Customer Reviews

Just a Man-the Real Story of Michael Hutchence

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1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

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
her. And for Paula, your demons are now at rest, but
how sad to take your life with your daughter around
But I am sure that Sir Bob will take care of Tiger
very well. Closing thoughts, Michael had a great family
who adored him and did what they could. Thank you for
this great read.

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.

As a major fan of Inxs i purchased this book more out of curiosity than anything else. I enjoyed the style of writing and the pace. I was a bit dissapointed with all prose on the "family bickering" but realise that setting the record straight was a major motivation for writing the book. All in all a good insight into Michael's life . For those who are searching for a approach into the bands life as opposed to just Micheael's than don't bother with this one.

Having been an INXS fan for many years, I was excited to read about the background behind Michael Hutchence. Unfortunately the authors of this book want to rant and rave about how angelic they are with regards to Michael's demise and their internal family disputes. It seemed like they just wanted to smear anyone who they had a battle with during the whole suicide controversy. In addition, they were trying to paint how high society thier life has been throughout the years. Who cares!! They wrote a book entitled the "The Real Story Behind Michael Hutchence", but it should have been titled "The Real Story Behind Michael Hutchence, Tina Hutchence, and Patricia Glassop". I would say 35% of the book is interesting facts/stories about Michael, and the rest is National Enquirer garbage. My condolense to Michael, to have his family write such an awful tribute is very sad indeed.

I love Michael Hutchence & INXS is my favorite band of all time! This book is gripping & very well written by his mother and sister. The whole suicide thing in 1997 was so incredibily tragic & devastating & brought so much grief to so many. We'll never totally understand why he did it but I do think if he'd never met that awful, trashy hoe Paula, he would still be here. I'll never get what he saw in that, and I think if she hadn't gotten pregnant right away with Tiger, she'd have been history. Why he took all her problems on I'll never get either, unless he cared for her much more than what I thought at the end of his life. Tiger looks just like him & it's so terribly sad that she'll never know this wonderful, kind, sweet, loving, humorous & giving man with a voice like velvet. I love so many of their songs & there will never be anyone like him! If you're a Michael Hutchence fan, you will like this book!

In June 1983 at the age of 15 while INXS was on tour in the US, I started a relationship with the 23 year old Michael Hutchence. We worked on many songs together and ideas for movies that were used to promote the songs. I was discovered by Joe Elliott of Def Leppard in May of '83 while they were on tour promoting Pyromania. Mutt Lange soon became involved after I started making up the song Pour Some Sugar On Me. I used what I knew at the time and that was Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic album..."Step inside, WALK THIS WAY". Mutt Lange not only produced the previous albums for Def Leppard, but also for the Aussie band AC/DC and brought INXS to meet me.

Soon Bob Geldof was also brought to meet me, another artist which Mutt Lange had produced albums for (The Boomtown Rats). INXS worked with Geldof and Midge Ure on the Aussie version of Live Aid (Oz for Africa). Bob even decided to name his daughter Peaches after I told him my mother was from Georgia and why I used the lyrics "You've got the PEACHES, I've got the cream" in PSSOM. To help cover for our relationship, models and actresses were hired to play the role of Hutch's girlfriends. Elle started hanging around in '84 while Victoria Secrets was started (named not only for Queen Victoria's secret affair but also for my childhood English penpal). It was with Egyptian movie producer Dodi Fayed that Hutch gave me the nickname Heavenly Haarani Tiger Lily for the poet and scholar Hammad al-Harrani of Harran, Turkey near the Tigres. Paula became involved in the coverup early on, even pretending to flirt with Hutch in an '80s interview while married to Bob.

I am the "Amy" in the INXS song Reckless Ways..."I'll take a chance with Amy, might look good on the floor." Though they claim the song was written before 1983, the song was written in conjunction with the movie script for Reckless. INXS loaned a song for the soundtrack.

It was Michael Hutchence who had this book written and gave his sister and mother credit for it.

Thank you for the truth, after all the lies that have been written about Michael, we needed it !!! Thank you for sharing with us so many details of your private life. A treasure of precious family memories !!! The real Michael Hutchence, a sweet, caring, generous person, as all the people that had the luck of having really known him can say. The loving father of Tiger Lily. Also the one with that intriguing dark side that fashinated women. Women liked him too much and he liked women too much : ) Thank you for the honest, not judgemental account of all the facts and people as they were. Just a man but an intriguing personality and a great artist, always to be remembered with love.

Disarmingly (jarringly?) honest yet clearly not objective, you'll nevertheless have trouble putting this one down. Family written bios are always troublesome/bothersome as the reader too often needs to do the work of wading through what is shown and considering what is not said - in a usually pointless and unsatisfactory attempt to arrive at a more stable truth. Luckily for us there aint a lot unsaid in this one(!) and I for one was a little troubled by that--because things said can not be taken back and I found in the reading that Tiger remains the ghost here--what will she think about all of this?

It's worth noting that this is not really Michael's story but rather the story of these women's experience of Michael.

Credit where it is due - this is quite well written and very readable. That said, it's hard not to pass judgement and in the end if you're putting it out there as a family member then you are inviting exactly that. A couple of points in this regard:

I couldn't help feeling that there was something of a disconnect with regard to a more thoughtful analysis of how both of these women (and ofcourse the father) enabled Micheal's behavior--it feels like a whole lot of excuse making and 'boys will be boys' going on here. Michael was, infact a terrible chauvinist (his reluctance to support Micheles career as just one example)--he was grossly unfair to the women in his life, incredibly selfish and all-consumming with regard his need for the full attention of his female partners and further--by this account--he was awfully used to getting his own way which often involved manipulating various women into 'taking care of him'. In this regard I really do think of him as a boy--and not a fully realized man. This is ironic given the books title. In the end he was simply not able to take care of himself and neither was he able to fix or live with a situation (with Paula et al) that was outside of his control or ability to influence. It would seem this lack of basic skill precipitated a moment where he made a stupid and rash decision with forever consequences. I don't think it a coincidence that it all fell apart at that moment, when you consider his inability to be truly adult in relationships primed him for just such a disaster. Paula appears to be the one partner he had who was more of a shambles than he was--all his other girlfriends seemed to be much stronger and much better positioned to serve his needs (which seem to have been considerable/significant). It was a perfect and unfortunate storm. One of the strengths of this book is that it provides the family of origin context that enables the reader to have some insight about how the heck this happened.

Finally I found the level of naivete with regard to the custody of Tiger (post death of Paula Yates) quite stunning and actually not quite believable. I feel quite strongly that both the sister and mother had next to NO CHANCE of EVER getting custody of Tiger, simply because they are NOT the closest blood relatives according to Western family law - her half sisters are (despite what they claim in this book). The ascertion that 'it would be different in the US' is quite wrong. Any competent lawyer in the UK, US and/or Oz system could have told them this right from the start and perhaps saved them further heartache. It is a shame that this scenario became an 'Us vs Bob' thing. In a practical sense they needed to keep in mind that Bob would never have gotten custody if he was not the guardian of the three half-sisters and in actual fact a judge was awarding custody based on a desire to keep the sisters together rather than an affirmation (in and of itself) of preference re Bob over these two women. While I feel so bad for them that Michaels decisions led to the loss of not only him, but also Tiger--I actually believe that this was one of those instances where the court got it right with regard to TIGERS BEST INTERESTS.

Finally - I have to say that while I am glad this family seems to have found some peace with eachother in the years since Michael's passing--it is truly unfortunate that Michael (and to an extent Rhett and Tina) had to bare the burden of forces set in motion by the parents. If only some healing could have taken place much earlier for this family... perhaps this tragic and mournful set of circumstances could have been avoided. I hope that Tiger can somehow break free of this legacy.

For those who say that a family does not know an individual, I pity you. You obviously don't have the closeness and support of people who truly love you. You are obviously not of Italian descent, anyway. I definitely would say that my family knows me best and I trust my family completely to understand me! I think Michael had that, and it is truly a shame how much his female family members have been maligned! Me thinks there's a lot of sexism going on here. For a man who loved women so much, it is so entirely unfair!!!