Melbourne’s City of Yarra looks set to vote as to whether or not one of Australia’s most iconic musicians, Michael Hutchence, will soon receive a life-sized statue on their streets.
Late last year, we noted how City of Yarra mayor Danae Bosler had expressed strong interest in commissioning a life-sized statue of late INXS frontman Michael Hutchence.
“Michael Hutchence is a true Australian music legend, and it’s a compliment his family has looked to the City of Yarra as the home for his statue,” Cr Bosler explained.
“The City of Yarra has a proud history of cultivating and championing local music, and is the home to some of Australia’s top live music venues, so we’re especially honoured his family saw Yarra as a good fit.”
Of course, this wouldn’t be the first musical statue to be erected in the city, with a tribute to Molly Meldrum being unveiled last year in the area near Richmond’s iconic Corner Hotel.
“Michael loved Melbourne and most of his best friends still live there,” Michael Hutchence’s sister Tina explained last year. “I am elated the City of Yarra are taking steps to honour my brother’s global legacy.
“I honestly don’t know how to express my gratitude and absolute joy and relief right now.”
Check out ‘Spill The Wine’ by Michael Hutchence:
Now, as The Herald Sun notes (via The Music Network), the City of Yarra seem to be taking important steps in making this statue become a reality, with a vote set to decide whether or not the likeness of Michael Hutchence will join Molly Meldrum in the Richmond precinct.
While the rocker was born in Sydney, his sister Tina notes that Michael was closely tied to Richmond, having not only filmed Dogs In Space in the suburb, but also recorded the lone record by his experimental side-project Max Q in the area.
“His reach as a musician was global and his involvement with the film… has cult status, as well as being recognised by our heritage agency,” a report to local council was noted as saying.
If approved by the City of Yarra, the public will soon have their own say as to whether or not the $145,000 statue should be built. However, it’s worth noting that this is not a bill that taxpayers will have to foot, with supporters of the project set raise the required funds.
While there’s still a little while to go before we find out whether Richmond will soon become home to Australia’s life-sized musical hall of fame, moviegoers were recently given the chance to view the Richard Lowenstein-directed documentary, Mystify, which looks at the life and times of the late rock idol.
Check out INXS’ ‘New Sensation’:
