Inxs’S Early Days Playing At Australian Wedding Receptions Just To Earn Money

April 2, 2025

In the late 1970s, long before INXS became a global sensation, they were just a group of young musicians from Sydney, Australia, trying to make a name for themselves. With dreams bigger than their bank accounts, they found themselves playing at wedding receptions, hoping to earn enough money to buy instruments and fuel their passion for music. On a sunny Saturday afternoon, the band set up in a lavish ballroom, the air thick with the scent of flowers and the sound of laughter. As the bridal party entered, they could feel a mix of excitement and nerves. This was their chance to impress, even if it meant performing in front of guests more focused on their meals than on the music.

Michael Hutchence, the band’s charismatic lead singer, could sense the weight of expectations hanging in the air. As he adjusted the microphone, he caught the eye of a little girl twirling in her pink dress, spinning with pure joy. In that moment, he felt a spark of inspiration. With passion coursing through their veins, the band launched into their first song, and the music filled the room like a warm embrace. They played not just for the newlyweds, but for every person dancing, laughing, and celebrating love. The way they saw it, each couple in front of them was a story waiting to be told through their music.

Despite being a wedding band, INXS poured their hearts into every performance. Sometimes, they faced challenges, like when the bride’s aunt loudly requested “that one song that’s on the radio.” The band members exchanged glances, stifling laughter as they quickly improvised, blending rock and pop to create something entirely unique. There were moments of uncertainty, like when the sound system went haywire, or when the crowd seemed indifferent, but they never let that break their spirit. They learned to adapt and keep the energy high, understanding that every gig was an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to impress.

As the months passed, these wedding receptions became stepping stones toward their bigger dreams. The band members built camaraderie and a deep passion for performance, honing their skills until they were as tight as a family. The more they played, the more they began to appreciate the emotional connection music could create—how a single melody could make people laugh, cry, or dance like no one was watching. Each performance reinforced the bond among the members and ignited a fire within them to chase a larger audience.

Their journey wasn’t without its sacrifices. They often played late into the night, then returned to their day jobs, exhausted but motivated by the love of music. Each wedding gig was more than just a paycheck; it was a lesson in resilience. Amid the chaos of flower arrangements and wedding toasts, they discovered their voice, crafting a sound that would soon captivate hearts across the globe. Those humble beginnings instilled a deep sense of gratitude in the band, reminding them that every note they played had a purpose.

Eventually, those wedding receptions became the foundation for INXS’s ascent into rock stardom. With a commitment to their craft and an unyielding passion for music, they broke out of the wedding circuit and into the charts. Looking back on those early days, each member of INXS remembered the joy of making people smile and the strength they found in each other. They learned that every performance—no matter how small—could lead to something monumental. In the years that followed, as they filled arenas and sold millions of albums, they never forgot their roots, forever grateful for the lessons learned at those wedding receptions in the heart of Australia.