From CNN.com (11/22/97) -- cnn.com/showbiz/9711/22/hutchence.dead/index.html

SYDNEY. Austrialia (CNN) -- The rock music world was in shock as fans, family and colleagues attempted to come to grips with the death of INXS lead singer Michael Hutchence. Fellow members in the band INXS (pronounced 'in excess') said on Sunday they were stunned by the death of their 37-year-old frontman as they prepared for the group's 20th anniversary tour. Around the world, rock music fans expressed grief, disappointment and even cynicism over the death of another prominent star in the rock music world. Hutchence's body was found in a room at an exclusive Sydney hotel room on Saturday just before noon, police said. CNN's John Raedler reports Police said they had taken a leather belt away for forensic examination, but there were "no suspicious circumstances." They would not comment on local media reports that he had hanged himself with the belt from his hotel door. Prescribed medication, but no illegal drugs, was also taken from the room. "Everything is a matter for the coroner and as such we cannot comment," a police spokeswoman said. A post-mortem examination is scheduled for Monday.

Associate Editor, Donn Jehs reacts:

Just a couple of months ago I was able to see Michael Hutchence and the band "INXS" in concert here in Tampa. If ever a man seemed alive and in tune with the crowd it was Michael that night. I was impressed and said so in my review. Everything I had read about INXS indicated a new, more content Michael. He was a recent father and was back in Australia to plan the band's 20th anniversary tour. So why did he apparently hang himself with his belt in a hotel room? There is no indication of drugs -- other than prescription -- being in the room. I do know that there have been cases of kids hanging themselves to experience narcosis with no intent to actually die. But it is only supposition on my part for who knows what goes on in the mind of another soul. All I know is there must have been a 'devil inside' to cause this young man to prematurely end his life and thus join the pantheon of rock stars who for whatever reason sought an escape from this veil. My sympathies to his family, fellow band members and  fans. He and his music will be missed.

Late Breaking News!

JANE'S ADDICTION "Relapse" Update

"Jane's Addiction is about to make their Network TV Debut on "Saturday Night Live." Quoting the Press Release: "You've seen them on the cover of just about every major music magazine. You've seen them live in concert. You've seen them on MTV in their award-winning video. But you've never seen "Jane's Addiction" on network television - until now! On Saturday, November 8, 1997, "Jane's Addiction" will make its network television debut as the special musical guests on NBC-TV's "Saturday Night Live." What song will they perform? You'll have to tune in to find out. "Jane's Addiction" is making this special appearance in conjunction with the release of the group's first CD release in six years - "Kettle Whistle" - due out on November 4th on Warner Bros. Records. The group is also making a five-week concert trek beginning with two sold out shows in New York on 10/30 and 10/31 (most announced dates are already sold out). For hte "SNL" appearance and the tour dates, "Jane's" original members Perry Farrell, Stephen Perkins and Dave Navarro will be joing by "Red Hot Chili Peppers' " bassist, Flea. Check it out!

R.E.M. DRUMMER LEAVING AFTER 17 YEARS Bandmates Say They'll Continue, But Won't Replace Him

By Rich Copley, Athens Daily News OCTOBER 30th 1997 Bill Berry told the other three band members that he was not interested in continuing when they gathered in Athens to begin working on a new album. But the band had often said that if one member left the band, the band would cease to exist. "Well we also said, probably more often than that, that we would do this until it wasn't fun anymore," Berry said. "It's not as much fun for me, it's still fun for these guys." Guitarist Peter Buck recalled Berry saying "'I'm not going to quit if it means you guys are going to break up.' The fact is we were already in preparation for a record and I was already geared up." "We said we certainly aren't going to stop, and Bill doesn't want us to stop. So it's made it a weird experience, and it is weird - sad and weird. But if it's good for Bill then it's good for us." "There's no way you're going to feel like the (new) record is quite the same," said Mitch Easter, producer of R.E.M.'s first EP, "Chronic Town" (1981) and first two albums, "Murmur" (1983) and "Reckoning" (1984). "I always thought Bill was the secret weapon of the band. I always wondered if people realized how much his vocals added to their sound in the early years." Berry said he will he will spend time on his farm in Oconee County, but had no other immediate plans. "It takes a long time for a feather to drop," he said.