INXS tryout
Hey Soul Mates,
I'm just in from a looong morning into afternoon at the Whisky A Go-Go. Today, I auditioned for CBS' new reality series "RockStar." The gist is that the winner of the contest will become the new lead singer for INXS. Recording a new record in LA and touring being the big prizes. If you've read my web bio, you know this is one of my chief writing influences. I'd seen INXS in concert in 2001 on their Just For Kicks tour with replacement lead singer Jon Stevens. Their live show was very entertaining, like a virtual jukebox of hits. I never did see INXS with original lead singer Michael Hutchence, but I have the DVDs.
I didn't make up my mind to go to the audition until about 8:15. So with nasty traffic, I got into Hollywood around 9:30 a.m. wearing dark blue jeans, a red shirt, a new/vintage silver tuxedo jacket and my favorite shades. And proceeded to wait for 5 hours before getting in. There weren't that many contestants ahead of me (I was #129), it was just a tiring wait in the sun. But, the weather was nice. I think I was one of the few aspirants that even cares about the musical legacy of INXS. My audition piece was their '92 single Not Enough Time. I think the producers appreciated that I performed one of INXS' songs. I felt that I was alright. Not spectacular, as my audition was done a cappella. Other contestants brought backing tracks or instruments. My theory is: The band plays their instruments pretty well. They don't need me mucking it up. Anyway, I thought I was passable. If they are looking for someone to carry the torch of INXS rather than re-invent the wheel, I think they could do much worse than having me. And I'd be honored to have the job.
Very few of the people in line with me were talking about INXS or their music. In fact, several people pleaded ignorance and admitted they knew none of their songs. Many of the singers were old school glam screamers and the typical Hollywood burnouts. But several people seemed to have their own thing going on. There were male and female contestants and the age limit was 21 and up. So there was a wide variety of faces. Several CBS news crews roamed the crowd doing small interviews and getting people to sing. I wasn't asked a thing. And that didn't disappoint me. The only comment I got was from Lisa Joyner, who tried to make fun of my overdressing in the heat.
When I finally got to the front of the line, I had my picture taken. Then I (mercifully) was let in to the Whisky. I went straight to the Men's (My thanks to Larry Flynt and his staff for allowing me to use their facilities earlier free of charge). Once in the venue, I had to wait another 20 minutes and witness some other people's performances. Not impressive. Ain't saying I was great shakes, but most of these people have no business trying out, other than for the Hung Effect. Everyone, including myself, was encouraging nonetheless and that spirit was welcome. Currently my back is quite sore from standing for so long, but you gotta play through the pain.
The band were not present for my audition; I had seen them leave the scene on foot around 12:30. Too bad. I was hoping to say "hello." Overall it was a fun experience. I certainly would have begged for the chance if I didn't live in LA. Ah, the City Life. If I am called back, I'll keep you posted. Otherwise, I'll see you on tour with Rush Hour Soul.
Love, Power, Peace
Editor's note (aug. 20, 2005): I did not get a call back for the show. "Rockstar" is currently airing, but I haven't had a chance to watch a single minute of it. Best of luck to INXS.
I'm just in from a looong morning into afternoon at the Whisky A Go-Go. Today, I auditioned for CBS' new reality series "RockStar." The gist is that the winner of the contest will become the new lead singer for INXS. Recording a new record in LA and touring being the big prizes. If you've read my web bio, you know this is one of my chief writing influences. I'd seen INXS in concert in 2001 on their Just For Kicks tour with replacement lead singer Jon Stevens. Their live show was very entertaining, like a virtual jukebox of hits. I never did see INXS with original lead singer Michael Hutchence, but I have the DVDs.
I didn't make up my mind to go to the audition until about 8:15. So with nasty traffic, I got into Hollywood around 9:30 a.m. wearing dark blue jeans, a red shirt, a new/vintage silver tuxedo jacket and my favorite shades. And proceeded to wait for 5 hours before getting in. There weren't that many contestants ahead of me (I was #129), it was just a tiring wait in the sun. But, the weather was nice. I think I was one of the few aspirants that even cares about the musical legacy of INXS. My audition piece was their '92 single Not Enough Time. I think the producers appreciated that I performed one of INXS' songs. I felt that I was alright. Not spectacular, as my audition was done a cappella. Other contestants brought backing tracks or instruments. My theory is: The band plays their instruments pretty well. They don't need me mucking it up. Anyway, I thought I was passable. If they are looking for someone to carry the torch of INXS rather than re-invent the wheel, I think they could do much worse than having me. And I'd be honored to have the job.
Very few of the people in line with me were talking about INXS or their music. In fact, several people pleaded ignorance and admitted they knew none of their songs. Many of the singers were old school glam screamers and the typical Hollywood burnouts. But several people seemed to have their own thing going on. There were male and female contestants and the age limit was 21 and up. So there was a wide variety of faces. Several CBS news crews roamed the crowd doing small interviews and getting people to sing. I wasn't asked a thing. And that didn't disappoint me. The only comment I got was from Lisa Joyner, who tried to make fun of my overdressing in the heat.
When I finally got to the front of the line, I had my picture taken. Then I (mercifully) was let in to the Whisky. I went straight to the Men's (My thanks to Larry Flynt and his staff for allowing me to use their facilities earlier free of charge). Once in the venue, I had to wait another 20 minutes and witness some other people's performances. Not impressive. Ain't saying I was great shakes, but most of these people have no business trying out, other than for the Hung Effect. Everyone, including myself, was encouraging nonetheless and that spirit was welcome. Currently my back is quite sore from standing for so long, but you gotta play through the pain.
The band were not present for my audition; I had seen them leave the scene on foot around 12:30. Too bad. I was hoping to say "hello." Overall it was a fun experience. I certainly would have begged for the chance if I didn't live in LA. Ah, the City Life. If I am called back, I'll keep you posted. Otherwise, I'll see you on tour with Rush Hour Soul.
Love, Power, Peace
Editor's note (aug. 20, 2005): I did not get a call back for the show. "Rockstar" is currently airing, but I haven't had a chance to watch a single minute of it. Best of luck to INXS.
posted by Norman K at 5:00 PM
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