostalgic walk down memory lane to July 2019, where on the back of Richard Lowenstein’s heartfelt Documentary tribute to Michael Hutchence the subsequent Soundtrack: Mystify was released to Australia, Japan and European audiences.

The brainchild of Chris Murphy, this innovative, unconventional and truly unique offering deconstructs the cliche soundtrack formats of yesteryear by carving a musical mosaic of songs, sounds, interview clips and reworking of familiar hits, deep cut, rarities and remixes of INXS and Michael solo tracks taking the listener on a sonic journey. Being released on multiple formats, the vinyl version comes with a double album and four sides allowing the listener to enjoy the nostalgic tactile experience with glorious liner notes and written contributions from each INXS band member on tribute to Michael.

Strictly speaking, this isn’t a pure companion piece to the Mystify Documentary with the album track-listing varying considerably to the documentary and the release was not without issues between INXS Management and Richard. That aside, this album evokes every gamut of emotion whether it be joy, sorrow, pride, passion, positivity and pain.

So do yourself a favour and listen to this album first then listen to this episode. You’ll enjoy it more!!!

Love and peace Haydn & Bee

https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/

https://www.change.org/p/induct-inxs-into-the-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-2026

Who is Mark Opitz? Let’s just say this… without Mark Opitz, the sound of INXS – and a good chunk of Australian rock royalty – wouldn’t be what it is today. Mark Opitz is more than a record producer. He’s a sonic architect, a studio visionary, and the man behind the glass during some of the most defining moments in Aussie music history.

 INXS – Yes, he helped shape their sound during that vital early international breakthrough with “Shabooh Shoobah”, and a few years later, he came back to help steer the band through two bold and creative studio albums: “Welcome to Wherever You Are” and “Full Moon, Dirty Hearts.” Albums that pushed boundaries, reinvented the band’s sound, and cemented their status as artists—not just hitmakers.

But the Mark Opitz story doesn’t stop at INXS. Not even close. He’s worked with AC/DC, Cold Chisel, The Angels, Divinyls, Noiseworks, Hoodoo Gurus, Models, and Jimmy Barnes—and that’s just scratching the surface.  His shelves are stacked with ARIA Awards, platinum records, and accolades from every corner of the industry. He’s produced and engineered for acts like Kiss, Bob Dylan, and even The Rolling Stones during their Australian tour prep. Mark’s career spans decades and genres, always with a trademark focus on the craft of making records that last.

And here’s the part we’re proudest of…  Mark is a patron and proud supporter of the INXS: Access All Areas Podcast. He believes in what we do, and he generously shared his time, stories, and wisdom with us across two incredible episodes.  Episodes 222 & 223 In this powerful 2-part series, Mark takes us inside the studio, unpacks how his mind works, and gives us a front-row seat to the alchemy of recording.

You’ll hear about:  Working with a young Michael Hutchence  Finding that perfect guitar tone  Why studio psychology is just as important as the gear  What it takes to bring the best out of a band

So… Who is Mark Opitz? He’s the producer behind your favourite tracks, the unsung hero of the Aussie rock explosion, and a man with a million stories told with heart, humour, and honesty.  

Listen now to Episodes 222 & 223 of the INXS: Access All Areas Podcast and celebrate the genius of this legendary man. Rock history, straight from the source.

There is also time to buy a raffle ticket and be in the running to win a cool INXS Goodie bag; it includes a CD gift wrapped and signed by Kirk Pengilly, one of Tim's guitar picks, the New Listen Like Thieves double CD, a Limited Edition Listen Like Thieves Lanyard, some Podcast merch. All tucked into an Offical Listen Like Thieves Tote bag. Here the link this is "What You Need!" https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/product-page/listen-like-thieves-raffle-ticket

To find out more about the podcast here is our website https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/

Cheers Haydn & Bee

INXS: Access all Areas is guest month; where we are pleased to welcome famed Australian Producer, Author, Business Owner and Order of Australia (AM) recipient in 2020 from the Queen to the Podcast.

With the recent passing of the iconic Beach Boys Co-Founder and musical maestro Brian Wilson, we were inspired to get a “little musical” and dive deep on the art of the “vocalist”. With production techniques and recordings evolving so much between the 1950’s through to the late 1970’s, we pay homage to Brian, his band mates and other artists that created a foundation that our very own INXS benefited from once they emerged from the Northern Beaches of Sydney.

Mark Opitz shares some fascinating insights dating back to 1978 where as a young emerging Producer with Albert’s Music (home of AC/DC, The Easybeats, Rose Tattoo and The Angels) got the opportunity to work with the Beach Boys and Brian over a weekend when touring Australia. Combining these vital recent production successes and techniques, INXS were to become the future beneficiaries of Mark’s sonic skills which lean into.

So sit back, open up your musical hearts and minds to the sweet sounds and discussions of a unique but unmissable part one of a special feature double episode!

Love and peace

Check out our latest raffle where you could win a Listen Like Thieves Goodie Bag which we will be adding too this week. 

Offical Listen Like Thieves Tote Bag

Listen Like Thieves double CD 2025

Listen Like Thieves Lanyard  Limited edition

Timmy Farriss Guitar pick from Timmy to you.

https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/product-page/listen-like-thieves

Listeners are in for a treat as we are re- joined by the inimitable Philip Mortlock for part two chat exploring a wider than normal range of music industry discussion nuggets.

With the recent re-issue of Listen Like Thieves, Philip’s calligraphy artwork on the original release, particularly the track-listing is given due discussion along with the stunning photography stills that make up the entire album.

Additionally, the dance remix cassette Dekadance release in 1985 that contained the iconic 4 singles from The Swing plus remixed plus two rare versions of Love is (What I Say) and Melting in the Sun was a welcome discussion point sure to excite time honoured INXS fans.

Never one to procrastinate and rest on one’s laurels, Philip is still a vital force in the music industry spearheading his own Record Label, “Origin”. A label who lives its values of “Originality, Diversity and Creativity”, Philip allows artists the platform to perform and create unencumbered with acts including Tim Finn (Split Enz, Crowded House), ARIA award winner Megan Washington and APRA Song of the Year recipient Katie Noonan (George fame).

So sit back, put your favourite headphones, earpods or device on and embrace the wonderful vocal wisdom of Philip Mortlock. Love and peace.

Do you want to win the 'goodie bag"? then find out more. https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/

As we embark on our 6th year as a podcast, it’s rare that INXS: Access all Areas has returning guests, such was the magnitude of Philip Mortlock’s impact first time around in 2020. As an original and pivotal creative consultant to INXS between 1982-86, Philip’s contribution is particularly timely with the recent 40th anniversary release of Listen like Thieves.

With album cover artwork, photography and film clip contributions, Philip’s skill and creative techniques have proven timeless.

This time around, we wanted to examine the music business both in 1985 vs 2025 examining marketing, product distribution and the critical role support teams play in making and breaking both an album and a band. Still vital and vibrant after 40 plus years in the industry, Philip is still managing artists, their catalogues and most critically allowing them to do what they do best which is making music and does so with integrity and continued passion.

So sit back and enjoy part one of a two part interview where we traverse a wide range of discussion points underpinned your band, INXS.

Love and peace

Haydn & Bee

https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/

To help us with the Go Fund Me for lisa any cotribution is kindly appreciated

https://gofund.me/c6a0fcdf

Please sign the Inducted INXS Petiton

https://www.change.org/p/induct-inxs-into-the-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-2026

As the Listen like Thieves 40th anniversary album soars up the international charts, we unpack the June 24th, 1986 live concert which is brilliantly packaged and re-mastered onto the new release for fans to enjoy.

The beautiful and historic Royal Albert Hall, opened to the public in 1871, has been the epicenter of British and international culture ever since. Hosting diverse acts and individuals ranging from Phantom of the Opera, Albert Einstein, The BAFTA’s and sports, this 5272 capacity venue was intimate enough but large enough to capture INXS as they finally cracked fickle UK critics and audiences.

With a setlist that leant on the recent triumvirate successes of Shabooh Shoobah, The Swing and Listen Like Thieves plus a few recent soundtrack releases, INXS captured that famous primal, propulsive and passionate urgency they were known for. With iconic footage on You Tube of the band’s sound check and interview footage with Tim, Kirk and Michael sprinkled with their famous “ Nile Rodgers warmup song”, INXS fans are showered in nostalgic overdrive.

So whether you’re a downloader, vinyl operator or CD aficionado, do yourself a favour and turn your device up to 11 (hello Spinal Tap), sing from the heart and fist pump with passion and pride.

Love and peace

Haydn & Bee

https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/

To help us with the Go Fund Me for lisa any cotribution is kindly appreciated

https://gofund.me/c6a0fcdf

Please sign the Inducted INXS Petiton

https://www.change.org/p/induct-inxs-into-the-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-2026

May 10th, 2025 shall go down as one of the great days when INXS: Access all Areas was able to meet patrons, listeners and passionate INXS fans from around the globe as we hosted them on our Sydney bus tour and evening gala function. Celebrating our 5th birthday, Bee and I were truly humbled by the level of support, participation and love for what was a little idea in late 2019 that materialized into a fully blown concept in May 2020.

So for those unable to attend, Bee and myself aim to bring the essence, events and vibe of the entire day to you through this episode. With audio acknowledgements from Ollie Olsen’s Manager Bruce Butler, Sean Dickson (Soup Dragons) amongst many, we are truly humbled. With special guests Richard Simpkin ( Michael in Pictures) and the greatest INXS cover band, Don’t Change; guests were astonished and blown away by INXS’ very own Kirk Pengilly who turned up and stayed till the very end mingling and embracing the night.

Shout out to all those who traveled so far to join us and thankyou to all the raffle, auction and prize winners with fantastic merchandise and INXS treasures going home with the lucky bidders. So as we continue to push the band’s cause to be inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, we were excited to have the event acknowledged in the latest edition of Rolling Stone Magazine some few days later and believe with your support and patronage, we can lobby for true musical justice and attend as a collective the 2026 Induction ceremony knowing we did our bit.

Love and peace

Haydn & Bee

To donate to help Lisa Mac click this link 🙏

https://gofund.me/40c6d94d

our website 

https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com

Sogn the petition 

https://www.change.org/p/induct-inxs-into-the-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-2026

Rolling Stone article 

https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/inxs-kirk-pengilly-talks-rock-hall-snub-76810/

Late April and May is a special time in Australia, the UK and the USA where we commemorate our returned soldiers and remember those who fought so bravely to provide the freedom we deeply appreciate and enjoy today. Lest we forget.

Inspiring us with loyalty, mateship and bravery, a little band of brothers from the Northern Beaches of Sydney channeled the courage of our war heroes to traverse the globe with no guarantees, promises or favours to become the biggest band on the planet between 1988-1990 with style, sacrifice and substance.

In no way are we comparing the ultimate sacrifice of our war heroes to INXS however the DNA of true Aussie mateship, loyalty, commitment perseverance were traits INXS drew upon when many other bands before them disappeared after so much promise.

So Bee and I count down individually our “Top 7 moments” when INXS bravely fought against the odds, self-doubt and industry challenges to usurp their contemporaries such as Dire Straits, U2, The Police, Simple Minds and Duran Duran to become the biggest band in the world. Typically our lists vary but the sentiment and unabashed pride in INXS’ achievements evoke similarly.

So sit back and take a moment to enjoy the characteristics and attributes that created INXS’ success not just the outcomes. Love and peace

https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/

https://www.inductinxs.com/signthepetition

As we wish the world a Happy Easter, we thought what better occasion for INXS: Access all Areas to deep dive on that pop culture touchstone of highlighting INXS’ very own Easter Eggs, that being the trail of cultural touchstones they have left behind over some 48 years.

As with movies, books and music, artists often leave a trail and footprint in the cultural zeitgeist through multiple platforms such as movies, lyrics, sports and film clips and INXS are no different.

So Bee and I have great fun in this episode locating these cool little nuggets in some obvious and obscure places. We kick things off, pardon the pun at the peak of INXS’ international fame between 1987-1990 and divert into the world of movie and TV soundtracks. We then take a left turn to sports and bring it home with something more ethereal like religion, faith and spirituality. All whilst not taking ourselves too seriously!!!

So for all of you adults out there who seem to miss out on the Easter Bunny chocolate fix, sit back and get your own very dose and dollop of INXS Easter Eggs!!

Love and Peace

Click the link below to win a vintage copy of Listen Like Thieves, signed by Kirk and Tim.

The winner will be announced at the party on The Strangest party on the 10th May.

Good Luck!

https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/product-page/raffle