The legendary rock group INXS has moved one step closer to music immortality following their first nomination for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a journey that started at Frenchs Forest high schools.
A Local Legacy on the Global Stage
The band’s roots are firmly planted in the northern beaches, where the Farriss brothers and their classmates first blended their unique sound in family garages. Long before they sold 50 million albums, the members of INXS were just local students at The Forest and Davidson high schools.
This connection to the community remains a point of pride for residents who watched the group evolve from a schoolboy project into one of Australia’s most successful exports. Their story is a reminder of how talent nurtured in a local suburb can eventually influence the entire world of rock and roll.
The Race for the Class of 2026
The official nomination for the 2026 intake was confirmed on 25 February 2026, marking a historic moment for the group. To earn a spot among the five final inductees, the band must outperform a crowded field of 17 nominees. The list includes heavyweights such as Phil Collins, Oasis, and Mariah Carey.
While a panel of over 1,200 industry experts will have the final say, the public also has a voice. Fans can participate in a daily online ballot to help their favourite artists climb the leaderboard. The final results are expected to be announced in April 2026.
Community Action and Support
Local supporters are leading a digital movement to ensure the band gets the recognition they deserve. Bee France, a dedicated fan and podcast host, has been active on social media to rally the northern beaches community. She noted that the group is currently sitting in sixth place with over 172,000 votes. She encouraged everyone to vote daily, highlighting that the band’s music has remained relevant across generations.
The band members themselves expressed their gratitude on their website, stating that the nomination belongs to their fans as much as it does to them. They believe they would not have reached this point without the long-term support of their loyal followers.
Criteria for Music Legends
Getting into the Cleveland-based hall is not just about popularity or record sales. The selection committee looks for artists who have significantly changed music culture or influenced other musicians. The longevity of a career and the overall quality of the work are also vital factors.
If INXS is successful, they will join other Australian icons like AC/DC and the Bee Gees in the prestigious institution. For now, the focus remains on the daily vote count as the community hopes to see the boys from Frenchs Forest take their place among the greatest names in music history.
Published Date 11-March-2026
