Inxs’S Conflict With Radio Executives Over Releasing “Bitter Tears”

April 1, 2025

In the late 1980s, the Australian rock band INXS was riding high on a wave of success. Their music was infectious, a mix of rock and funk that had fans dancing in their seats. Hit songs like “Need You Tonight” and “New Sensation” had catapulted them to international fame. But as they were working on their next album, titled “Kick,” a storm was brewing behind the scenes. The band was passionate about a particular song called “Bitter Tears,” which they felt deeply connected to. It was a raw, emotional ballad that told a powerful story of love and loss. The members of INXS believed it had the potential to resonate with listeners on a personal level.

However, when the band presented “Bitter Tears” to their record label and radio executives, they were met with resistance. The executives were concerned that the song was too different from the upbeat sound that had become synonymous with INXS. They feared that the darker themes of the song wouldn’t get airplay on popular radio stations. Instead, the executives pushed the band to stick with their more commercial tracks, suggesting that they release something more upbeat to keep their winning streak alive. It was a tense moment for the group; they felt like they were being forced to compromise their artistic vision for the sake of numbers and ratings.

But INXS wasn’t about to back down. The band members knew that music was more than just charts and sales; it was about expressing emotions and connecting with people. Michael Hutchence, the charismatic lead singer, felt particularly passionate about “Bitter Tears.” He believed that the song could touch hearts and inspire others who were going through similar struggles. So, the band decided to take a stand. Instead of giving in to pressure, they rallied together, sharing their belief in the song’s importance and their genuine desire to share it with the world. Their determination was palpable, and they began to strategize on how to get their message across.

After a relentless campaign of performances and radio interviews, INXS gradually gained support for “Bitter Tears.” Fans began to embrace the song, and word spread like wildfire. Radio stations started to take notice as well; they began playing it during prime time, and soon enough, listeners were calling in to request the haunting melody. The band had transformed what was initially a source of conflict into a triumphant moment. Their resilience paid off, and “Bitter Tears” became a beloved track, celebrated for its emotional depth.

The experience taught INXS a valuable lesson about their music and their identity as artists. They realized that true success lies not only in commercial success but in staying true to oneself and the message they want to convey. The conflict with the radio executives became a pivotal moment in their career, reinforcing their commitment to create music that mattered to them. As they continued to tour and produce new music, they carried that spirit with them, always striving to connect with their audience on a deeper level.

Years later, as they looked back on that challenging time, the members of INXS felt proud of what they had achieved. “Bitter Tears” not only became one of their hallmark songs, but it also reminded them of their journey—the struggles, the victories, and the indomitable power of music. Their story became a beacon of inspiration for aspiring artists everywhere, proving that passion and resilience can lead to great triumphs, even in the face of adversity.