Rating: 
Summary: InXs
Review: As a major fan of Inxs i purchased this book more out of curiosity than anything else. I enjoyed the style of writing and the pace. I was a bit dissapointed with all prose on the "family bickering" but realise that setting the record straight was a major motivation for writing the book. All in all a good insight into Michael's life . For those who are searching for a approach into the bands life as opposed to just Micheael's than don't bother with this one.
Rating: 
Summary: What a sad way to write a memoir about a son.
Review: Having been an INXS fan for many years, I was excited to read about the background behind Michael Hutchence. Unfortunately the authors of this book want to rant and rave about how angelic they are with regards to Michael's demise and their internal family disputes. It seemed like they just wanted to smear anyone who they had a battle with during the whole suicide controversy. In addition, they were trying to paint how high society thier life has been throughout the years. Who cares!! They wrote a book entitled the "The Real Story Behind Michael Hutchence", but it should have been titled "The Real Story Behind Michael Hutchence, Tina Hutchence, and Patricia Glassop". I would say 35% of the book is interesting facts/stories about Michael, and the rest is National Enquirer garbage. My condolense to Michael, to have his family write such an awful tribute is very sad indeed.
Rating:
Summary: What a sad way to write a memoir about a son.
Review: Having been an INXS fan for many years, I was excited to read about the background behind Michael Hutchence. Unfortunately the authors of this book want to rant and rave about how angelic they are with regards to Michael's demise and their internal family disputes. It seemed like they just wanted to smear anyone who they had a battle with during the whole suicide controversy. In addition, they were trying to paint how high society thier life has been throughout the years. Who cares!! They wrote a book entitled the "The Real Story Behind Michael Hutchence", but it should have been titled "The Real Story Behind Michael Hutchence, Tina Hutchence, and Patricia Glassop". I would say 35% of the book is interesting facts/stories about Michael, and the rest is National Enquirer garbage. My condolense to Michael, to have his family write such an awful tribute is very sad indeed.
Rating: 
Summary: A family feud that Hutchence would not have appreciated
Review: I doubt very much that Michael Hutchence would have enjoyed this trashing of his father and late girlfriend. This is a bitter family feud which should have been kept within the four walls of their home.Undoubtedly they loved Michael. But wouldn't it have been better to maintain his dignity in death? They should have followed the lead of Michael's father, Kell, who put a tribute website together for his son. This enables fans to post messages etc...and is not a cynical, money making exercise. That said grief does terrible things to people. I sympathise with these women in their hour of sorrow but cannot understand how they could allow a book which maligned the now dead Paula Yates to go on the market. Surely they don't want Paula and Michaels daughter to read such bitters words about her mother. All in all a sad read. If you are a fan of Michael you would be better off make a contribution to one of the charities he liked...Greenpeace etc. May he and Paula rest in peace.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting Insight
Review: I found the book interesting, and also upsetting regarding the shabby way the family was treated after Michael's death. It is a highly personal account regarding family buisness. There are a fair number of photos, 'tho I think that they would have been better if put in chronological order, less mixed up.
I do not agree that the authors should have 'kept it to themselves' - If you're constantly lied about and slagged-off in the Press, it's understandable that you should want to put the record straight.
The book was finnished before Ms Yates' death, which though tragic does not automatically turn her into a Saint beyond reproach.
Rating: 
Summary: A Tragic Life
Review: I have always been a fan of INXS, although I never
knew much about Michael as a person. I became interested
in his life after he took his life. I have to say this
was a hard book to come across, when I did find it..
it was a book hard to put down, even though I knew
the ending. His sister and mother put out a very good
book and they should be proud of brother and son.
I found Michael trying to please everyone but himself.
Trying to keep up in the rock and roll life. Yes, he
had tons of talent but I felt he would of been better
off not leading this life but to settle down with his
true love Michele, having children and being a "normal
person". He was such a tender person, loved his family
and most of all he loved his Tiger. Much too sad he
could not see her to grow up. I also feel if Paula Yates
had not entered his life, he would be alive. He was very
well grounded until he met her...Rest in peace Michael
your music will always live on. And may Tiger grow up well adjusted and to know she had a father who loved
her. And for Paula, your demons are now at rest, but
how sad to take your life with your daughter around
But I am sure that Sir Bob will take care of Tiger
very well. Closing thoughts, Michael had a great family
who adored him and did what they could. Thank you for
this great read.
Rating:
Summary: Just one side of the story
Review: I really feel for Michael Hutchence's mother, and his sister too. They lost a beloved son and brother, and that is a terrible thing. I can understand why they disliked Paula Yates so much and blamed her for his death. HOWEVER this book - their story - is just one side of the story. If you read it, keep that in mind - it is his mother and sister's perspective, and far from the whole picture. The best book I have read on the Michael and Paula saga is Gerry Agar's book "Paula, Michael and Bob - Everything You Know is Wrong", which reveals as much of the inside story as we are going to get, and in a very heartfelt, honest way. What really came through in that particular book, which is NOT apparent from "Just a Man" is that Paula Yates was a wonderful, beautiful, colourful lady and a wonderful and loving mother. Unfortunately she gave her power away - first in her marriage to Bob Geldof and then in her relationship with Michael Hutchence. The downfall of Michael and Paula was drugs, and the paranoia associated with their abuse. Michael unfortunately lead Paula down the ugly road of drug abuse, and it destroyed both of them. What a waste of two wonderful people. Unfortunately Patricia Glassop and Tina Hutchence did not know Paula before drugs started to change her personality, and that should be remembered when reading their book. And as much as I feel for them and their terrible loss, they need to accept that Michael was fully responsible for his drug abuse, his relationship with Paula and her children and ultimately, his fate.
Rating:
Summary: A dreadful indictment on 2 women
Review: If I die before my parents, I know that it is they that will know the least about me; for whatever reasons it is parents and siblings that so often know so little about their sons and daughters brothers and sisters. I knew Michael Hutchence - just a little, not much. But I knew so many people close to him, in that mileu and during that time. Nothing in this book seems anything other than self serving, blinkered and hypocritical. I am appalled by this book and I feel that these women do not serve the memory of the man they profess to have loved. Their loathing of Paula Yates is all too obvious, but who really knows what goes on between 2 people except the 2 in the relationship. In other words, what would they know and why do they hate Paula so much? I think it would have kept Tina and Patricia in good stead if they remember that revenge is a dish best eaten cold. Other books on Hutchence talk of his closeness to his dad not his mum, and claim that Tina Hutchence would have known absolutely zilch about her brother. It serves no purpose to spend an entire book defaming Paula Yates and promoting their own agenda. The shame is theirs. Do not read this book.
Rating:
Summary: A family feud that Hutchence would not have appreciated
Review: If the 80's are the decade of excess, the Australian band INXS became its poster child, as its six members appeared to be rocking hard and living fast. Compared to Jagger and Morrison, ringlet crowned, lead singer Michael Hutchence slithered sensually with his soulful sound, perfecting the art of close microphone singing. The band would have celebrated 20 creative years together, but fell short of such a milestone. On November 22, 1997, the voice fell silent. In the years since, Hutchence is still not at peace: a delayed posthumous release of a solo album; his estate still in dispute; his only child, orphaned recently, living with the man whom Michael feared would take her. And many questions still remain, prompting the creation of numerous television specials, magazines, websites, and books. A fourth book, released on the eve of the third anniversary of Hutchence's passing, with a second printing soon to hit shelves, JUST A MAN has sparked a heated debate amongst "INXSaries", the loyal fans of Hutchence's band. Written by the late singer's sister and mother, Tina Hutchence and Patricia Glassop pay tribute to and set the record straight in a journey spanning time zones and continents. Subtitled "The Real Michael Hutchence", it is the most revealing, fully-dimensional portait of an "ordinary man living an extraordinary life." From its opening, it is clear that this is an account like none other previously released. The book begins at one of the most tragic moments in a person's life as both daughter and mother recount receiving the tragic news regarding their loved one. Hutchence and Glassop, each represented by a distinguished font, reveal and corroborate stories from their own viewpoints in their own words. Until now, all of the material written regarding the singer has focused on his antics, both on stage and off. As the title states, JUST A MAN paints a picture of a playful and caring spirit, filled with much fun and love. Anecdotes and photos of holiday gatherings and shared times are included, as mother and sister tell that which will leave the reader smiling and heartbroken. The star's drug use is discussed in detail, both relatives direct in reactions and opinions. Tina Hutchence and Patricia Glassop also provide insight into each of Michael's love interests, recounting initial meetings and breakups with Michelle Bennett, Jonnie, Virginia Hey, Kylie Minogue, Helena Christiansen, Paula Yates, and "Blair" (a woman in whom Hutchence sought comfort during his time with Yates). Michael Hutchence's daughter with Paula Yates, Heavenly Hiranni Tiger Lily, is also mentioned. While Michael was alive, Ms. Yates did not allow sister Hutchence and mother Glassop much time with Tiger, even stating that the Hutchences were not to have access to the innocent, little girl. The two were not even invited to Tiger's Christening and any presents sent by the family were not accepted. A great deal of pages are devoted to the circumstances surrounding the final hours of Hutchence's life. The most private details of the family are told regarding the events leading up to, including, and following the funeral rites. One will not believe the manner in which Hutchence's property and possessions were treated, as well as the conditions and strains put upon Ms. Hutchence and Mrs. Glassop; the two were led to large crates in which the remainder of the late singer's now mildew and battery acid stained goods lay, only keeping that which was permitted by the executor of the celebrity's estate. From the epilogue, one gains a sense that the challenging experience of writing JUST A MAN has been theraputic for Ms. Hutchence and Mrs. Glassop. A story of a beloved brother and son, JUST A MAN is also two women's "fight for justice and truth" as they come to terms with his passing and steady themselves once more for an oncoming storm of litigations. His voice still heard around the world, JUST A MAN provides a small sense of closure for those who feel that Michael Hutchence has been a part of their lives.
Rating:
Summary: "There's nothing if the truth won't survive..."
Review: If the 80's are the decade of excess, the Australian band INXS became its poster child, as its six members appeared to be rocking hard and living fast. Compared to Jagger and Morrison, ringlet crowned, lead singer Michael Hutchence slithered sensually with his soulful sound, perfecting the art of close microphone singing. The band would have celebrated 20 creative years together, but fell short of such a milestone. On November 22, 1997, the voice fell silent. In the years since, Hutchence is still not at peace: a delayed posthumous release of a solo album; his estate still in dispute; his only child, orphaned recently, living with the man whom Michael feared would take her. And many questions still remain, prompting the creation of numerous television specials, magazines, websites, and books. A fourth book, released on the eve of the third anniversary of Hutchence's passing, with a second printing soon to hit shelves, JUST A MAN has sparked a heated debate amongst "INXSaries", the loyal fans of Hutchence's band. Written by the late singer's sister and mother, Tina Hutchence and Patricia Glassop pay tribute to and set the record straight in a journey spanning time zones and continents. Subtitled "The Real Michael Hutchence", it is the most revealing, fully-dimensional portait of an "ordinary man living an extraordinary life." From its opening, it is clear that this is an account like none other previously released. The book begins at one of the most tragic moments in a person's life as both daughter and mother recount receiving the tragic news regarding their loved one. Hutchence and Glassop, each represented by a distinguished font, reveal and corroborate stories from their own viewpoints in their own words. Until now, all of the material written regarding the singer has focused on his antics, both on stage and off. As the title states, JUST A MAN paints a picture of a playful and caring spirit, filled with much fun and love. Anecdotes and photos of holiday gatherings and shared times are included, as mother and sister tell that which will leave the reader smiling and heartbroken. The star's drug use is discussed in detail, both relatives direct in reactions and opinions. Tina Hutchence and Patricia Glassop also provide insight into each of Michael's love interests, recounting initial meetings and breakups with Michelle Bennett, Jonnie, Virginia Hey, Kylie Minogue, Helena Christiansen, Paula Yates, and "Blair" (a woman in whom Hutchence sought comfort during his time with Yates). Michael Hutchence's daughter with Paula Yates, Heavenly Hiranni Tiger Lily, is also mentioned. While Michael was alive, Ms. Yates did not allow sister Hutchence and mother Glassop much time with Tiger, even stating that the Hutchences were not to have access to the innocent, little girl. The two were not even invited to Tiger's Christening and any presents sent by the family were not accepted. A great deal of pages are devoted to the circumstances surrounding the final hours of Hutchence's life. The most private details of the family are told regarding the events leading up to, including, and following the funeral rites. One will not believe the manner in which Hutchence's property and possessions were treated, as well as the conditions and strains put upon Ms. Hutchence and Mrs. Glassop; the two were led to large crates in which the remainder of the late singer's now mildew and battery acid stained goods lay, only keeping that which was permitted by the executor of the celebrity's estate. From the epilogue, one gains a sense that the challenging experience of writing JUST A MAN has been theraputic for Ms. Hutchence and Mrs. Glassop. A story of a beloved brother and son, JUST A MAN is also two women's "fight for justice and truth" as they come to terms with his passing and steady themselves once more for an oncoming storm of litigations. His voice still heard around the world, JUST A MAN provides a small sense of closure for those who feel that Michael Hutchence has been a part of their lives.
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