What’s the definition of rock ‘n roll?
Is holding a public audition in the form of a game show a rebellious move? Is this how true art is made? Or is this the ultimate example of “corporate” rock?
Replacing a lead singer is always risky, of course. Even bands that made the shift successfully went through a transition period where fans felt betrayed. Pink Floyd, Genesis, and Van Halen did okay with their second leads. But when Genesis and Van Halen tried to move on with the third stringers, that’s when they stumbled.
In any case, it’s usually a good idea to bring in someone fans already know and respect. The strange exception is when Judas Priest actually hired a tribute band singer to take Rob Helford’s spot.
So, should INXS just try to get another famous singer? They already did, apparently. Mike Patton, of Faith No More (not the original singer), Mr. Bungle, and Fantomas, claims to have been approached several years ago. The guy is a great singer and songwriter, but really opinionated. He actually laughed in their faces and then went on to brag about it.
From eastbayexpress.com:
[Mike Patton] even went so far as to badmouth the group on Australian radio, making a tasteless joke in the process… ‘OK, look. I did consider it. I told them that the only way I would do it was if I came on stage and could rig up a noose and hang myself while I was singing.'”
That little joke went out on national radio. During National Suicide Awareness Week. While Michael Hutchence’s parents were listening. Oops.
Patton seems to regret hurting anyone, but isn’t sorry he said it. “I was rough, but hey, you can come out snarling when your back is against the wall,” he says. “And plus they suck!” he adds, laughing. “F*%k them! They are f*%king godawful! And not only that, I turned them down and they didn’t want me to talk about that fact? Kiss my ass! Dingo-loving sons of bitches!”
So what kind of show will Rock Star: INXS be? The producers are undoubtedly hoping it will be the new American Idol. I’ll at least be tuning in to hear how contestants sing those catchy INXS songs. But would I buy a new INXS album with a game show contestant as the lead? No. Unless it was Bo Bice. He rocks.
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With rock bands whose lead voices are practically their trademarks — Rush, the Police, Queen, etc. — messing around with the ingredients and calling it the same thing can be just plain silly. I don’t know enough INXS material to know to what degree that applies for them.
As for the double whammy of replacing them with another “trademark voice”, it can get twice as silly.
That said, you don’t really want to be doomed to an association with a televised contest either.