MUMBAI: Iconic Australian rock group INXS has quit live acts after 35 years of selling more than 30 million records and touring. The band thanked fans and honoured late frontman Michael Hutchence.

Earlier this week, band’s drummer Jon Farriss announced at a support performance for US band Matchbox Twenty in Perth, that it was the last time INXS would perform together.  He said, “Tonight is very likely to probably be the last show we ever do. Seriously we kind of kept it under wraps but we wanted to leave it till tonight to let you guys know and Perth is really important to us because we feel very connected to this wonderful city. I’m getting all teared up.”

The band also released an official statement confirming the news on Tuesday. Members Tim, Andrew and 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."

INXS was one of the biggest touring bands of the 1980s and 1990s, playing to 80,000 at Wembley Stadium in London and 120,000 in Rio De Janeiro. Their 1987 breakthrough album ‘Kick’ sold more than 10 mn copies. But the death of charismatic lead singer Hutchence in 1997 was a major blow.

A US TV talent show for a new frontman was won by Canadian JD Fortune, while Terence Trent D’Arby and Jon Stevens also had a turn at the microphone. Irishman Ciaran Gribbin was the last to take the role. The band’s search for a permanent singer was documented in the 2004 reality TV series, Rock Star: INXS which was won by Fortune.