Dispute Erupts Over New Michael Hutchence Music Set For Release

12 July 2016 | 12:18 pm | Neil Griffiths

Plans to release first song before Christmas.

More Michael Hutchence More Michael Hutchence

A Sydney entrepreneur has announced plans to release previously unheard music recorded by late INXS frontman Michael Hutchence despite legal threats from the manager of the iconic Australian band. 

As The Guardian reports, Ron Creevey, who runs Kings Cross' The X Studio, has been working on the project with LA-based producer Danny Saber for the last two years and is aiming to release the first of 15 songs in November. 

"I heard some time ago about some unreleased music that was sitting out there, and then I approached [Hutchence’s] trust directly," Creevey said.

"At least five songs are brilliant.

Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter

"There’s going to be two duets that will come out with two very big artists that I can’t legally name at the moment, and then there’s singles he did himself."

Saber added that he had been working with Hutchence shortly before his death in 1997.

"Me and him sort of connected and started writing towards the end," Saber said.

"It’s sort of like a little treasure trove of stuff – essentially there were vocals and ideas, and that’s the stuff that I’m reworking and we’re going to be releasing."

Creevey is working towards releasing the remaining songs and an accompanying documentary next year to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Hutchence's death.

However it may not be a smooth ride for Creevey, after INXS manager Chris Murphy announced back in May that he would pursue legal action against anyone attempting to release music under the INXS and Hutchence copyright. 

"I do know every single individual and or company who interfere with INXS/Michael copyrights are about to find themselves in very deep legal trouble," Murphy said at the time. 

Creevey however denies Murphy has any control over the unreleased music.

The Music has contacted Creevey and Murphy for further comment.