Never Tear Us Apart by INXS Song Info
"Never Tear Us Apart" is the fourth single from their sixth studio album, Kick (1987), released in June 1988. The single reached #7 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music was written by Andrew Farriss, who recorded a blues style demo and gave it to Michael Hutchence. The INXS singer then penned a personal love lyric, which was straight from the heart. "Never Tear Us Apart" is a sensuous ballad, layered with synthesizers and containing dramatic pauses before the instrumental breaks. Kirk Pengilly lends a cathartic saxophone solo near the end. According to the liner notes of Shine Like It Does: The Anthology (1979–1997), the song was originally composed on piano as a bluesy number in the style of Fats Domino. Producer Chris Thomas suggested a synth-based arrangement instead. Michael Hutchence's coffin was carried out of St. Andrews Cathedral by the remaining members of INXS and younger brother Rhett, as "Never Tear Us Apart" was played in the background. This song is now thought of by many original INXS fans as Hutchence's anthem.
