Split 'must come as a blow to everybody' say INXS
INXS have officially announced their split, saying that the news "must come as a blow to everybody".
The 'Need You Tonight' group said that their music will live on however, after deciding to call time on their career after more than three decades playing together.
A statement by founding members Tim Farriss, Andrew Farriss, Jon Farriss, Kirk Pengilly and Garry Beers said: "We understand that this must come as a blow to everybody, but all things must eventually come to an end.
"We have been performing as a band for 35 years, it's time to step away from the touring arena. Our music will of course live on and we will always be a part of that.
"We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all the friends and family that have supported us throughout our extensive career. Our lives have been enriched by having you all as a part of the journey."
The Australian band have sold over 30 million records during their career, with their most successful, 1987's 'Kick', selling over 10 million copies alone.
The band were struck a huge blow by the loss of frontman Michael Hutchence, who died in 1997, after which time they worked with a number of stand-in singers, before setting on Jon Stevens in 2002.
Stevens left the group in 2003 however before they had made an album together.
The band's third singer, J.D. Fortune, was found through launching their own reality TV series 'Rock Star: INXS', and the pairing resulted in the bands first original album in eight years, 'Switch' in 2005.
The 'Never Tear us Apart' group first told of their decision to split on Sunday, after playing at Perth Arena, Australia.
Drummer Jon told the crowd it was the group's last show and said he was "getting teary" because of it.
