Inxs’S Early Rehearsals In A Freezing Garage With Broken Amps And Borrowed Gear

April 1, 2025

In a quiet suburb of Sydney, Australia, a group of young musicians huddled together in a freezing garage, their breath visible in the icy air. It was 1977, and the members of INXS were just starting to form, filled with dreams of stardom but lacking the gear they needed to make those dreams a reality. The garage, cluttered with boxes and old furniture, served as their rehearsal space, but it wasn’t a comfortable one. The amps were broken, their instruments often borrowed from friends, and the temperatures dropped so low that the musicians’ fingers sometimes felt numb against the strings.

Despite the challenges, you could feel the energy crackling in the air. Each band member—the charismatic lead singer, Garry Gary Beers on bass, and the brothers Andrew and Kirk Pengilly—dared to dream big. They poured their souls into every note, determined to create music that would resonate beyond those chilly walls. The sound may have been rough, and the equipment often malfunctioned, but there was a raw, unpolished passion that filled the garage. It was their sanctuary, a place where they could let their creativity flow without judgment, where each missed note or awkward rhythm was met with laughter and support.

The freezing temperatures and broken gear became a crucible for resilience. As the band practiced day after day, they learned to adapt. They would huddle close to the broken amps, sharing stories about their favorite bands and envisioning their own future. It was in that garage where they began to develop their signature sound, a blend of rock, new wave, and pop influences that would eventually define them. Each rehearsal brought them closer together, solidifying their bond as not just a band but as family. They learned to encourage one another, to push through frustrations, and to celebrate the small victories, even if it was just getting through a song without a technical glitch.

One evening, as they practiced a new song, the garage erupted with energy. It felt electric, filled with laughter and music. They didn’t notice how cold it was anymore; the chill seemed to fade into the background as they lost themselves in the rhythm. It was this moment that marked a turning point for INXS. They realized that while fame and success were the ultimate goals, the journey and the music they were creating together were just as important. It was this spirit of camaraderie and passion that would carry them through the years and through the many ups and downs of their career.

Eventually, their hard work paid off. They secured gigs in local clubs, where they began to attract attention. The music they had created in that cold garage resonated with audiences, and not long after, they released their first album. The journey from that freezing garage to the bright lights of stages around the world was filled with challenges, but they stood strong. Their resilience and unwavering passion for music became the foundation of their success.

Looking back, the members of INXS knew that those early rehearsals in the garage were more than just practice; they were the heart and soul of who they became as musicians. The freezing temperatures and broken amps were simply part of their story—an inspiring reminder that sometimes the most beautiful things arise from the toughest situations. They learned that with determination and a love for what you do, you can turn any struggle into a stepping stone toward your dreams.