It’s not properly the end of an era, but it’s kind of sad that one of the iconic bands of the Eighties’ indie rock scene is calling it quits after 35 years. We’re talking about Australia’s INXS: according to the Brisbane Times, the band announced their break-up during a show in Sydney on Sunday, November 11.

The magazine reports that “[Jon] Farriss took over the microphone from lead singer Ciaran Gribbin two-thirds of the way through their set to make the announcement to thousands of fans in the venue. He said they didn’t want to reveal anything ahead of the concert, but it was ‘the last time’ they would perform together. Farriss thanked the audience for their support throughout the years“.
The following day the band issued an official statement on their website: “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 band, after 1997′s suicide of original singer Michael Hutchence, struggled to replace him and changed three singers after him: Jon Stevens (2000–2003), J. D. Fortune (2005–2011) and Ciaran Gribbin.

INXS, born in 1977,  are one of Australia’s most successful rock bands ever, having sold over 30 million records to date.