INXS

The reports of JD Fortune, the Canadian ex Elvis impersonator, and the new front man of INXS have so far been favourable. It hasn’t gone unnoticed his sexual charge and energy, combined with lean pretty boy looks. Add a vociferous, hearty crowd, largely determined to enjoy familiar tunes (played by five sixths of the original line up), and you've got the ingredients on the table for a rousing affair. And it nearly was. Comparisons with the late Michael Hutchence is both the fortune and the burden that JD must carry, but that’s part of the deal. No one can replace the irreplaceable, so the comparisons become a little pointless, but we all do it anyway, it simply can’t be helped.

The early set, including classic hits Mystify and Disappear showcased Fortunes captivating, lithe, energetic stagecraft, and he handled the Hutchence responsibility incredibly well. He carried it off with a commendable confidence, while never fully stretching his decent enough vocals. This extra date, by popular demand, is a clear indicator that he’s doing something right with the original fans, and that can only have aided his ease into the mantle.

However, the bluesy drive of By My Side lacked feeling and, if only for 3 minutes, I found myself watching a pub tribute band. JD’s constant sexual wriggling and prancing started to become an irritation, and despite the cool touch of pouring red wine to the frontline crowd, his novelty began to wane - over playing the acting sexy card. Just as I was tiring of his snake-like camp manoeuvres and constant kissing and hugging his band members, just as I was seeing unfold before my eyes the luckiest tribute singer in the world, I adjusted my focus to the five original players, messrs Farriss, Beers, Farriss, Pengilly and Farriss. Each showing a hunger to revisit their back catalogue and a thirst to perform the new material. The latter warmly received, while the heavyweights of I Need You Tonight, Devil Inside, New Sensation and Never Tear Us Apart (encore) were the obvious crowd pleasing highlights.

You can’t replace the irreplaceable, but you can be given the trust of a famous band (and their fans) with some much loved songs, allowing them to enjoy being INXS again. While Mr Fortune has room to grow into the role, he certainly didn’t abuse his privilege.

INXS play the following UK summer concerts during June 2007:

Tues 5 Bristol Colston Hall
Wed 6 Nottingham Royal Centre
Tue 12 Glasgow Clyde Auditorium
Thu 14 Manchester Apollo
Fri 15 Newcastle City Hall
Sun 17 Brighton Dome
Mon 18 Birmingham Symphony Hall
Thu 21 London Hammersmith Apollo
Mon 25 Sheffield City Hall
Tue 26 Cambridge Corn Exchange

24 hr ticket hotline: 0870 735 5000
Online booking: www.bookingsdirect.com
Official website: www.inxs.com

Photo Tony Bartolo.
Rob Barnett, Music News