INXS show gets back into the swing

THE Australian INXS Show is returning to Swan Hill Town Hall on August 16 and, after the huge success of last year’s high-energy show that had locals baying for more, it is expected that ticket sales will move quickly.

This year’s show is similar, but different to the performance we saw last year with band members saying this new version is “next level”.

Swan Hill Town Hall has become one of the band’s favourite venues with the character and the architecture of the building taking it above just looking like a box.

The Melbourne-based show is a fully immersive rock experience and has toured not only Australia but also to Dubai, India, Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Vanuatu, Singapore, Japan, China, Bora Bora, New Caledonia, Taipei and South Korea.

At first glance, frontman Dellacoma Rio could be easily mistaken for his alter ego Michael Hutchence, and it is not only his looks but his whole on-stage persona, movements and energy.

The dynamic performer, whose liveliness had the local crowd dancing and singing along to the well known hits, didn’t start out as a singer, spending his university days in Nebraska in the US on a tennis scholarship studying theatre.

He has always had an interest in music and began singing and performing regularly in Los Angeles as a side gig to his acting when people started to comment about the way his style and movements reflected those of Hutchence, so when he joined the group seven years ago it seemed natural.

Mr Rio said that the last 18 months of performing the show on their national tour and input from audiences has helped them create an even better audience experience.

“We have added several elements that weren’t there previously, a few more songs have been added and an INXS medley,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to coming back and getting that vibe off the locals. I have requested a wireless mic so I can get in with the audience like I did last year, it was a lot of fun.

“We are very aware we are not INXS and the audience is also very aware of that and we are trying to help people unlock the memories when they went and saw the live show. We want to make them feel the same way that they felt or imagine how they would feel seeing INXS live.”

The band was formed more than 10 years ago by Rob Moody, who portrays Kirk Pengilly in the show, along with a couple of other members in the current line-up originally playing the pub circuit, not unlike the original INXS.

Tickets for the show are available from the town hall box office or online at swanhilltownhall.com/events/the-australian-inxs-show