AceShowbiz - INXS has been announced as the recipient of the esteemed Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music at the upcoming 2026 APRA Music Awards. This celebrated honor will be presented on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion, recognizing the band’s monumental contribution to Australia’s musical landscape and its global influence.

With a remarkable career that includes over 75 million albums sold worldwide, INXS stands as one of the most iconic bands to emerge from Australia. The group’s extraordinary success is underscored by numerous international awards and an enduring legacy that continues to resonate with fans and peers alike. APRA AMCOS lauded the band’s impact, stating the group is "not just part of Australia's musical history, they helped write the global playbook."

Formed in 1977, the sextet comprised Andrew Farriss on keyboards, Jon Farriss on drums, Tim Farriss as lead guitarist, alongside Garry Beers, Kirk Pengilly (guitar/saxophone), and the late legendary frontman Michael Hutchence. Over their career, INXS achieved five top 20 albums on the Billboard 200 chart, including a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with "Need You Tonight" from the album Kick.

In the United Kingdom, the band also enjoyed considerable success with six top 10 albums, including the No. 1 album Welcome To Wherever You Are in 1992. They were honored with a BRIT Award in 1991 for Best International Group, further cementing their international acclaim.

Jenny Morris, chair of APRA, praised INXS for their unique contribution, recalling her experience performing with the band during the 1980s. She highlighted their ability to captivate audiences worldwide, from Wembley Stadium to tours across Europe, North America, and Latin America. Morris emphasized the band's "compelling and timeless songwriting" alongside "intoxicating performances," describing how few bands have left audiences wanting more quite like INXS did.

Remembering Michael Hutchence, who tragically passed in 1997 at age 37, Morris remarked on his lasting presence and the continued relevance of the band’s legacy. She noted that INXS still inspires new generations of fans and carries the distinctive Australian spirit globally.

The band officially concluded activities in 2012, leaving behind an impressive catalog that includes six APRA Music Awards, six ARIA Awards, and an induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2001. Their extensive repertoire features hits such as "Don’t Change," "Original Sin," "Mystify," and "What You Need."

INXS’s music continues to thrive through strategic placements in popular media, including the Super Bowl and the film Toy Story 5. Their fans remain passionately engaged, notably voting the 1987 classic "Never Tear Us Apart" as the greatest Australian song of all time during triple j’s inaugural poll in July.

The Ted Albert Award is among the highest honors in the Australian music industry and is determined by the APRA board composed of writers and publishers. Previous recipients of this distinguished award include the late Mushroom Group chairman Michael Gudinski, Paul Kelly, The Seekers, Cold Chisel, former Alberts CEO Fifa Riccobono, Colin Hay of Men at Work, and last year’s recipient Kylie Minogue.

The 2026 APRA Music Awards will feature several special performances, including a tribute to INXS. This event marks a "landmark occasion" as it also celebrates 100 years of APRA. Confirmed performers for the night include BARKAA, BOY SODA, Ecca Vandal, Ngulmiya, Playlunch, Rob Ruha, and others.

While INXS was nominated for the 2026 Rock And Roll Hall of Fame, they were not inducted this year. However, another opportunity awaits when the band reaches its 50th anniversary next year.

In addition to the Ted Albert Award news, the APRA Music Awards this year highlight emerging and established Australian artists. Nominees for APRA’s Song of the Year include Amyl And The Sniffers, Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, first-time nominees Keli Holiday and Ninajirachi, and Paul Kelly alongside his nephew Dan Kelly.

This year’s APRAs features 52 first-time nominees, seven of whom are contenders for two awards. For more information about the APRA Music Awards 2026, visit apraamcos.com.au/apramusicawards2026.