INXS Drummer Overview
INXS is best known for its tight, danceable new wave and rock, driven by a powerful rhythm section. While Michael Hutchence led vocals and Andrew Farriss shaped the guitar-driven songs, the drums anchored the band’s syncopated groove. This profile explains who played drums for INXS, their role in recording and touring, and how the lineup influenced the band’s sound over time.
Primary Drummers in INXS History
INXS used a small, consistent lineup for most of its peak years, and the drums were handled by a succession of reliable players. From early pubs to huge stadiums, each drummer contributed to the band’s timing, power, and live impact. Below are the main members who played drums for INXS and the periods they served.
Live Baby Live Drum Contributions
During the late-1980s and early-1990s peak, INXS relied on a core team to cover drums across tours and sessions. This table summarizes the verified roles and periods for the band’s main drummers.
| Drummer | Role in INXS | Active Period with INXS | Notes on Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kirk Pengilly | Drums, percussion, guitar, vocals | 1977–present (core from late 1970s) | Longtime member who frequently played drums in studio and live, especially during tours |
| Jon Farriss | Drums, percussion | Joined mid-1970s, core recording/touring drummer 1980–1998 | Oversaw most studio recording drums for key albums; co-wrote songs |
| Steve Gould | >Drums | Early 1970s, very early rehearsals | Brief early member before the classic lineup formed |
| Andrew Farriss | Keyboards, guitars, occasional drums | 1977–present (core songwriter) | Stepped in on drums in the studio and live when needed; foundational architect of the band’s sound |
| Terry Hill | Drums (early rehearsals) | Early 1970s during formation | Played with the band before the name INXS and initial lineup stabilized |
Jon Farriss: The Studio Anchor
Jon Farriss was the consistent studio drummer for INXS during their most productive recording period in the 1980s. He helped shape the precise, punchy drum sound on albums like Shabooh Shoobah, The Swing of Things, and Kick. Farriss worked closely with producer Mark Opitz, using tight patterns and steady grooves that suited the band’s mix of rock, funk, and pop. His kit work supported layered percussion and contributed to the polished yet driving recordings that defined the era.
Kirk Pengilly: Touring Power and Versatility
Kirk Pengilly joined INXS in the late 1970s and became a dependable fixture on stage. Although primarily known for guitar and sax, Pengilly handled many drum parts during live shows, especially as the band’s touring needs grew. His endurance and timing helped replicate the studio feel in large venues, and he contributed backing vocals and percussion textures. In the studio, he occasionally added fills and stylistic touches that enriched the overall sound without dominating the rhythm section’s balance.
Andrew Farriss and Occasional Drum Contributions
While best known as the band’s guitarist and keyboardist, Andrew Farriss stepped in on drums when necessary. His deep understanding of the songs allowed him to lay down parts in the studio, particularly during rehearsals or when the main drummer was occupied. These contributions were generally supportive and pragmatic, helping keep recordings moving and preserving the groove that the band had already established with dedicated drummers.
Early Lineup and Formation Drummers
Before INXS settled into its classic lineup, the role of drums shifted as the band searched for the right combination of skill and chemistry. Early rehearsals featured different players as the group explored its direction. Once the core lineup coalesced, the drum responsibilities became more structured, leading to the division between studio and touring roles that characterized their most successful years.
Live Performances and Rhythm Section Dynamics
Onstage, INXS relied on a clear division to maintain energy and precision. Jon Farriss and Kirk Pengilly shared responsibilities, with Farriss often anchoring the set in a more stationary kit role while Pengilly moved around the stage for vocal and instrumental parts. This arrangement allowed the band to keep a powerful, consistent beat while accommodating complex song arrangements and dynamic live transitions.
Legacy and Influence of INXS Rhythms
The drumming in INXS helped define a new wave of rhythm-forward rock and pop that combined danceability with live-band intensity. The interplay between Farriss’s tight studio patterns and Pengilly’s energetic stage work gave the band a signature that influenced later artists seeking to blend funk, rock, and pop. The consistency of the rhythm section remains a reference point for musicians studying how to support hook-driven songs without oversimplifying the groove.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was the main drummer for INXS in the studio? Jon Farriss was the primary studio drummer, responsible for most recorded drum parts during the band’s peak albums.
- Did INXS have multiple drummers? Yes, the band used several players over time, with Kirk Pengilly and Jon Farriss handling most live and studio work, and Andrew Farriss occasionally contributing parts.
- How did the drums contribute to INXS’s sound? The drum grooves gave INXS its driving pulse, balancing danceable beats with rock power, which became central to their commercial appeal.
- Are any of the original members still with INXS? Kirk Pengilly remains an active member; other early-era contributors have passed away or moved on to other projects.
Quick Comparison of Main Drummers
| Drummer | Primary Role in INXS | Key Albums/Era | Live vs Studio Split |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jon Farriss | Studio drummer, core percussion | Shabooh Shoobah, The Swing of Things, Kick | Most studio; select live dates |
| Kirk Pengilly | Touring drummer, guitar, sax, vocals | Live Baby Live, Listen Like Thieves (tour) | Extensive touring; occasional studio |
| Andrew Farriss | Songwriting, keys, guitar; drums as needed | All periods, mainly songwriting and arrangements | Occasional fills; not a primary live drummer |
Summary
INXS relied on a small group of skilled drummers to power its tight, groove-centric sound. Jon Farriss provided the foundational studio pulse, while Kirk Pengilly strengthened the live performances with energy and versatility. Their combined contributions helped make the band’s music both radio-ready and electrifying on stage, ensuring that the rhythm section remains central to INXS’s enduring appeal.