Success not INXS

Last evening, I was one of those lucky enough (and I serve that up heavy on the sarcasm) to catch Rock Star: INXS on CBS. Yes, the remaining band members have reunited in a quest to find a new lead singer from the lairs of underground clubs, coffee shops, and, apparently, high-schools and colleges, by the looks of some of the contestants. However, it should be noted that the band insists it is not trying to replace it's former frontman, (the now deceased) Michael Hutchence. Whew, that's comforting to know, because, quite honestly, that would never be possible with this motley crew the band is hell-bent on interviewing.

Am I the only one that finds this entire attempt at television entertainment to be inconsequential from every possible standpoint? Let's be honest here, INXS, as an 80/90s band didn't exactly rule those eras outright. I, for one, even question them deserving a top 5 nod on a best bands list for that time? Somehow, Rock Star: The Cure or Rock Star: U2 seems to carry a lot more weight among today's music fans. But much more obvious, at least to me, is the fact that Michael Hutchence basically was INXS. Can anyone out there really name another band member? And, uh, where's the band been since his death in 1997? Now, almost 8 full years later, the guys just suddenly decided that they're ready to hit the studio again…renewed, refreshed and with a new voice leading the way.

Regardless, the show itself borders not only on ridculous, but even comical. At one point, rocker Dave Navarro, who has managed to somehow earn a supporting role, informs the aspiring contestants that it really is a dream to play in front of a crowd of 100,000 screaming fans. Ok, does anyone really think that today's INXS is nailing down venues of that magnitude? And, I'm pretty sure a new face in the band isn't going to contribute much in that capacity unless old Mikey is somehow resurrected from the great beyond.

Anyway you slice it, it sounds like the I-gang's running out of money fast and this is a simply a scheme to grab a few more bucks, as well as a few hours of primetime spotlight. I frequently hear people criticizing old bands for selling out by lending their music to TV ads or promotional jingles. Well, congratulations, INXS fans, your boys just set a new record in that category.