INXS Rocks Ohio: A Hall of Fame Surprise

Australian rock band INXS has received their inaugural nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, marking a significant moment for the group. Andrew Farriss, a key member, learned of the nomination while in Ohio, coincidentally visiting his wife's family. The band, formed in Sydney in 1977, has achieved global success, selling over 50 million records worldwide. Their US discography includes six platinum or better albums, with 1987's 'Kick' achieving six-times platinum status.

Farriss expressed his and his bandmates' thrill and honor at the nomination, which comes 21 years after INXS first became eligible. While not his initial motivation for making music, he acknowledged the significance of the recognition for the band's history. He shared that frontman Michael Hutchence, who passed away in 1997, would have been honored by the nomination, believing their work mattered. The band has continued to be active with archival releases since their last live performance in November 2012, and plans are underway for 2027 anniversary celebrations.

INXS is among 10 first-time nominees on the 2026 ballot. The official inductees will be determined by the Rock Hall's professional voting committee, with a public fan vote also contributing to an additional ballot. Inductees are expected to be announced in late April, and the induction ceremony will take place in the fall of 2026.