Just a Man-the Real Story of Michael Hutchence (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Patricia Glassop (Author)

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.

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.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Sidgewick & Jackson (March 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0283063564
• ISBN-13: 978-0283063565
• Shipping Information: View shipping rates and policies
• Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,473,204 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Insight, March 3, 2002

By	liz (England) - See all my reviews

I found the book interesting, and also upsetting regarding the shabby way the family was treated after Michael's death. It is a highly personal account regarding family buisness. There are a fair number of photos, 'tho I think that they would have been better if put in chronological order, less mixed up.
I do not agree that the authors should have 'kept it to themselves' - If you're constantly lied about and slagged-off in the Press, it's understandable that you should want to put the record straight.
The book was finnished before Ms Yates' death, which though tragic does not automatically turn her into a Saint beyond reproach.

19 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "There's nothing if the truth won't survive...", May 14, 2001

By	Marlo J. Weiss (North Brunswick, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

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.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars InXs, April 28, 2001

By A Customer

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.