The Tension During The Making Of Inxs’S “Baby Don’T Cry” And How They Resolved It

April 1, 2025

In the summer of 1990, the members of INXS gathered in a dimly lit studio, excitement and anxiety swirling in the air like a thunderstorm. They were working on a new song titled “Baby Don’t Cry,” a track they hoped would resonate deeply with their fans. But as the days wore on, tensions began to grow among the band members. Each musician had their own vision for the song, and those visions clashed like cymbals in a rock concert. The lead singer, Michael Hutchence, wanted the song to convey raw emotion, while the band’s guitarist, Kirk Pengilly, believed it should be more polished and commercial.

Frustration bubbled to the surface. During one tense rehearsal, voices were raised, and some band members stormed out, slamming doors behind them. For a moment, it seemed as if the magic that had brought them together was unraveling. The very essence of their creativity felt threatened, and doubts crept into their minds. What if they could never agree? What if this disagreement marked the end of their journey together? But deep down, they knew how much their music meant to them—and to their fans.

After a long night filled with silence and unspoken words, they decided to take a break. They headed to the nearby beach, craving fresh air and a change of scenery. As they stood together watching the waves crash against the shore, memories of their past successes washed over them, reminding them of why they had formed INXS in the first place. They shared laughs, relived moments of joy, and finally began to talk about their different perspectives regarding the song. Slowly, the storm inside them began to calm.

With a renewed sense of purpose, they returned to the studio, determined to combine their ideas. They decided that “Baby Don’t Cry” could be both emotional and polished, blending Hutchence’s heartfelt lyrics with a captivating melody that could appeal to a wide audience. The band worked late into the night, drawing from each other’s strengths. Suddenly, what had once caused division became the source of their unity. The song transformed into a masterpiece, marrying powerful lyrics with infectious rhythms.

When “Baby Don’t Cry” was finally released, it soared up the charts and became one of INXS’s beloved tracks. The experience taught them that disagreements could be resolved through communication and collaboration. The band emerged stronger and more connected than ever, ready to take on the world. This journey not only brought them closer but also inspired countless fans who saw the power of perseverance and teamwork. They had turned a potential crisis into a moment of triumph—a testament to their resilience and passion for music that would carry them forward in their careers.

Years later, INXS would reflect on those tense moments in the studio as a crucial turning point in their journey. Rather than breaking them apart, the struggle to create “Baby Don’t Cry” had built a foundation of trust and respect. Each time they performed the song, they were reminded that even the toughest challenges could lead to beautiful creations. With hearts full of hope and determination, they continued to make music that touched lives, proving that resilience in the face of adversity truly leads to greatness.