Monday, March 26, 2018

Blind Item #15 - One Mad, Sad Moment Forever - A Himmmm Blind Item - Part Eight

Damn.  Then, the rear door of that car opened and we all clearly saw who it was getting out, alone.  Our driver had been correct – it was government, maybe even MI5 alright, but not for us.  It was for (foreign born permanent A+++ list celebrity), who we call L.D. - who was exiting that car, alone.  She looked nervously around, making eye contact with us in our car, and tripped slightly on the curb.  As she recovered herself, she raced up the steps to a townhouse-looking place that had all the lights off.  At 3am.  By herself.  None of us uttered a peep or even a breath.

I'd seen something when the lady stumbled, a little glint of light, but in my drunken mind knew I saw something fall.  I slowly exited our car, as my mates told me to get back in.  I walked over to the sidewalk, looking down…looking…and saw it.  Yep, it was an earring.  L.D., in her hurry, had lost it when she stumbled.  Now H3 was out of the car, and I showed him too.  I was bent down, picking it up when a man opens the rear car door and exits from where she'd been.  He gets out and tells us to piss off.  Very military in his demeanor, but obviously surprised.  He had no clue who we were, nor did we of him.  At that time anyway.  I told him that his friend had dropped – "I told you to piss off! Go! Now!", he barked.  So I pocketed the fallen pearl earring, and thought about offering it to the man.  But how do you do so to a guy so rude?  H3 tugged my arm, and we went back to the car.  The entire time being stared down by that driver, that military-looking red-haired man, whom I'd only see again in tabloids years later.
 
Back in our car, we all kind of sat there quietly, as our driver eased onto the street.  I looked at H3, and MS looked at me.  "What? Was that who I think - " she asked.  H3 and I both realized we'd seen something we likely should not have, even though we could not say for certain what was going on.  We just both knew – even drunk – that it wasn't something we wanted to discuss ever.  But there was no question who the lady was, which likely meant either press or cops would be in the area (if not already hiding somewhere).  We didn't need a scandal or drama.  I told our driver to go – forget about the side trips.  MS said, "And I'm all dressed up for nothing?" and laughed.  We all made a pledge then and there not to repeat anything we'd seen – or anything we'd thought we'd seen.  We all held to that promise until a tragic accident many years later nullified our pact for us.

We took H3 back to the hotel, and as it was past 4am, figured it was all quiet.  Nope, nada.  I let him out and thanked my pal for a great time.  He says he went in and went to sleep, but I have my doubts.  MS had decided to ride with me to the airport in the car.  Our company's private jet was there, waiting for me to depart.  Actually it was waiting to fly all the film canisters and recordings back to the US, but was nice enough to wait on me.  The entire ride out to the airport, MS and I became very close friends.  The seat divider raised all the way up.  She was and is still truly a remarkable woman.  I didn't want to leave, and in my then-nineteen year-old brain felt love and passion unlike any I'd known before.  It was very passionate, and probably as ecstatic as could be without total abandonment into full consummation.  She didn't have to fear a walk of shame, and even intoxicated we both knew it was real.  Still I tried everything to talk her into flying to the states with me, and she tried to talk me into staying there.  Literally driving onto the runway at the general aviation terminal, the jet was ready to take off.

Almost like a scene out of one of those old movies where the couple kisses before one boards the train for war – she and I shared a lovely, tender kiss right there on the runway.  Jet engines whirring, breeze blowing around us, as the summer sun began to peep over the horizon.  The co-pilot yelled from the top of the steps, and broke us up.  I thanked MS for everything, and sorry if her good time was ruined.
 
"You're joking, right?", she said.  "It was a MAGICAL night.  One of my bests…ever."

Glad I wasn't the only one to feel that way.  I loaded my guitar case and bags, and waved goodbye as our driver returned Cinderella back home by sunrise.  As we departed and made it airborne, I realized I'd lost the t-shirt I'd grabbed for my sister's gift.  Then realized that MS was still wearing it.  I couldn't stop smiling.  As there, in my hands, was that amazing dress of hers – ripped and all.  I had to laugh, and fell into a deep, deep sleep.

Over the next few years I got busier, and that band had ups and downs.  Especially the singer HT.  Personal issues and problems had me worried about my friend.  It wasn't til several years later that I got word from him that he would be in Los Angeles and wanted to catch up.  Of course I would.  He came in time for my birthday, and we went out to dinner to celebrate.  He told me he wanted to try more acting, and if I could help him in that area of the biz.  Sure I could, and would.  We wound up talking all night outside at my house on the balcony.  A few bottles of wine later, like vampires fleeing the sun, we decided to reconvene around the holidays.  He was proud to be a new father, and wanted to get on with the next phase of his life.  He knew I'd be there when he returned.

When we parted that early morning, before he got in the car to leave, he said to me: "I think I'm going to like growing old if I can do it in style.  Never wanted to get old.  Maybe this is where I need to do it – seems to work for you". I told him he was a long way from old, and this was his home if he wished.  He called me "little brotha" and gave a hug.
 
It would be the last time I ever saw him.
 
A month later, they found his body in his room.  All kinds of horrible conspiracies, gossip, and garbage about his death.  I know it was suicide, because nobody could kill my friend but himself.  Nobody could take his force of life from him, but him.  It hurt and stung badly, especially knowing we were going to soon be closer than before.  It wasn't to be, and like so many friends after him I replay his memories and crush myself wondering if I could've only reached out...if I'd only known.  Why didn't he call me?  But it's all for naught.  He left a young child that he was proud of and loved dearly; a band that misses him still; and a stunned world who will forever recall his bright light.  I still look at that final parting shot of the video that night from the concert.  It is a haunting look from the singer, almost prophetic as he holds my guitar in a frozen frame.  I think he would've liked it.  Even in death my friend is magnetic.
 
 Very recently, the guitarist KG decided to auction off some of his guitars for charity.  It went very well, but there was one guitar noticeably absent from the offerings.  Probably because it is sitting – as I type this – in my living room right now.  And to this day? No one has played it, or even changed the strings since that night HT strummed and banged it live at the close of that show. A moment captured for eternity.  Draped along the side curve of the guitar, is a swath of glittering black cloth that used to be a dress.  What's left of it, anyway.  The last time it covered a human body was MS, that night, when she changed outside the pub.  Atop that black shining dress is a small, clear box with a single pearl earring inside.  The one dropped by that now-gone lady in her hurry into a friend's home that night, driven there by her ginger-haired military lover on a secret leave.  It too has never been in another ear or worn by anyone else.  Together they all make a little shrine, dedicated to this night.  A night that can never be repeated for all of eternal history.  Even that original stadium has been torn down and never will be played again by anyone.  Some epic nights remain those brief beautiful moments.
 
I'm so happy to see that MS recently announced a kicking new pop album, and an upcoming tour.  Still an amazing woman, beautiful, and a rocking pop genius.  She's now married happily with a family and works her garden when not spotting aliens.  Part of me will carry our moment together too, forever – in my heart.  She's worthy of the best and I'm honored to have been worthy of her best, even for that moment that crazy night.

I look back on those days and hear the laughter, see the extravaganza, and feel the electricity from those moments that make life worth living.  To have lived through a moment where the peak of perfection is captured live for all future generations to witness.  A moment of fun, power, and excitement.  I was honored to be a friend of those guys, and treasure it among my best moments.  Yes, I smile at it when I think of my departed friend, and that moment…that goes on forever.  That one mad, sad moment that was part of our friendship. As is my ongoing friendship with H3 and the connection we still share.  So that's the story.

With so many friends dying of causes, natural or unnatural – I have found that life is never as certain as it should be.  It takes work and fortitude to live and keep going, no matter our hurts and struggles.  Sometimes we have to just make ourselves keep going to see the sun rise one more day.  No matter the pains, conditions, tragedies, and losses we all suffer as humans; we can still look back at time when all was right with our worlds.  When that light shined, and we remember our reasons for living.  In the faces of our children or even in the memory of a magical moment 27 years ago.  We must all choose not to fade away, and not to burn out.  Find the strength in those memories that live forever.  As our friend said, there's nothing better we can do, than live forever.
 
We must choose to live.  Just live, baby…live.

133 comments:

pkelly491 said...

LD - obviously Diana

ThingsIToldYou said...

Lady Diana Spencer

Tricia13 said...

Princess Diana for A+++++?

Spider Rico said...

Diana &
James Hewitt

pkelly491 said...

What an incredible story. RIP to the brilliant, criminally underrated and underappreciated Michael Hutchence.

Florin said...

Thank you again for these stories. I've really enjoyed each of them. I'll happily read every word of the rest.

Dena said...

💙👏

Nubian princess said...

Whaat?? DIANA??? Wow, that is awesome.

Dena said...

Am I the only person who saw Dogs in Space?)

More Cowbell said...

Great story and well written and vivid! I got teary at the end. Thank you for sharing this.

ThingsIToldYou said...

Lady Diana
MS: Lizzy Plapinger
Michael Hutchence

Samantha Willow said...

Cry baby cry
When you got to get it out
I'll be your shoulder
You can tell me all
Don't keep it in ya
Well that's the reason why I'm here...

Spider Rico said...

Never was into INXS but Hutchence always seemed a genuine good guy to me when watching some of their vids on MTV back in the day. Nicely written tragic story proving fame is fleeting, beauty is momentary, but memories live forever. Well done buddy.

VDOVault said...

What an amazing story to read on what would have been my mother's 77th birthday (it's been 13 years since she was last alive to celebrate one).

Glad you chose to re-live a bit of it with us Himmmm. Thanks!

Tricia13 said...

Love INXS till this day... thank you Himmmmmm
He was a force of nature:)

Chug ChooChoo said...

Thank you.

NoNONO said...

Calling bull sh!t I knew Paula Yates, Hutchence gf when he died. He didn't commit suicide. It was during autoerotic game playing. She killed herself due to guilt not long after. This whole site is bs.

Unknown said...

That's an epic story.

Thank you for sharing.

Alexandria said...

Wooow, this is crazy, You Himmmms have such incredible adventures and living lifes to the fullest.

Finally, hello Himmmm number 3! I was very curious who the musician one could be...Oh little did I know 😂

Thank You for sharing this story, as always had a great time reading it and watching video on Youtube. The crowd and concert were sick, must have been hell of a night. So happy for Your success, livin' for music and stories like this! 🤘❤

Jeannies Bottle said...

What a great story! I loved INXS! And I love your stories.

cheesegrater15 said...

Best story I ever heard.

Anonymous said...

Wow, what an amazing story, thanks for sharing.
Poor Michael, gone but not forgotten.
I love how you still have Di's earring.

Sher said...

"when not spotting aliens"

MS must be Kim Wilde.

bdm said...

Michael Hutchence killed himself but it was a mistake while he engaged in auto erotic asphyxiation. Or was it? I have known 3 other people to die this way. It’s always a shock.


She stripped to the beat
But her clothes stay on
White light everywhere
But you can't see a thing
Such a squeeze
A mad, sad moment
Glory to you, glory to you, take me there

Sal Salington said...

so H1's father was a music exec bigwig, probably at Atlantic. Kalodner?

Lucy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
PFullerton said...

@Dena

No!

One of my favorite unknown/indie or whatever it's called films.

An utterly non-descript* friend of my sister spent the night with Hutchence after a show back in the day. She said she could barely understand his very alcohol amplified accent, but that he was lovely and all "I'll ring you..." the next morning.

*A sweetie and a wit, but not traditionally what we all would agree could even be rounded up to... attractive.

SkittleKitty said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
SkittleKitty said...

Hutchence had an AMAZING voice. His death was tragic.

Don't know who MS is? Plapinger (guessed above) much too young from what I can tell.

PotPourri said...

Michael Hutchence was incredibly polarizing, like Jim Morrison and that's who I always compared him to...you can look at a picture of him from 30 years ago and he still looks ageless and timeless.

Sal Salington said...

My theory is there's a spectrum of lead-singerdom that has Morrison on one end and Jagger on the other, and most lead singers fall more toward one end or the other.

Sher said...

@SkittleKitty
"Don't know who MS is? Plapinger (guessed above) much too young from what I can tell."

MS = Kim Wilde

Brayson87 said...

Sorry for your loss, the world is always dimmer when our friends leave us.

Starry-eyed said...

+1

I knew immediately, but Live Baby Live is absolute.

Starry-eyed said...

Nope. My sister was obsessed. We even made pilgrimages past the house it was filmed in our home town

La-Juice said...

@dena you are NOT the only person who saw dogs in space- I still own a vhs of it- AND the cassette soundtrack. ALL TIME FAVORITE.

oh how I miss Michael Hutchence.

So we have Lady Di (A+++++) and Hewitt as others have guessed,
Michael Hutchence for rock star friend who died leaving baby behind with Helena

Kim Wilde for the pop star who believes in aliens. has a new album about aliens?

no clue who Hmm was- aged 19 at 1997? I think I miss read something...

xyzxyz33 said...

It's stories like these that keep me going.

Live Baby Live:
Reminds me of the scene where the Jamaican woman shares her wisdom from Meet Joe Black:

"It nice it happen to you. Like you come to the island and had a holiday. Sun didn't burn you red-red, just brown. You sleep and no mosquito eat you. But the truth is, it bound to happen if you stay long enough. So take that nice picture you got in your head home with you, but don't be fooled. We lonely here mostly too. If we lucky, maybe, we got some nice pictures to take with us."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0aXbwnoQd0

ZantiMissKnit said...

I can more see Toyah Wilcox as being the type to see aliens, but she never had any hits in the US at all. I still love her, tho!

Starry-eyed said...

Hang on, so the guy writing was in the and with Michael ?

Jeannies Bottle said...

Agree on Kim Wilde. She was, and is, gorgeous.

Humor Me said...

Thank you ,Himmmmm. wonderful story.

Just adds to the magic of Michael Hutchence.

Unknown said...

So who was Kim Wilde's date for the INXS Live Baby Live concert???

Glow W said...

I was thinking Kurt Cobain

Laineybin/EDN said...

I saw INXS at the Warehouse in Toronto on their second night - September, . I just realized it was their second last concert, ever.

The Warehouse is all concrete floors and no seats and with beer firmly in hand, my friend Pip and I bobbed and weaved to the front of the stage. I tell everyone that Michael sweat on me!!

It was a brilliant night. September 25 OR 26, 1997 (it's way too long ago to remember exactly which night!!)

AvaCherryVanilla said...

And in reflection of days gone by......

This was great, thanks for sharing!!!!

a beautiful virago named hope said...

Okay, this was worth the wait. WOW.
I loved INXS in college and then I set them aside after the show when they chose JD as their singer because I hated him. But he had big shoes to fill. Quite frankly, no one can really fill them.
HT was something special. Beautiful and talented. So sorry for his bandmates and family to lose him.
Thank you for sharing this with us.

Dena said...

I was obsessed with Dogs in Space, too - I saw it on the big screen and owned the soundtrack on vinyl, which sadly disappeared somewhere, sometime along the way.

Anyhoo, here's Rooms for the Memory from the movie...his hair is a little questionable at the end, but he's still sexy as hell.

1SICRN said...

Thanks again for the great story. It was worth the wait. Wish he was still here.

#TEAMGEELJIRE CLASSIC said...

+1

Dena said...

Here's a little Kids in America from the 1984 film Reckless featuring Aidan Quinn in his first role and a young Daryl Hannah (possibly NSFW). There were a few songs off of Shabooh Shoobah in it, too - I watched this movie a million times over one summer break.

MMcH said...

Once again, Himmmm, thank you.
Never been into INXS myself, but I respect their achievements.

I take it this is the third of four BIs?

If so, I can't wait to see the final one. I dunno if it can top this.

Fozzy Bear said...

I got that from the gardening, wasn’t sure about the UFOs. Also the US two-hit wonder.

B626 said...

I no way believe it was suicide
I cannot accept it
The kinky sex thing is what I’ll
always go with
Tragic

Lucy_Eyelesbarrow__ said...

Wow. What an amazing night, what an incredible little shrine of keepsakes, and yes, choose life. RIP Michael.

Ernie McCracken said...

All the problems
All the fears
And the world seems to disappear


Thanks, Himmmm! INXS and their music is forever connected to my defining years.

Casting Girl said...

Great story. TY

AkhaldanSolo said...

Beautiful story, fun times, well written. Thank you for taking us through that journey. It was enjoyable living vicariously through this story with some video to accompany it. I happen to share a particular affiliation with this story. The first few paragraphs of this blind were spot on and there must have been some kind of time rift that summer and the attitude you described swept the world and seemed to be the last great tide of what Hunter S Thompson described after first aftershock of the 60's countercultural revolution when he opined that "you can go up on a steep hill in Las Vegas and look West, and with the right kind of eyes you can almost see the high-water mark—that place where the wave finally broke and rolled back.” I knew of those times.

I knew of those times because probably SEVEN DAYS before this concert in London I was at my first Grateful Dead show at Giants Stadium in New Jersey, it was a free 'miracle' ticket (even though I could pay lol) and I was right next to the soundboard where it was rumored Jimmy Hoffa was buried (well of course not right). I know full well the rush and excitement of being in a crowd of 80,000 people. I got SO excited I did it until Jerry passed in 95' and a little bit beyond. It really did feel like a residual tide of fun and freedom from the sixties but that utopia was slowly replaced with what we see today and the realization that much of that was an orchestrated distraction is why I'm here today, as is, I can tell, many of you are as well. It's good to see some of that pure spirit shine through some of those that lived like that back then. Good stuff.

God Bless, God Speed brothers and sisters

I wanna say to my sisters and my brothers
Keep the faith
When the storm flies and the wind blows
Go on at a steady pace

When the battle is fought and the victory's won
We can all shout together we have overcome
We'll talk to the Father and the Son
When we make it to the promised land

If we walk together little children
We don't ever have to worry
Through this world of trouble
We gotta love one another

Let us take our fellow man by the hand
Try to help him to understand
We can all be together forever and ever
When we make it to the promised land

Amy said...

Kim Wilde recently said she spotted a UFO while gardening and she is an avid gardener....definitely her.

Unknown said...

Amazing Storyteller you are Hmmmm!Keep telling them please.Now I have to crank the song 'One Thing'. That's my favorite:)

lucy said...

some bands you just know kill it live ,I regret never having seen INXS (and Foo fighters for that matter) concert and this story rather confirms how bad ass they were and I'll watch the concert which will surely cement. thank you for sharing this. best read in two+ weeks (sorry enty but yeah..) pretty dull days when I got nothing to say but this was awesome. thanks again for sharing and thank you enty for enabling ..also reminds me my dad kept greatest hits INXS tape I lent him 15+years ago LOL good memories all around. thanks enty + himmmm = ♥

Unknown said...

I'm going to see Foo Fighters May 3 if you wanna come with:)

T. W. said...

Thank you INXS for sharing yourselves with us. Love, baby. Love.

OB said...

What a great story and what a touching--and true words to live by--ending. These long Himmmm(s) stories are absolutely the best. What a way to start a week!

Thanks!!!

Dusty Fairy said...

Omg! Just saw this! “http://variety.com/2018/tv/news/nickelodeon-dan-schneider-1202736791/”

Dusty Fairy said...

@schneiderisnext

TimC said...

Lola Falana FTW

Casting Girl said...

Whoa..just finished the concert and a great LIVE show w/ incredible acoustics. Rad, mad drumming skills Himmmm. Worked in the casting office of Ellen Chenow. in mid 90's and she came in w/ MH one day. My other co-assistant did not KNOW who he was and ended her career that day. Totally forgot about THAT. 91 his supermodel gf was probably Helena Christensen. What a story. One of my wild nights ended w/ taking Nico on an H run with a few drag queens in a NYC cab. I worked at Cb's but that was too much for me tbh. good good great story. wow.

shakey said...

Oh, H3 - there is someone in small-town Quebec who was your doppelganger! One night a bunch of us were at a curling tournament in one town, and I got drunk (I was watching, not playing) and the whole way home I wouldn't shut up with "You look JUST LIKE the drummer from INXS!" interspersed with "I think I'm going to pee my pants!" Since he was dropped off first, he graciously allowed me into his home so I could relieve myself. The next time I saw him, he acted like he didn't know who the hell I was. I didn't push it.

Also, I remember many years ago (early 80s, late 70s?) watching a documentary-like film of INXS travelling across Canada. I really enjoyed it.

BluePedal said...

Live baby live
Now that the day is over
I gotta new sensation
In perfect moments
Well so impossible to refuse

---

Dream baby dream
Of all that's come and going
And you will find out in the end
There really is,
There really is no difference

Diane said...

Himmmm(s), this stories (and the Old Hollywood blinds) are very much appreciated. I'm an avid novel reader and pop culture consumer, and to be able to read and imagine this amazing days (and nights) is like...Twin Peaks with less pie but more teary eyes. This one really struck me because I'm a major INXS fan and fellow blind person, by watching the videoclips I was sure they were rock gods and was under the impression they were all great guys and now I'm sure of it and it gives me a little bit of comfort in these weird times. Unfortunately I was never able to see them live, 'cause in '91 I was kicking...in my mom's belly. Please please please keep sharing. Lady Di's earrings...I mean, what the what, where else would I read that??
PS to PTA: you are freaking awesome, Inherent Vice gave me such a ride and Phantom Thread was exquisite and hauntingly weird.
Love from Portugal

DavidHowesCREBroker said...

Another great story from Hmmmm!

Took me a while to get though the 'Parts"
(A lot of interruptions via emails & phone calls for business.)
But, finally made it through.

I hope there are more to come!

david

Persephone said...

Fabulous story Hmmmm's,- thanks for sharing. I was lucky to see INXS live 4 times, and still have one of Kirk's guitar picks I was given at a show. INXS was and still is my favorite band. And H3, I've been crushing on you a long time--there is a look you give in the Kiss the Dirt video which, frankly, should be considered illegal! If you're ever in Atlanta... ;)

More Cowbell said...

Maybe Himmmm #1 is a drummer, too. :))

Ernie McCracken said...

@Dusty Fairy - Exciting news! Can't wait for this week's CDaN blinds - Dan "The Man with a Van" S. needs to go down!

Land Manatee said...

In.cred.ible - Wow, what a great read! I’m sure MH’s daughter will get a kick from reading this blind and be reminded of the impact her father had on this world. That mini-shrine tho...the dna that is embedded in those items alone must be worth something. More importantly, thank you for the potency of your words in the last paragraph and sentence. 🙏🏼

Itttt said...

THIS, SOOOO MUCH THIS...

"With so many friends dying of causes, natural or unnatural – I have found that life is never as certain as it should be. It takes work and fortitude to live and keep going, no matter our hurts and struggles. Sometimes we have to just make ourselves keep going to see the sun rise one more day. No matter the pains, conditions, tragedies, and losses we all suffer as humans; we can still look back at time when all was right with our worlds. When that light shined, and we remember our reasons for living. In the faces of our children or even in the memory of a magical moment 27 years ago. We must all choose not to fade away, and not to burn out. Find the strength in those memories that live forever. As our friend said, there's nothing better we can do, than live forever."

Never stop! Never stop fighting until the fight is done. Although by day I may be but a lowly, mild mannered, nameless cog, working in the bowels of SAG-AFTRA...perhaps in the mail room, perhaps in tech support...I have a distinct feeling we have crossed paths, Himmmm 1

More Cowbell said...

The writing on these blinds is soooo good. Whoever Himmmm#1/the Scribe is should write books or screenplays if he doesn't already.

RealRescuesDon'tDoThis said...

I'm so sorry, Himmmm. The world lost a great talent, but you lost a dear friend. Let the memories live on.

Ceemdee said...

This will be the Kim Wilde dress in question... enjoy! Lucky Himmmm...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEFR9EkkqmI

Sekrit said...

Even though I/we knew the ending of this story- and it still breaks my heart to this day- it was such a lovely ending. I love how you have the guitar still, untouched, and the earring.

Thank you Himmmms, I loved this story and the both of you.

Unknown said...

Thank you Himmmm for another story that I didn't want to end! I was always a huge INXS fan and saw them live once - You don't exaggerate their talent or presence - what a gift to know they're as awesome human beings as they are musicians! LOVED MH ... Thank you for sharing this treasure with us (and Princess Di's earring!! WOW)

lucy said...

aww awesome @ginger falls. thank you! I looked up date and you are in Tennessee. been there twice. beautiful! well only saw it once I went to see me caves in 7th grade Cumberland caverns maybe and other time was ride up from Florida it was dark and I just remember being terrified riding the brake as I dangled off mountainside. probably best it was dark. unfortunate you are so far or I would go I am weird like that. but thank you always nice to be invited!!!

lucy said...

lol SOME caves not "me caves" arghhh I am no pirate matey or leprechaun lol

Poor Mick said...

Man, INXS really is one of those bands you can easily take for granted and never really appreciate how many of their songs you actually know until you actually start counting them on your fingers. (If you're still the sunny side of 30, anyway.) But that's the fun thing about being a music dork: you're always learnin' something.

I hope this means I can safely assume everyone in Jellyfish is on the side of the angels, then; that's a relief. Man, though, these last few Himmmmm blinds are really feeling like a retirement send-off.

...is there a Himmmmm: The Next Generation lined up?

(P.S. EAT SHIT DAN SCHNEIDER)

Southern Man said...

Remember when Diana had written in her diary or letters "I believe they are plotting to kill me...."? Yeah.

And they all told her how paranoid and silly she was.

Imsoconfused said...

I’ve looked forward to getting home & reading this all day ... and the Himmms did not disappoint! Wow, oh..I want to go back and relive all of that good music.

Jennifer Low Rents said...

Being an Aussie myself, I saw INXS on a number of ocassions, both before they were mega famous in Oz and after. They were an iconic band and that was just an amazing read. Thanks so much, Himmmm. :)

Bumtitty said...

Got to admit I had given up reading what seemed would be a long winded story earlier... But came back to it and have just finished reading.

Blimey, that really was rather fantastical and funny and beautiful.

Thabk You.

Rest In Peace Michael x

bianca said...

That's an excellent comparison.

Circe said...

Is the storyteller.. Ashley Hamilton?

Kel said...

BRAVO,BRAVO!!!!!

Unknown said...

This Hmmm was 19 in 1991

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing.

Don't ask me
what you know is true
Don't have to tell you,
I love your precious heart
I, I was standing,
you were there
Two worlds collided
and they could never tear us apart

We could live
for a thousand years
but if I hurt you,
I'd make wine from your tears
I told you that we could fly,
'cause we all have wings
but some of us don't know why
I was standing, you were there
Two worlds collided
and they could never ever tear us apart

I (Don't ask me),
I was standing (What you know is true),
you were there (Worlds collided)
Two worlds collided (We're shining through)
and they could never tear us apart
You (Don't ask me),
you were standing (What you know is true),
I was there (Worlds collided)
Two worlds collided (We're shining through)
and they could never tear us apart
I, I was standing,
you were there,
two worlds collided...

ihsahn77 said...

Being an amateur guitarist myself I would love to see a pic of that guitar! And of course the dress and earring too :-) Any chance of posting it on twitter or something?

Thonker said...

why tf is nobody guessing H1? shouldn't it be possible to tell with all the hints in this story? He was 19 in 1997, friends with the band, was at that concert with kim wilde (and kylie minogue), plays guitar or at least owns one, is in the movie industry as we can tell by how the singer asked him for help in that industry... anyone? I'm frustrated

Local Girl said...

Long time Lurker. Thankyou so much for sharing your memories. I was at the Wembley concert, about the same age as you and it still goes down as one of the best nights of my life. Glad you all had such a great time too!

Unknown said...

Loved all eight parts of this story. I remember Kim Wilde, too. Her first single came out the same year I started listening to KROQ in LA, switching over from KLOS and KMET because they'd been playing nothing but Foreigner, Styx, Foghat, etc.

BTW, Kim Wilde's wikipedia page says that her sister Roxanne became a backup singer for Kylie Minogue. Small world?

Unknown said...

@Thonker - he was 19 in 1991, at the time of that INXS Wembley concert.

a beautiful virago named hope said...

Anyone else feel sad and old for awhile last night after reading this and then watching the concert on YouTube?

Vix said...

What a gorgeous story. Well worth the read. So bittersweet about Michael but loved that Kim Wilde (who I'm going to see live next month) and Kylie (in her cameo) were so awesome- two of my pop idols.

reese said...

It has been mentioned before by one of the Himmms to please stop trying to guess his identity, or the identity of other Himmms as they don't want to be outed. If people keep trying to guess their identity yhen they might stop posting so please just concentrate on guessing the names of the people that are being talked about!

Starla Scribe said...

I love this story. Thank you so much for sharing it.

Some silken moment
Goes on forever
And we're leaving broken hearts behind...

reese said...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1FV4RWpEXA 10mins30secs in they mention that Peter Gabriel and Doborah Harry were at the gig.

Starry-eyed said...

Soooo... What was James Hewitt (ex lover of Diana) taking her to a secret meeting at 3am for? 🤔

BlissBoo said...

Wow, I loved this story so much. I'm 50 so this was during my prime time. Made me tear up. I was devastated when MH died. So sad. Paula Yates was the death of him. Two co-dependents do not make for good bed fellows. Such a waste of talent. Thank you to the H's for presenting such a lovely story. Oh what a night for sure!

The one person I'd like to know was who was the angel investor?!?! Kisses to their feet for doing what they did or else we might never have had this golden moment in time.

Mem said...

"please stop trying to guess his identity, or the identity of other Himmms as they don't want to be outed"

Himmmm3: "don't speculate on who I am, but here's a clue; I was the drummer in INXS ;)"

Ha.

urban chaos said...

Okay, I’m obviously a bit younger.. have to ask, what is the warehouse currently? Or where was it?

urban chaos said...

Best Foo performance had to be just after DG broke his leg and played on that throne!! And uve seen them a number of times, going again this summer

Randaleese said...

If I want to read a novel, I will go to the library.

Truthseeker said...

:) I will be seeing Ozzy, Billy Idol and Foo my birthday weekend the end of April. 3 days of bucket list (well not Billy Idol) and did i mention my fave.. Sully. though i have seen him live before, when he does his drum battle, he is AMAZING.
But still Grohl.. and Ozzy. I am 51, and STOKED.

reese said...

@ mem-one of the Himmms posted in the comments a month or so ago to request people stop guessing their identity. There's a few of them and I'd rather keep it safe. regretfully I don't take notes to know exactly which number Himmm it was that requested this so think it's safe to say that maybe we should stop trying to guess any of their identities!

cakeordeath said...

Amazing story! And I don’t want to know who any of the “Himmmms” are, it s better this way. I enjoy and appreciate all your stories and hope for many more :)

Kalamota Kook said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Buddy Bones Smith said...

I loved reading this blind, but hoped it ended in a magical land where Michael Hutchence was still alive. INXS is one of the few bands whose entire albums are great.


I'm standing here on the ground
The sky above won't fall down
See no evil in all directions
Resolution of happiness
Things have been dark for too long

Don't change for you
Don't change a thing for me

PurplePuffin said...

Let's go back to the Princess Diana part. So, she got out of the car and went into a dark townhouse by herself at 3 am. Whose townhouse? Inquiring minds want to know. When she got out, she stumbled and her pearl earring fell out. Himmm picked it up and James Hewitt got out of the backseat of the car (obviously had a late night rendevous with Diana) and chewed Himmm out.Because James Hewitt was such a jerk, Himmm did not give him Diana's earring. Does Himmm still have Princess Diana's pearl earring? Inquiring minds want to know. Where was Princess Diana going at 3 am while James Hewitt waited in the car? THAT is the question.

Bee Girl said...

That was a show and a half! I was 18 and had the world’s biggest crush on Jon Farriss. My friend and I scoured all over London for the band after the gig. Now I know where he went! So cool he contributed to this story.

Bee Girl said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Thank you!!! I was so excited to see another Himmmm story shared. Always such an adventurous read.
I honestly always believed that Michael Hutchence was in such agony after an unfortunate event which took place in a nightclub that caused permanent damage to his olfactory nerve. He could no longer smell or taste ANYTHING. This is what I assumed ultimately led to his death. I believe there may have been several other health issues (maybe traumatic type of brain injury) which can seriously change a person. A beautiful man with a beautiful talent.
These stories are so well told. I adore them all. Don’t stop Don’t change a thing.
Going back in for another round. Thanks again!

jessorella said...

@SkittleKitty It’s Kim Wilde.

jessorella said...

I was lucky enough to see the Foos at the Shepherds Bush Empire in 1997. My boyfriend at the time had tickets because his dad was the long-time agent of a big British rock figure and had complimentaries. The Colour and the Shape had just come out and the set was amazing. The real kicker, though, was the encore - another drum set next to Taylor’s was pulled out on a raised platform at the back of the stage and I thought Dave was going to get up there and they’d duet! But no... Instead, out came ROGER TAYLOR of Queen and he and Taylor had a drum battle. It was truly incredible.

jessorella said...

@starry-eyed Most likely “returning from a meeting” instead...

jessorella said...

Aaaaand I’m done. Wowzer. What a flashback, an incredible insight and wonderful story. Thank you, @Himmmms. PLEASE write a book. It can be redacted, no names mentioned - whatever it takes ❤️❤️❤️

Me2 said...

I seriously doubt the himmms left a clue that was so obvious (the drummer=h3) I'll never try to guess or figure out who they are, especially if they specifically asked we not do so. it may seem like a game but could have really serious consequences for human lives, and people who depend on them.

I agree- definitely Diana, the Princess of Wales and James Hewitt
Kim Wilde.

i never did feel like Michael Hutchence committed suicide. I don't really know that much going more by gut vibe.

frecklina said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Bikey said...

Thank you for a great ride, Himmmmms!!:)

BoyWander said...

Wow. So much wow. I'll try to keep this short but I've so much to say! To start: HT= heartthrob, no? MS, anyone?...himmmm-I too have shrines of life, maybe too many, but none as, dare I say, historic as yours. "It belongs in a museum!!!"
But what a night indeed...I was still in high school when he passed-it was my first crushing blow, in so far as seeing the cracks in the facade of stardom. (Not long after in what seemed like a death march of fame came Kurt Cobain, Bradley Nowell, and Jeff Buckley. I actually believed I might be cursed and stopped listening to my favorite bands for a while.)...truth be told, when the world lost CC then CB, I actually started to wonder if this miserable pedo machine had snuffed out MH too...
But the music, man, the music. My first crush was on my neighbor who was about 5 years older than me. I could see into her bedroom window, as she could mine, just like in the movies. Still vivid are the memories of seeing her silhouette through the shades dancing her little teenage heart out to wham and inxs. Heart it races, throbs, indeed. Devil Inside, Don't Change, Not Enough Time-these are the soundtrack to my teenage life. And as himmm placed them in the all time top 5, so too have I (personal top 5, that is. Also on that list, a shameless non-self promotion that I've been doing for over a decade now: Nathaniel Ratliffe and the Night Sweats. I think it's working 😁 Music lovers take note.)
Anywho, to those naysayers and spewers of "overrated," to you I say: pffft; you're missing the point. Of life.
Yeah yeah TL; DR but to himmm: since you seem to be somewhat responsible for helping bring these guys stateside, and shelling out two million at 19 to forever preserve a magical moment in musical history??!!! We salute you. Love to all. Peace out. Whew.

BoyWander said...

To add: Never Tear Us Apart is, for me, top five heartbreakingly beautiful pop/rock songs of all time. Sits with YYY's MAPS.

BoyWander said...

Pool Shark by Sublime would be another...man that top five gets tight quick

Pterodactyl said...

Oh how I love the Himmmm stories!

Thank you, Him and Himmm for sharing! Bloody brilliant. ❤️

Unknown said...

Awesome story like the other Himmmmm ones. Thanks you guys so much for sharing!!

lucy said...

lol @randaleese like you aren't already at library for internet connection!
quit being a dick this was a fun read

erin said...

THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart or such a beautiful insider glimpse of a time and a band that meant the world to me. What a gift to be able to relive that through this incredible story.

More Cowbell said...

I'm loving geting to re-live the 1990's through the Himmmms!
The 1990's were like the the 1960's for young adults with less political conflict and anger.
There was a sense of freedom and openness. You could meet other people at a party or bar, just hang out, and have an amazing, interesting time. You were able to EXPERIENCE life.
Frankly, I believe 9-11 was the end of this era. :(
At least for me, I went from being a free-spirit to being much less trusting and more anxious.
Someone should write a book about the sociological change that took place.

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