Epi 230:“The night INXS became the biggest band on the planet!”

September 7th, 1988, marked the culmination of 11 years of toil and sweat, when a true “band of brothers” from down under became the biggest musical act on the planet by scooping the pool at the 1988 MTV Music Awards.

Nominated for nine awards, INXS walked away with the top five major honors, edging out longtime rivals U2, along with music legends like George Harrison, Bruce Springsteen, and XTC, with their iconic Need You Tonight/Mediate song and groundbreaking video.

By this time, the MTV Awards had already surpassed the Grammys as the preeminent music event, and INXS rightfully stood as the darlings of the international music industry. Having spent the previous decade tirelessly touring the globe and steadily building momentum, they reached a crescendo that placed them at the very center of the late-’80s musical zeitgeist.

With fellow icons including Rod Stewart, Aerosmith, Depeche Mode, Guns N’ Roses, Elton John, Cher, Bryan Ferry, Peter Gabriel, Cyndi Lauper, and The Bangles appearing or presenting, the night became both a peer-to-peer celebration and global recognition of INXS’ remarkable achievements. Much of this impact was amplified through the vision of legendary TV producer Dick Clark, who ensured the event was broadcast around the world.

So it’s with great pleasure that Bee and I unpack this unforgettable night, explore the rise and history of the MTV Awards, and reflect on the lasting impact this achievement continues to hold within the INXS legacy.

Love and peace ✌️

https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/