(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) —
After months of heated speculation, INXS have embraced Canadian singer J.D. Fortune as their new lead vocalist. The new INXS will immediately head into the studio with producer Guy Chambers (Robbie Williams) to begin work on their Epic Records debut, entitled Switch. The highly anticipated album is scheduled for a November 29 release.
"J.D. has a slightly dangerous edge and will bring a sense of spontaneity to our live show," says INXS guitarist Tim Farriss. "In addition, he has both the star quality we were looking for and is an inspired lyricist. I think he'll grow with us on all levels. We're a complete band once again."
"It's an understatement to say that this is a dream come true," says Fortune. "Growing up, INXS albums like Shabooh Shoobah, Listen Like Thieves and Kick were a huge musical influence on me. I'd listen to their songs and wonder what it would be like to be in this band. That they've chosen me to be their new lead singer is just mind-blowing."
"Pretty Vegas," the song Fortune co-wrote with INXS guitarist Andrew Farriss, will be the first single from the album. The hook-ridden track, released on September 21, quickly became a fan favorite following Fortune's rendition on the CBS series "Rock Star: INXS." The three finalists (Fortune, Mig Ayesa and Marty Casey) each went into the studio with INXS before the show's final taping to record new tracks, but it was "Pretty Vegas" that struck a chord with fans. After viewers flooded message boards at MSN Music praising the song and the studio audience screamed for it at the finale, the choice was clear.
"'Pretty Vegas' contains signature INXS sounds but sits somewhere between The Pistols, Elvis and R&B," says Andrew Farriss. "Combined with J.D.'s vocal, there's an energy and passion to the song that makes it the perfect introduction to the new-look INXS."
"Pretty Vegas" will be available exclusively through iTunes for two weeks beginning October 4.
The new INXS will make its national television debut on September 23 on "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson." On October 17, fans in Los Angeles will be treated to a preview of the band's live show with a special performance at the new Virgin Megastore on Hollywood and Highland. In January, INXS will take their show on the road and embark on their first worldwide tour in eight years.–Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
