The One Time Inxs Forgot To Bring Guitars To A Live Show — And Improvised

April 2, 2025

It was a hot summer evening in 1992, and the excitement in the air was electric as fans gathered outside the venue in Sydney, Australia, for an unforgettable concert by the iconic rock band, INXS. The group, known for their catchy hits like “Need You Tonight” and “New Sensation,” had built a reputation for their high-energy performances. However, as the band members arrived, a sudden panic swept through the backstage area. In the whirlwind of travel, they had forgotten something crucial: their guitars.

As the clock ticked down to showtime, the band’s frontman, Michael Hutchence, could feel the tension rising. The thought of standing in front of thousands of eager fans without their instruments felt like a nightmare. The other band members, too, were restless, their minds racing as they considered how they could possibly entertain the crowd without their beloved guitars. But instead of succumbing to despair, Michael took a deep breath and reminded everyone that they had one essential tool at their disposal: their creativity.

With only minutes before they were scheduled to take the stage, the band huddled together, brainstorming ways to fill the gap left by their missing equipment. They decided to rely on their voices, harmonizing and turning their songs into a vocal showcase. When they stepped out onto the stage, the crowd erupted into cheers, unaware of the chaos that had unfolded behind the scenes. As the band started to perform, they transformed their music into something new and vibrant, with Michael’s powerful voice leading the way, supported by the rhythm of clapping hands and audience participation. The energy was infectious, and soon the fans were singing along, creating a harmony that enveloped the whole venue.

As the night wore on, the band played a fiery set, improvising melodies and rhythms using whatever they could find – a few drums, the occasional keyboard, and, most importantly, their voices. They performed a medley that turned into a full-on sing-along, where the crowd became part of the show, filling the space with laughter and joy. By the end of the night, INXS had transformed their misfortune into an unforgettable experience, one that would be talked about for years to come.

That night taught the band an invaluable lesson about resilience and the power of connection. They learned that music could evolve beyond instruments; it was about the energy shared with the audience. The concert became a defining moment in their career, showcasing not just their talent, but their ability to adapt and rise to any challenge. Fans left the venue buzzing, feeling as if they had witnessed something special, a unique concert that would forever be etched in their memories.

From that day on, INXS embraced the idea of improvisation in their performances, often mixing things up and allowing the audience to be part of their music. They became known not just for their hits, but for their ability to create magic in unexpected situations. Michael Hutchence and the band’s passion for music continued to shine brightly, inspiring countless others to find joy and creativity, even in the most challenging circumstances. Ultimately, that unforgettable night taught them that sometimes, the best moments come from the unplanned and spontaneous, and that music truly is a universal language that unites us all.