INXS: 50 Million reasons to celebrate

Petrol Records and Universal Music Group last night hosted an evening of milestone celebrations to honor Australia’s iconic, INXS at the State Theatre in Sydney.

The highly anticipated, invitation-only VIP event attracted a strong turn-out of high profile celebrities, international music industry heavyweights, media and guests attending the 40th-anniversary Masquerade party.

The night’s major highlight was the presentation to INXS of the prestigious award to acknowledge a landmark achievement of having sold 50 million records globally spanning their 40-year career.

Following the presentation, Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of UMG, made a video appearance and delivered a personal message of congratulations and praise. Speaking from Los Angeles Sir Lucian referred to the evening as ‘A celebration to mark 50 MILLION sales by possibly the most important, significant, culturally brilliant band.”

The decadent evening was enjoyed by the 400-strong crowd at the historical surroundings of the State Theatre. Guests were teased with a preview of the expansive collection of INXS artifacts covering the band’s 40-year career.This intimate representation is indicative of a broader collection of the Lost Archives CM Murphy unveiled tonight, amounting to a priceless history of Australian music.

International guests included Grammy Award-winning producer Giles Martin, UMG Japanese CEO Naoshi Fujikura. SNR VP Global Marketing UMG Andrew Daw, Mark Pinkus President Rhino/WMG, Petrol Records Chairman CM Murphy, and mixed with band members Tim, Jon and Andrew Farriss, Kirk Pengilly, Garry Gary Beers.

Media and VIP guests also attended, including, Havana Brown, James Smith (US Comedian), actors Michael Caton, Nick Masters, Ben Mingay, Mark Furze, Alex Williams, Imogen Anthony, Bruce Hopkins, TV presenters Liv Phyland, Scott Tweedie and Georgia Berg, model/actor April Rose Pengilly, and surfer Layne Beachley.

Long-time band friend and local media personality Richard Wilkins acted as host.

Earlier in the week, Universal Music Group, Rhino Entertainment, and Petrol Records held an intimate dinner celebrating 30 years of KICK with the band receiving awards for platinum certifications of KICK in Australia (x 7); USA x 6; Canada (Diamond); UK (x 3)

The 4-Disc KICK30 Anniversary Edition will be available on November 3 and includes a Brand New Dolby Atmos mix by Giles Martin.