INXS: Live Baby Live
Filed Under: Music, Reviews | Article Tags : DVD review , music on dvd
By: Erik Swift
|
For a band as visually prolific as INXS, it is surprising that they are only just now releasing their first DVD. Many fans expected a two-disc set with the more than four hours of videos they have in their vaults. It’s hard to argue with the surviving band members’ first choice, however – their famous 1991 concert at London’s Wembley Stadium. Selling out a venue that holds over 70 thousand people is no easy feat. Pulling it off in England while being an Australian band just wasn’t done. On the sixth anniversary of the venue’s and INXS’ Live Aid appearance, the sextet did exactly that on July 13, 1991.
A massive shoot involving 16 cameras, the band is in outstanding form. The opening daylight jam on “Guns In The Sky” is a reminder that INXS were and s till remain one of the tightest outfits on the planet. Viewing this DVD reminded me how underrated Jon Farriss’ drumming is. He solidly anchors the band as the moon rises over the stadium during a funked-out performance of “Original Sin.” “What You Need” finds the band furiously gel into a groove while Kirk Pengilly’s saxophone floats over the entire proceedings. INXS truly relish the high point of their career as vocalist Michael Hutchence prances around like a cat, exuding his Elvis via Jim Morrison stage charisma as explosive versions of “Wild Life” and “Suicide Blonde” rock the crowd.
The sound and look of this disc is great, regardless of the occasional scratch on the film. The booklet is jammed with photos and personal comments from the band. The two documentaries also included are worth viewing. “Talk Baby Talk” is a grainy but informative TV special from the week of the concert, while the “Wembley Excess” documentary features the ever-youthful guys today excitedly reminiscing about the biggest pub they ever played.
INXS would go into a more experimental phase for the next few years. Being so adventurous would cost them both fans and popularity, losing ground to Nirvana and Oasis during the 1990s. When Hutchence took his own life in 1997 on the eve of a twentieth-anniversary tour of their homeland, it was a huge blow. “Live Baby Live” shows this band during much happier times and having fun. That alone is worth watching.
Reviewer’s Opinion: RENT IT!!
Loading ...
