How “Devil Inside” helped make INXS rock gods

By the time INXS released their sixth album, 1987’s Kick, the band were perched on the edge of international superstardom, a gig that the late Michael Hutchence seemed born for. Kick turned out to be their biggest success, but it was rejected at first by their US label. It may not have come out at all if it weren’t for a devilishly clever plan put into place by their wily manager. Dig in to the story of how this album overcame a major hurdle and made this band of brothers and friends into one of the biggest acts of the late 1980’s in this episode of Behind The Song.

Music Producer: Christian Lane
Video Director: Eva Empleo

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About Janda:
Behind The Song podcast host and creator Janda Lane is a radio DJ at WDRV-FM in Chicago, the city she calls home with her husband and podcast partner, Christian Lane, and their two cats, Ollie and Liam.

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[rocksmith]

Great album...great band...great singer...great song....RIP Micheal!

[richperaud]

Janda, you’re the best. Keep up the good work.

[catherine]

I ❤️ INXS! I was 17 years old when Kick was released, and I remember how successful this album was. I still have my original album. One of my favorite songs is Mystify and Never Tear Us Apart.
Andrew Ferriss is a solo artist now. I like his new music. I hope he comes to America someday for some concerts.

[DonJoyce]

Well here I go again, exploring the music of INXS this time, thanks to your fascinating stories! Thanks, Janda!

[derricklester]

There's another song on the Kick album that should have been a hit because it sounds like one Guns in the Sky

[Chapps]

"Never Tear Us Apart" is the AFL Club Port Adelaide Power's theme song. And when they're in full voice it invades the the stadium.

They adopted it because the evil overlords in Melbourne wanted to get rid of them. But Adelaide, the closest city in Australia to Detroit, a car making town back then, fought back and said hands off our team.

The irony is that the biggest rivalry in the AFL is not in Melbourne, the historical home of Australian (Rules) Football, but in Adelaide. Port Adelaide Power v the Adelaide Crows. Deadly opponents but mention "Victoria" and they unite.

[Chapps]

This historical vignette was done so tastefully and sensitively, beautiful girl.

[PaulJackson]

Like I've said before a great podcast and YouTube channel hosted by a beautiful lady with really good taste in music. It doesn't get any better than that. Let's get these subs up people.

[PaulJackson]

How about the top "Senior Prom" song of 1988. One of four top 10s from this man's debut album and the song that hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on the week that I was born. "Hold On To The Nights" Richard Marx

[vwandtiny]

did you DJ in Charleston SC back in the 90's?

[stevenfunderburg]

Is it recorded which specific suits at Atlantic rejected it?

[gregoaks]

did that Cabby ever get caught ? wondering ?

[moemanncann]

New subscriber, enjoying the vids as a boomer, a suggestion for a future spotlight id like to see is Rush-Subdivisions 👌🇨🇦

[Flashbang]

Alot of speculation on the lyrics that the song was about Micheal being bi and he was considering alternative lifestyles. That was in some circles. Then there was the literal meaning about Christianity faith, and the unbelievers. I think it was overly examined because of Micheal's passing. I think they could have made SO many more great songs. Explored many different avenues with sounds.