It was a surprise show, and judging from the line outside, it didn't take long for the word to spread - INXS at The Tivoli! Too good to be true - but it was.

Once inside, there was a strong atmosphere of anticipation and excitement. No-one could believe that they were about to see INXS in such a fantastically small venue on the eve of 'Australian Made' where they would be playing to in excess (excuse the pun!) of 20,000 people.

Ska band The Mustard Club were support, and although they played a fairly good 60's-inspired set, they weren't the band everyone was waiting for.

INXS time. Absolute pandemoneum from the moment they hit the stage, and in the next 90 minutes or so, INXS proved once and for all that they are Australia's top rock band.

They played as a group - definite and well-defined, pulling the energy from the audience every minute and pounding it back out with a vengance. Michael Hutchence was by far the centre of attention - cheeky and leering; shy, sleek and sweet, he held the audience in the very palm of his hand for practically the entire show.

Tim Farriss was every inch the guitar hero, full of energy - racing from one place to another every few seconds - playing as if it were the only thing left on earth to live for. Andrew Farriss, Garry Gary and Kirk Pengilly were obviously enjoying themselves - Garry intently plugging away at his bass, Andrew bopping away from behind the keyboards, and Kirk on sax playing his heart out to the crowd. Jon Farriss, from behind a huge set of drums, played brilliantly the entire set. Incredible just to watch him work, he added a distinctive drumbeat, without which INXS just wouldn't be the same.

"We thought we'd spring this one on you!" Michael told the crowd, and in fact, it added to the excitement. From 'Shine Like It Does' (beautifully done) to 'The Loved One', the audience loved every minute. INXS introduced two new songs, both gems, particularly the bluesy 'Mystify Me', a song which suits Michael Hutchence's sound and style right down to the ground.

It was obvious that INXS won the audience over right from the word go - the crowd simply loved them, and they loved the crowd right back. "You're beautiful people" Michael told us, and in return we just didn't want them to leave the stage.

But all good things must come to an end as the old saying goes, and after the crowd had promised to be at 'Australian Made' the very next afternoon, INXS left to one of the loudest cheers I've heard in a long time. It had been an incredible night (if only they'd do club shows more often!!).

Outside I heard comments about Michael Hutchence's incredible stage presence. But that night they were all magical. It was that kind of a show...

© 1998 Underneath The Colours