The Australian rock legends INXS have finally received long-overdue recognition with their first-ever nomination for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026. Announced in late February 2026, this milestone comes more than two decades after the band became eligible in 2006, marking a significant moment for fans who have long viewed INXS as one of the Hall’s most glaring snubs.
INXS, formed in Sydney in 1977, fused rock swagger, new wave cool, funk rhythms, and danceable grooves into a sound that defined the late 1980s and early 1990s. Fronted by the charismatic Michael Hutchence, whose magnetic stage presence and sensual vocals made him one of rock’s most compelling frontmen, the band—completed by guitarist Tim Farriss, multi-instrumentalist Kirk Pengilly, bassist Garry Gary Beers, keyboardist Andrew Farriss, and drummer Jon Farriss—achieved massive global success. They sold over 60 million records worldwide, with their 1987 album Kick becoming a blockbuster, featuring iconic hits like “Need You Tonight,” “Never Tear Us Apart,” “Devil Inside,” and “New Sensation.”
Despite this commercial dominance and critical acclaim for their innovative blend of styles, INXS had never appeared on the ballot until now. The 2026 nominations include 17 artists, with INXS among 10 first-time nominees. The full list features a diverse mix: Phil Collins, Lauryn Hill, Mariah Carey, Oasis, P!NK, The Black Crowes, Jeff Buckley, Melissa Etheridge, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, New Edition, Sade, Shakira, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan.
Band members expressed joy and gratitude upon the news. Founding member and chief songwriter Andrew Farriss told Billboard he and his bandmates were “thrilled and excited,” describing the nomination as something that “goes into the history books.” He reflected on late frontman Michael Hutchence, who tragically died in 1997 at age 37, noting that Hutchence once said early in their career, “One day I’d like to think whatever we did mattered.” Farriss added, “I think this shows that it did. That’s pretty cool.”
INXS issued a statement saying, “We are honoured to be included in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees, amongst this incredible group of artists.” The official Rock and Roll Hall of Fame site highlights the band’s sound as “one of the most infectious sounds of the 1980s — clean, clear, and impossible to resist,” with Hutchence’s presence elevating everything they created.
The nomination has sparked excitement among fans, with calls to support the band through the ongoing fan vote at rockhall.com (voting is daily and helps influence an additional ballot alongside the 1,200-member professional voting body). Inductees for the 2026 class will be announced in April, with the ceremony expected later in the year.
This nod arrives amid a ballot that leans into multi-generational and genre-spanning success, but INXS stands out as a pure rock act with crossover appeal that influenced countless artists. After years of being overlooked, the band’s nomination feels like validation of their enduring legacy—one that fused rock energy with pop accessibility in a way few others achieved.
Whether INXS secures induction remains to be seen amid tough competition, but this first step recognizes what fans have known for decades: INXS mattered, and their music still resonates today.
