Why rock stars should be nice to taxi drivers
Deceased rock star Michael Hutchence is in the spotlight again.
No doubt the recent mini-series Never Tear Us Apart: The Untold Story of INXS, which dramatised the rise and fall of one the biggest bands of the 80s and the sad decline of its front-man, is a major factor.
Michael Hutchence, in case you missed the 80s, was the lead singer of mega successful Australian rock band INXS. He died in a hotel room after strangling himself on a doorknob and his partner Paula Yates was often blamed for his downfall. She died a few years later of a heroin overdose.
The rather sordid origins of the Hutchence/Yates affair began shortly after she interviewed him on British TV’s The Big Breakfast. At the time, Yates was married to Bob Geldof and Hutchence was dating supermodel Helena Christensen.
The affair shocked and horrified not only their partners but also the British press, who hounded the couple relentlessly.
People could not understand why Hutchence would dump the beautiful Christensen for Yates, who the press described as the ageing mother of three and wife of a British hero.
Surprisingly, I may just have the answer.
It revolves around an extraordinary encounter I had with a furious Sydney taxi driver in the early 90s.
I hailed his cab soon after Hutchence had apparently gotten out. The taxi driver was apoplectic. He asked if I knew Hutchence, which luckily I didn’t, and proceeded to rant about the insolent rock star who he’d sooner “run over in my cab than pick up again.”
Several years later, Hutchence upset another taxi driver while out with Christensen in Copenhagen.
Was this the very same Sydney taxi driver? Had he moved abroad to escape rude Australian rock stars and was enjoying a nice croissant dipped in hot chocolate until Hutchence got into his cab again?
This irate Dutch (or possibly recently emigrated ex-Sydney) taxi driver knocked Hutchence unconscious after which, according to many, the singer underwent a personality change.
The brain is a fragile instrument and a strong blow leaves lasting damage. This could explain why Hutchence then became erratic, impulsive and aggressive and unlikely to consider the consequences of a high profile affair with Yates.
So it’s possible the tragic trajectory of Hutchence’s life may have been avoided if someone had advised him to hire a private limo whenever he left home.
More articles
Share this:
- Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
- Click to print (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
Pingback: Why old rockstars stop fighting and make cheese instead - midlifexpress | midlifexpress
Truly a sad and tragic story. RIP Micheal Hutchence and Paula Yates.
So true Dane. If only Hutchence had sought some help earlier then events may have turned out much differently.
I believe that Michael Hutchence “drank the kool-aide” as far back as “New Sensation” and continued on thru just about every Lyric of every Song. The Album ‘Kick’ spawned “Devil Inside” and in the Video, it practically reveals that he did. I have noticed many discrepancies that Clearly point out that Michael Hutchence did NOT commit Suicide. I would welcome a dialogue if you are interested.
Sincerely
Mary Hart Huhnke
Thanks for your comments Mary. Who knows what happened to Michael Hutchence as he’s taken all his secrets to the grave.
A really interesting post. I enjoy your website. Keep up the good work
I know that you are being witty but the death of Hutchence is really sad. Having a brain injury is nothing to make jokes about.
I really enjoy your articles. Particularly the quirky celebrity ones. I hope to read more.