Suicide Blonde – INXS | Top 40 Chart Performance, Story and Song Meaning
Chart Performance: Pop (#9); 1990
Story Behind The Song By Ed Osborne
When Need You Tonight topped the American charts in 1988, INXS became only the second Australian band to do so, after Air Supply and Men At Work.
When the accompanying album Kick yielded another three Top 10 singles and sold over six million copies, the Sydney band became the biggest “down under” artist of all time.
Unfortunately, the downside of fame took its toll on lead singer Michael Hutchence as his tabloid exploits with Kylie Minogue overshadowed his musical endeavors.
When Suicide Blonde hit the airwaves, with its unflattering picture of an uncaring blonde lover, gossip flew as to who inspired the lyrics.
Suicide Blonde topped the Rock charts and earned a gold record to become INXS’ best-selling U.S. single. Sadly, it’s title took on deeper meaning when Hutchence took his own life in 1997.
This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne. © 2024 Ed Osborne. All Rights Reserved. In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles.
Produced by:
- Chris Thomas
Lyrics Written by:
- Andrew Farriss
- Michael Hutchence
Ed Osborne
Hi. I got my first record at age two and never looked back, spending a decades-long career in radio and the music business. Even after years of reading about and listening to all types of music, I am still fascinated by it. Apart from that, I’m endlessly intrigued by art, nature, and the inner lives of people (and dogs).