A Good Reason to Talk About INXS

Call it a hunch, or fate, or just a mere coincidence, but I've been listening to a lot of classic INXS lately. I can't explain why, but I've found it very comforting to have "Never Tear Us Apart" many times on repeat. 

After original lead singer Michael Hutchence died in 1997, the remaining members of INXS were left with a difficult decision to either pick up and move on...or call it quits. The band forged ahead and eventually used reality television to find a new, permanent lead singer instead of transitional vocalists used between 1997 and 2004.

Rockstar: INXS was on CBS but I never watched the show. I tried to get into it once, but I just couldn't. I didn't think the competitors were that great and I found the entire concept tedious. Yes, I found Rockstar: INXS more tedious than American Idol.    

So, what does any of this have to do with Glam? Turns out a lot.

Paul Black is the original singer of L.A. Guns and for the past couple of years he's been reunited with Tracii's version of the band. As L.A. Guns, they played some big shows including Rocklahoma 2007. Well, Paul is out and now Marty Casey is in. Marty (clearly) didn't win the Rockstar: INXS prize.

Marty has been up in Canada with L.A. Guns for awhile, helping the band write their new album. Now here's something weird: on April 9 I was supposed to interview Jeremy Guns about the band's new album. After he got to Canada, he cancelled the interview. I didn't think much of it at the time, but now I'm wondering if something was amiss even at the beginning of the recording process?

At any rate, I have no idea what the future holds for Paul Black but I do know that L.A. Guns are forging ahead with their new album and tour and that also includes an appearance at Rocklahoma. You better believe I'll be in the media tent when the new L.A. Guns make their press call. I want to get a close look at Marty Casey. 

Still don't recognize the name Marty Casey? Don't feel bad. Here are some clips of him singing during the Rockstar: INXS contest:

Here's "Trees"

Here's "Creep"

Here's "Don't Change" (with INXS)

As if a new signer wasn't enough, the band also has a new guitarist. Look at the picture: that other blond you see if Alec Bauer. I don't have the down low on him, but I'm digging.

**What are your thoughts on the newest incarnation of Tracii's L.A. Guns?