It is hard for any family to lose a son, a brother. But for Tina Hutchence and Partricia Glassop, there was little chance for private grief: the news of Michael's shocking death in a Sydney hotel room was almost instantly worldwide news. Since that November day in 1997 they have read tales spun by journalists, lovers and business associates - about the notorious highs and lows of Michael the superstar, and as the doting but unconventional father of Tiger Lily - people who knew Michael for only a fraction of his 37 years, if at all. This intimate biography introduces us to the talented child with a complicated home life, the gifted teen who gravitated into music forming INXS, the young adult whose glamorous girlfriends confided in his mother and sister. Tina and Patricia watched as the man and his music went on to take the world by storm; soon the women on his arm were household names - Kylie Minogue, Helena Christensen, Paula Yates, and some of the relationships very complicated. Many of Michael's oldest friends and associates have spoken for the first time in this book.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
This odd biography will primarily appeal to hardcore fans of INXS, a wildly successful Australian group of the 1980s whose waning popularity in the 1990s ended abruptly with the 1997 suicide of its charismatic lead singer, Michael Hutchence. Written by the singer's sister and mother, the book combines basic facts of Hutchence's early life and his rise to stardom with an almost too-intimate view of the authors' feelings ("That night I was so exhausted: it felt as if all of my emotions had been drained and laid on the sidewalk for strangers to trample"). Payback is the book's primary raison d'?tre: the authors have clearly not forgiven the singer's management for attempting to bilk him out of money, his various girlfriends especially the late Paula Yates, Bob Geldof's ex for spreading rumors that Hutchence's suicide was some mysterious and kinky sexual adventure gone wrong, and the Australian media for hounding the grieving family. The narrative, split between the sister and the mother, repeats itself frequently, especially about the singer's childhood; a more conventional biographical style (or a professional co-writer) could have sidestepped that problem. Also, while INXS was popular, the authors are too close to make any hard critical judgments about the band's merit. However, the last 80 pages or so, which detail not only the horrible, secretive financial management given to Hutchence but also his family's difficult and expensive efforts to find out the truth, is a gripping tale that every would-be pop star should read. Photos. (July 1)
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
As lead singer and frontman of the internationally popular Australian rock group INXS, Michael Hutchence cultivated the image of a sex symbol living the high life. In this heartfelt and intimate book, his sister Tina and mother, Patricia, look back at a life entangled in multiple personal relationships, complex financial arrangements, and increasingly erratic behavior, which overshadowed and eventually overwhelmed his music. All of these factors, explored thoroughly by the authors, culminated in Hutchence's suicide by hanging in a Melbourne, Australia, hotel room in 1997. Subsequently, the world media (as well as lovers and business associates) had a field day with the sometimes sordid details of the singer's personal life. This biography effectively balances that record, in addition to being a statement of familial love. Though well written, it will not find much of an audience outside of INXS diehards, who are few and far between in the States. A marginal purchase for all but the most comprehensive rock music collections. David M. Turkalow, Suffolk Univ. Law Sch. Lib., Boston
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"There's nothing if the truth won't survive...",
This review is from: Just a Man-the Real Story of Michael Hutchence (Hardcover)
If the 80's are the decade of excess, the Australian band INXS became its poster child, as its six members appeared to be rocking hard and living fast. Compared to Jagger and Morrison, ringlet crowned, lead singer Michael Hutchence slithered sensually with his soulful sound, perfecting the art of close microphone singing. The band would have celebrated 20 creative years together, but fell short of such a milestone. On November 22, 1997, the voice fell silent.In the years since, Hutchence is still not at peace: a delayed posthumous release of a solo album; his estate still in dispute; his only child, orphaned recently, living with the man whom Michael feared would take her. And many questions still remain, prompting the creation of numerous television specials, magazines, websites, and books. A fourth book, released on the eve of the third anniversary of Hutchence's passing, with a second printing soon to hit shelves, JUST A MAN has sparked a heated debate amongst "INXSaries", the loyal fans of Hutchence's band. Written by the late singer's sister and mother, Tina Hutchence and Patricia Glassop pay tribute to and set the record straight in a journey spanning time zones and continents. Subtitled "The Real Michael Hutchence", it is the most revealing, fully-dimensional portait of an "ordinary man living an extraordinary life." From its opening, it is clear that this is an account like none other previously released. The book begins at one of the most tragic moments in a person's life as both daughter and mother recount receiving the tragic news regarding their loved one. Hutchence and Glassop, each represented by a distinguished font, reveal and corroborate stories from their own viewpoints in their own words. Until now, all of the material written regarding the singer has focused on his antics, both on stage and off. As the title states, JUST A MAN paints a picture of a playful and caring spirit, filled with much fun and love. Anecdotes and photos of holiday gatherings and shared times are included, as mother and sister tell that which will leave the reader smiling and heartbroken. The star's drug use is discussed in detail, both relatives direct in reactions and opinions. Tina Hutchence and Patricia Glassop also provide insight into each of Michael's love interests, recounting initial meetings and breakups with Michelle Bennett, Jonnie, Virginia Hey, Kylie Minogue, Helena Christiansen, Paula Yates, and "Blair" (a woman in whom Hutchence sought comfort during his time with Yates). Michael Hutchence's daughter with Paula Yates, Heavenly Hiranni Tiger Lily, is also mentioned. While Michael was alive, Ms. Yates did not allow sister Hutchence and mother Glassop much time with Tiger, even stating that the Hutchences were not to have access to the innocent, little girl. The two were not even invited to Tiger's Christening and any presents sent by the family were not accepted. A great deal of pages are devoted to the circumstances surrounding the final hours of Hutchence's life. The most private details of the family are told regarding the events leading up to, including, and following the funeral rites. One will not believe the manner in which Hutchence's property and possessions were treated, as well as the conditions and strains put upon Ms. Hutchence and Mrs. Glassop; the two were led to large crates in which the remainder of the late singer's now mildew and battery acid stained goods lay, only keeping that which was permitted by the executor of the celebrity's estate. From the epilogue, one gains a sense that the challenging experience of writing JUST A MAN has been theraputic for Ms. Hutchence and Mrs. Glassop. A story of a beloved brother and son, JUST A MAN is also two women's "fight for justice and truth" as they come to terms with his passing and steady themselves once more for an oncoming storm of litigations. His voice still heard around the world, JUST A MAN provides a small sense of closure for those who feel that Michael Hutchence has been a part of their lives.
18 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Tragic Life,
By Laura Pavlik (Brooklyn Park, MN) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Just a Man: The Real Michael Hutchence (Paperback)
I have always been a fan of INXS, although I never knew much about Michael as a person. I became interested in his life after he took his life. I have to say this was a hard book to come across, when I did find it.. it was a book hard to put down, even though I knew the ending. His sister and mother put out a very good book and they should be proud of brother and son. I found Michael trying to please everyone but himself. Trying to keep up in the rock and roll life. Yes, he had tons of talent but I felt he would of been better off not leading this life but to settle down with his true love Michele, having children and being a "normal person". He was such a tender person, loved his family and most of all he loved his Tiger. Much too sad he could not see her to grow up. I also feel if Paula Yates had not entered his life, he would be alive. He was very well grounded until he met her...Rest in peace Michael your music will always live on. And may Tiger grow up well adjusted and to know she had a father who loved
6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Michael made a difference...,
By ChiliGurl "ChiliGurl" (Hot, hot, hot!) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Just a Man: The Real Michael Hutchence (Paperback)
I remember being a teenager in the US and heard this amazing sound coming from my radio! I had to know who it was! I called the radio station and the DJ said it was new band from OZ called INXS. I was hooked from day one. Soon after that, "Don't Change" came out and I HAD to have it!! I went to the mall and used all of my money to buy "Shabooh Shoobah"!! Had to have it! I learned all the songs and made my own dance moves. It was such an innocent time of life. As I grew older, so did Michael and the band. But the CORE INXS sound was there. I saw INXS a few times live, and Michael stole the show. He made it seem as if he were singing directly to you. The ambiguous sensuality, teasing, come-hither look were a natural for Michael. I've never seen a showman before, and I doubt if I will ever see one of his caliber again.
I read the book page to page....interestingly enough to see all of the holes in Kell's side of the story. I even made communication soon after the spreading of ashes at sea with Dennis (aka DIPA). What an odd consequence to an even stranger death. By someone who was loved by the world. This book brought a new light on things. I suffered from severe depression. Michael had his struggles. But both of us sought new light from somewhere. Tina and Patricia have summed up the other part of the story that I'd never heard. Very heartwarming and inviting, it was. It wasn't all about depression and death and mourning. Yes, at times it was of these things but I found it mostly about Michael being happy and content, always up for a good laugh! It brought new smiles to my face. I do have to commend Tina and Patricia on their delicate way of dealing with Paula Yates. They are better women than I can ever hope to be. Although you do really feel the loss of Michael....the one good thing is...his spirit is with us! Through his music, dancing, laughter, smiles and the occasional naughty side! I would like for Tina and Patricia to know that Michael changed my life in so many ways. A song would pop into my head...and there was the answer! Growing older, Michael's music has always played a part in my life. And he will continue. There will never be another Michael...God broke the mold when he made him. But that's alright. Thank you, Michael for touching so deeply someone you never knew. You impacted my life immensely. Thank You, God.....for giving us Michael. And thank you Michael, for just being yourself. The world loves you.
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