From a shy, intelligent Sydney boy to the charismatic INXS frontman. How did Michael Hutchence become a superstar with one of the biggest bands in the world?

And how did it all go so terribly wrong?

Today, we’re talking about the life and death of Michael Hutchence.

The middle son of Kel and Patricia, the older brother of Rhett, the younger brother of Tina, the father of Tiger Lily and one of the biggest rock stars the world has ever seen.

At the peak of his fame with Australian band INXS, Michael, with his long locks and effortlessly cool rock star moves, was adored by fans. He had a string of high-profile relationships with famous women, including our own Kylie Minogue, who appeared naked in a home video Michael shot in Richard Lowenstein’s incredible documentary film, Mystify: Michael Hutchence.

But then, just as INXS were trying to reignite their career, Michael’s body was found in a Sydney hotel room in 1997.

So what happened? What went wrong? And why 20 years after his death are his family only just finding out about some debilitating medical conditions?  

Stephen is joined by Michael's big sister Tina Hutchence.

If you or someone you know needs support, help is available from Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Your host is Stephen Downie

The Executive Producer is Elissa Ratliff

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