In the late 1980s, Michael Hutchence emerged as a rock icon, leading INXS to global stardom with his unique charisma and sultry voice. However, his untimely death in 1997 at just 37 years old raised unsettling questions about his finances and legacy. As it turns out, Hutchence’s family claims they have never seen any of his fortune, leaving a mystery that endures to this day.
The Rise of INXS
Founded in Sydney in 1977, INXS originally operated under the name “The Farriss Brothers,” featuring Michael Hutchence as the lead vocalist alongside a talented lineup that included Andrew Farriss on keyboards, Tim Farriss on guitar, and Jon Farriss on drums. By 1979, they adopted their now-famous name and quickly established a presence in Australia’s dynamic pub rock scene. Their eclectic mix of rock, pop, and funk eventually led to a recording contract and a dedicated fanbase.
INXS achieved significant commercial success with their 1985 album “Listen Like Thieves,” which produced the hit single “What You Need.” Their 1987 release, “Kick,” propelled them to international stardom, selling over 20 million copies and yielding four top 10 hits in the United States: “Need You Tonight,” “Devil Inside,” “New Sensation,” and “Never Tear Us Apart.” The songwriting duo of Hutchence and Andrew Farriss became central to the band’s success, crafting nearly all of their biggest hits and solidifying their lasting impact in music.
The Shocking Aftermath
Tragically, Michael Hutchence died by suicide on November 22, 1997, at the age of 37. At that time, he had one daughter, Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily, and held an estimated personal fortune of around $13 million, equivalent to roughly $27 million today. His will clearly outlined the distribution of his estate: half to Tiger Lily and the remaining half spread among family members and charitable contributions. However, these intentions were never fulfilled.
In the immediate days following his death, Hutchence’s brother Rhett disclosed that a long-time associate, Colin Diamond, collected Michael’s belongings from the hotel where he died. Out of 169 items cataloged by the police, the family only received Michael’s belt. This incident marked the beginning of a lengthy legal battle over rights to Hutchence’s estate, personal items, and image.
A Disappearing Fortune
Eight years after Hutchence’s death, family members learned that he had reportedly died “virtually broke.” Complex offshore trusts and corporations obscured his true financial situation. A British Virgin Islands company known as Chardonnay Investments, established in 1992, was at the center of this web, listing Hutchence’s father as a beneficiary while excluding Michael as a primary beneficiary himself. This complicated structure directly contradicted the provisions of his will.
New Revelations
In 2017, the “Paradise Papers” leak unveiled further insights into Hutchence’s estate. It came to light that in 2015, Colin Diamond established a company in Mauritius called Helipad Plain, intended to profit from Michael’s legacy on the 20th anniversary of his death. Internal communications indicated that Diamond had control over Hutchence’s materials without any mention of provisions for Tiger Lily.
Media and Legacy
Later that year, Channel Seven aired a special titled “Michael Hutchence: The Last Rockstar,” which featured Diamond sharing contents from Michael’s diary filled with lyrics and personal reflections. Rhett Hutchence criticized Diamond for holding the diary for two decades, suggesting it had been withheld to protect Diamond’s interests.
Unresolved Issues
Although Tiger Lily has reportedly received some payments from Diamond, her family asserts that these amounts fall significantly short of her rightful inheritance. Despite being named in Michael’s will, the rest of the family claims they have not seen any financial benefit from his estate. Diamond argues that his late friend did not wish for his relatives to inherit his wealth, a claim at odds with the will’s explicit terms.
As nearly three decades have passed, the fate of Michael Hutchence’s fortune remains an ongoing and troubling mystery, characterized by complex legal entanglements and unresolved questions. The rock star, whose dynamic presence once lit up stages around the world, has left behind a daughter, a rich musical legacy, and a narrative that continues to intrigue and perplex.
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