By Natalee Kerr
An INXS tribute show that received recent “approval” from an original band member will make a return to Geelong next month.
Tribute artist David Graham said his “entertaining” rock show INXSIVE recently got the thumbs up from INXS’ own Kirk Pengilly.
“He watched us at one of our sound checks and made some great comments to us which were really interesting to hear,” Graham said.
“It was great to see he was fine with the concept.”
The front man of the Melbourne-based act said he has been performing the tribute for more than two decades.
“I love playing this show. I never get sick of it,” he said.
Graham added he has a “long history” with loving INXS’ music.
“INXS made a major impression on me as a younger guy,” he said.
“INXS music is timeless, some bands don’t date very well but Inxs have.”
Graham said the group does “their best” to reproduce the sound and style of INXS.
“We perform and present in the similar style to INXS. We don’t believe we’re INXS, we don’t do an interpretation but we do take it seriously,” he said.
“Our show is for anyone who’s interested in hearing live classic Australian rock music. It’s great danceable music that everyone knows and love.”
Local fans of the iconic 80s rock band can expect to hear INXS’ “smash” hits coupled with an “interactive” experience, Graham said.
“We do our show in such a way to really get the crowd involved, and I think people really appreciate that.”
“A lot of the comments from our audience are about how much fun they’ve had.”
“I think that crowd involvement is very much a key part to our success.”
Graham said one of his favourite things about the show is seeing the audience “evolve” over time.
“Our base demographic over 30s but we’ve seen some of the younger kids get involved with it to,” he said.
“We’ve had people in their early 20s come along to our shows.”
“I don’t think they’re used to seeing a full-on sweaty rock band. I think they find it a bit overwhelming but it’s awesome to see that.”
Graham said he was excited to return to his “solid” following in Geelong.
“We’ve brought this show to Geelong for the past five or six years and I’ve always enjoyed it.”
“The Geelong crowd are so great and enthusiastic.”
INXSIVE will land at Sphinx Hotel on 27 July.
