The Moment Inxs Nearly Fired Their Lighting Director Mid-Tour

April 1, 2025

The air was electric as the lights dimmed in the packed arena, the crowd buzzing with excitement for INXS. It was the summer of 1988, and they were deep into their “Kick” tour, riding the wave of their international hit “Need You Tonight.” As the band stepped onto the stage, their hearts raced not just from the adrenaline of performing, but from the tension backstage. Something was off, and not just in the usual pre-show jitters. The lighting director had made a series of blunders that had left the band members feeling frustrated and anxious.

As the first notes of “New Sensation” rang out, lead singer Michael Hutchence caught a glimpse of the lighting effects that were supposed to dazzle the audience. Instead, the lights flickered awkwardly, failing to hit the band at just the right moments. Michael could feel the momentum slipping away as he sang, and the energy of the crowd dimmed like the lights above him. During the song’s bridge, a spotlight meant to highlight him instead cast a shadow over the band, the audience’s cheers wavering as confusion filled the air.

Backstage, the tension boiled over. Tim Farriss, the guitarist, pounded his fist against the wall in frustration. “We can’t keep going like this,” he said, pacing back and forth. The thought of firing their lighting director mid-tour loomed over them like a dark cloud. But in that moment of anger and despair, Michael stepped in. He had a deep love for music that extended beyond just making hits; he cared about the entire experience for the band and their fans. “Let’s talk to him instead of pulling the trigger,” he urged the group, reminding them that every story has its bumps, and sometimes those bumps could lead to a stronger finish.

After the show, they gathered everyone for a meeting. The lighting director, a passionate artist in his own right, stood nervously at the edge of the circle. Instead of lashing out, they expressed their concerns and frustrations openly. They listened to his side of the story. It turned out that he had been struggling with a new setup that had not gone as planned, and he felt the pressure of meeting their high expectations. Michael’s empathy turned the atmosphere from one of confrontation to collaboration. They all found common ground, and the director promised to work tirelessly to improve the show for the rest of the tour.

As the days went by, the director put in the extra hours, watching videos of previous shows and adjusting the lights with meticulous care. The next performance was nothing short of magical. The lights danced perfectly with the beat, highlighting each musician and enveloping the audience in an experience they wouldn’t forget. The band’s camaraderie strengthened, and they realized that challenges could lead to growth, both as individuals and as a team.

By the time the tour wrapped up, INXS had not only delivered an unforgettable show for their fans but had also overcome a potential crisis with understanding and teamwork. The incident not only brought them closer but also taught them a vital lesson about resilience—the importance of communication and support during tough times. In the world of music, where emotions run high and pressure is constant, they learned that it’s not just about the spotlight on stage; it’s about the bonds they forge behind it. In the end, they emerged not just as a band, but as a family, stronger and more unified than ever before.