Australian Made: INXS and Jimmy Barnes

This excerpt from the opening of the live concert documentary Australian Made, (Richard Lowenstein, Australia, 1987) builds anticipation for the performances to come. The opening vision is edited to the throbbing beat of INXS’ 'Melting in the Sun' - the title of the song perfectly matching vision of hot and sweaty fans trying to cool down. It will bring back memories for anyone who has ever been to an Aussie summer music festival.

We see backstage crews at work and fans bedecked in 80s band merch, building human pyramids, crowd surfing and doing a Mexican wave. Michael Hutchence, wearing his 80s trademark wardrobe of a bandana and white denim, moves seductively clutching the microphone stand. This excerpt is from the 30th Anniversary edition. The live sound is rich and powerful and the restored vision looks stunning, making it seem like 30 years was only yesterday.

The film includes behind the scenes footage and interviews with rock icons including Michael Hutchence, Chrissy Amphlett, Jimmy Barnes and Kate Ceberano. It was the only time that these iconic Australian bands were in a line-up together, and the Australian Made series of concerts was ground breaking in only featuring Aussie bands:  INXS, Jimmy Barnes, Divinyls, Models, The Saints, The Triffids, Mental as Anything (who don’t appear in the documentary) and I’m Talking. It toured Australian capital cities from December 1986 to January 1987.

For more 1980s music, hair and fashion check out our 1980s curated collection.

Notes by Beth Taylor