AceShowbiz - The journey from Sydney's Northern Beaches to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland was never something INXS bassist Garry Gary Beers expected to happen in 2026, yet here it is — a long-awaited nomination that has brought immense pride to the Australian band.

After more than two decades since becoming eligible, INXS has finally earned a nomination for the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The recognition comes 21 years after the band first qualified, marking a moment of reflection and celebration for Beers.

In a recent post on his social media, Beers shared his feelings about the nomination. He explained that he had always downplayed its importance, partly because he felt there were other artists more deserving. However, with the nomination now confirmed, he expressed a deep pride in the achievement, especially for the "Aussie boys from the Northern Beaches" to be considered alongside such legendary company.

INXS was formed in 1977, comprising Andrew Farriss on keyboards, Jon Farriss on drums, Tim Farriss on lead guitar, Garry Gary Beers on bass, Kirk Pengilly on guitar and saxophone, and the late frontman Michael Hutchence. Over their career, the band achieved massive global success, selling more than 50 million records worldwide.

The group landed five albums in the top 20 of the Billboard 200 chart and scored a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with the song "Need You Tonight" from their album Kick. They also enjoyed significant success across the United Kingdom with six top 10 albums, including a No. 1 record for 1992's Welcome To Wherever You Are. Their achievements include winning a BRIT Award in 1991 for best international group.

In Australia, INXS has won six ARIA Awards and was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2001, cementing their legacy at home. Despite the tragic loss of Hutchence in 1997 at the age of 37, the band continued with various lead singers, including Jon Stevens from Noiseworks, J.D. Fortune, who won the reality TV competition Rock Star: INXS, and Ciaran Gribbin. However, they never quite recaptured the magic of their peak years.

The band performed their final concert on November 11, 2012, but their music remains vibrant through ongoing sync deals, film projects, and dedicated fans. Notably, their classic 1987 track "Never Tear Us Apart" was voted No. 1 on triple j's inaugural list of the greatest Australian songs of all time last July.

Kirk Pengilly also took to Instagram to express gratitude for the nomination, acknowledging the fans and friends who have supported the band over the years. He highlighted the tough competition on the Rock Hall ballot, noting that INXS are up against legendary artists such as Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, and Pink.

As INXS approaches their 50th anniversary, they stand among 10 first-time nominees on the 17-artist Rock Hall ballot for 2026. Fans have until April 3 to cast their votes, after which the official Class of 2026 inductees will be announced.

The nomination not only honors the legacy of INXS but also shines a light on their lasting impact on rock music worldwide, celebrating the enduring spirit of the Northern Beaches band.