Rock-star wannabe gives INXS a second chance

By Patrick MacDonald

Seattle Times music critic

Michael Hutchence has finally been replaced.

If there was any question as to whether new INXS lead singer J.D. Fortune could be credible performing a whole set — rather than a song or two, as he did on "Rockstar: INXS," the TV contest on which he won the job — he wiped out all doubt Thursday night at the Paramount, on the first American date of an international tour.

Young, dark and sexy Fortune sang with more control and fewer vocal mannerisms than he did on the TV show, and he played the role of rock star to the hilt, just as Hutchence did in INXS' heyday in the 1980s. The packed crowd, most of whom stood throughout the 90-minute set, obviously adored him.

The Australian band had been foundering since Hutchence's suicide eight years ago, trying on a variety of new lead singers, most notably Jon Stevens, who toured with the band for three years.

Using the power of television to pick a new lead singer, "American Idol"-style, was a stroke of genius. It made INXS seem young and hip again, resulting in a new hit album, "Switch," and the tour, with most dates selling out as soon as they went on sale.

Fortune is not as gifted a singer as Hutchence, who could handle romantic ballads as well as hard rockers. Fortune is harder-edged, closer to punk than Hutchence, who was influenced by American R&B. The heavily-tattooed Fortune updates the band's image with a '90s, hip-hop look.

Fortune was having the time of his life onstage, which he commanded like a veteran. Although he was the focal point, the rest of the band was just as animated and happy, wearing grins a mile wide. They know they've got a good thing going with Fortune and were lucky to find him. Few bands get such a strong second chance.

Five songs from the new album were featured in the 19-song set, and they fit in well with the INXS hits from 20 years ago.

The set opened powerfully with a couple of classics, "Suicide Blonde" and "New Sensation," followed by the first of the new songs, "Devil's Party." Other new songs included the reggae-flavored "Never Let You Go," the romantic "Afterglow" and the cynical, rocking "Pretty Vegas."

INXS' classics included "Mystify," "What You Need," "Devil Inside," "Never Tear Us Apart" and "Don't Change."

Marty Casey, a finalist on "Rockstar; INXS," opened the show with his band, Lovehammers. Casey, pencil-thin with shaggy blond hair for an eraser, also enjoyed playing rock star, although his original songs were undistinguished. The best-received song was a cover of Johnny Cash's classic "Ring of Fire."

Patrick MacDonald: 206-464-2312, pmacdonald@seattletimes.com

Set List

1. "Suicide Blonde"

2. "New Sensation"

3. "Devil's Party"

4. "Mystify"

5. "Disappear"

6. "By My Side"

7. "Afterglow"

8. "Taste It"

9. "Original Sin"

10. "Hungry"