The Complete Overview of INXS Drummer Jon Farriss
Jon Farriss wasn’t just a drummer—he was the rhythmic architect of INXS’ identity. Born on October 16, 1963, in Sydney, Australia, he grew up in a musical family, with his older brother Andrew already making waves as a keyboardist. By his teens, Jon had developed a reputation for his precision and adaptability, skills that would later define his work with INXS. His early influences ranged from jazz drummers like Buddy Rich to rock titans like John Bonham, but it was his ability to fuse these styles with electronic experimentation that set him apart. When INXS formed in 1977, Jon’s role was immediate and pivotal: he wasn’t just filling a seat behind the kit; he was shaping the band’s sonic palette. What made **INXS drummer Jon Farriss** indispensable was his collaborative genius. Unlike many drummers who play to a pre-recorded track, Farriss often co-wrote and co-produced INXS’ songs, ensuring his rhythms were inseparable from the compositions. His drumming on *"Don’t Change"* (1984) or *"New Sensation"* (1985) wasn’t just accompaniment—it was a dialogue with the bass, guitars, and synths, creating a layered texture that felt both organic and futuristic. This wasn’t just rock drumming; it was a new language, one that blended the grit of punk with the polish of pop. By the time INXS released *Kick* (1987), their breakthrough album, Farriss’ drumming had become the blueprint for modern rock rhythms, influencing everything from alternative rock to electronic dance music.Historical Background and Evolution
The 1980s were a turning point for drumming, as technology began to challenge the traditional role of the percussionist. While bands like Rush and Yes pushed technical boundaries, INXS took a different approach: they embraced electronics not as a replacement, but as an extension. Jon Farriss, with his brother Andrew, was at the forefront of this shift. Using drum machines like the LinnDrum and the Oberheim DMX, Farriss would layer electronic beats with his live playing, creating a hybrid sound that was both mechanical and human. This wasn’t gimmicky—it was strategic. The electronic elements filled gaps in the mix, while Farriss’ live kit provided the organic pulse that kept the music alive. His evolution as a drummer was marked by two key phases. In the early years, his style was rooted in classic rock, with a focus on tight, punchy grooves that complemented INXS’ bluesy riffs. But as the band’s sound became more synth-driven, Farriss adapted, incorporating programmed rhythms that synced with the electronic elements. Tracks like *"Suicide Blonde"* (1982) show this transition clearly: the drum machine’s metallic clicks sit alongside his live snare hits, creating a tension that was both innovative and accessible. By the time of *Shabooh Shoobah* (1982) and *The Swing* (1984), Farriss’ drumming had become so integral to the band’s identity that it was nearly impossible to imagine INXS without it.Core Mechanisms: How It Works
Farriss’ drumming wasn’t just about speed or complexity—it was about *placement*. His grooves were built on micro-timing, where every 16th-note hit felt deliberate, almost surgical. He achieved this through a combination of meticulous practice and technological integration. For example, on *"Need You Tonight,"* his drum machine triggers would fire in sync with his live playing, but with slight variations in velocity to maintain a human feel. This hybrid approach allowed him to create rhythms that were both precise and dynamic, avoiding the robotic quality of purely programmed drums. Another hallmark of his technique was his use of the **"half-time shuffle"**—a rhythmic motif where the snare hits on the "and" of beat two, creating a hypnotic, rolling groove. This became a signature of INXS’ sound, particularly on tracks like *"Original Sin."* Farriss also pioneered the use of **"ghost notes"**—subtle hits on the hi-hat or snare that added texture without overpowering the mix. His ability to balance these elements with electronic layers made his drumming feel both modern and timeless, a quality that set him apart from peers who relied solely on live playing or programming.Key Benefits and Crucial Impact
The impact of **INXS drummer Jon Farriss** extends far beyond the studio. His work with the band didn’t just define a decade of rock music—it redefined what a drummer could be. By integrating electronics without sacrificing the human element, he created a template for future generations of percussionists, from Dave Grohl’s hybrid drumming to the electronic-rock fusion of bands like Muse. His influence isn’t just heard in the grooves of INXS’ hits; it’s embedded in the DNA of modern pop and alternative music, where programmed and live elements often coexist. What makes Farriss’ legacy even more remarkable is his ability to make complexity sound effortless. His drumming on *"Never Tear Us Apart"* (1988) is a masterclass in restraint—every fill, every cymbal crash, every snare hit serves the song without drawing attention to itself. This was a conscious choice. Farriss once said, *"The best drumming is the kind you don’t notice—it’s just there, making the music breathe."* That philosophy became the cornerstone of INXS’ sound, ensuring their music remained accessible even as it pushed boundaries.*"Jon’s drumming wasn’t just a part of the song—it was the song. He didn’t play *with* the band; he played *as* the band."* — **Andrew Farriss**, INXS keyboardist and co-writer
Major Advantages
- Pioneering Hybrid Drumming: Farriss was one of the first to seamlessly blend live drumming with electronic triggers, creating a sound that felt both modern and organic.
- Rhythmic Innovation: His use of half-time shuffles, ghost notes, and micro-timing influenced countless drummers, from alternative rock to electronic artists.
- Collaborative Genius: As both a drummer and co-writer, Farriss ensured his rhythms were integral to INXS’ compositions, not just accompaniment.
- Accessibility in Complexity: Despite his technical prowess, Farriss’ drumming never felt showy—it was always in service of the song.
- Enduring Influence: His techniques remain a blueprint for modern drummers who work with electronic elements, proving his methods were ahead of their time.
Comparative Analysis
| INXS Drummer Jon Farriss | Phil Collins (Genesis) |
|---|---|
| Hybrid live/electronic drumming; focus on grooves over flash. | Technical virtuosity; emphasis on showmanship and fills. |
| Integrated electronic triggers into live playing for a seamless sound. | Used drum machines as secondary elements, not primary. |
| Collaborated closely with producers and bandmates on songwriting. | Often played to pre-recorded tracks, with less live interaction. |
| Influence: Modern alternative/electronic rock drummers. | Influence: Pop-rock and technical drumming styles. |
Future Trends and Innovations
The future of drumming, as foreshadowed by **INXS drummer Jon Farriss**, lies in the fusion of technology and human touch. Today’s artists, from Travis Barker (Blink-182) to Steve Gadd’s protégé, are continuing Farriss’ legacy by using electronic triggers, MIDI, and AI-assisted mixing to expand the possibilities of live drumming. The trend isn’t toward replacing drummers with machines, but toward enhancing their roles—just as Farriss did in the 1980s. As AI-generated music becomes more prevalent, the demand for human drummers who can blend organic feel with digital precision will only grow. Farriss’ greatest lesson for modern musicians is that innovation doesn’t require abandoning tradition—it requires reimagining it. His ability to make electronic elements feel natural is a masterclass in how technology can serve artistry, not the other way around. As drumming continues to evolve, the principles Farriss established—precision, collaboration, and adaptability—will remain the foundation of great rhythmic storytelling.
Conclusion
Jon Farriss’ story is one of quiet revolution. While other drummers of the 1980s were busy breaking records or showcasing technical feats, Farriss was busy redefining what a drummer could be. His work with INXS wasn’t just about keeping time—it was about shaping the very fabric of rock music. By integrating electronics without losing the human element, he created a sound that was both futuristic and timeless, ensuring INXS’ place in history as one of the most influential bands of their era. Yet Farriss’ legacy isn’t just about the past. It’s a roadmap for the future, proving that the most enduring innovations in music come from those who dare to blend old and new, tradition and technology. As long as there’s rhythm in music, Jon Farriss’ influence will be felt—not as a relic of the 1980s, but as a guiding force for the drummers who follow.Comprehensive FAQs
Q: How did Jon Farriss’ drumming differ from other rock drummers of the 1980s?
A: Unlike drummers like Phil Collins (who focused on technical displays) or Neil Peart (who emphasized complexity), Farriss prioritized grooves and electronic integration. His drumming was less about flash and more about serving the song, often using hybrid live/electronic techniques that were groundbreaking at the time.
Q: Did Jon Farriss use drum machines on INXS albums?
A: Yes, Farriss frequently used drum machines like the LinnDrum and Oberheim DMX, but he never let them replace his live playing. Instead, he layered electronic triggers with his live kit to create a seamless, dynamic sound—something that was rare in the 1980s.
Q: What was Jon Farriss’ role in INXS’ songwriting?
A: Farriss wasn’t just a drummer; he was a co-writer and producer for many of INXS’ hits. His rhythmic ideas were often woven into the compositions, ensuring his drumming was as much a part of the songwriting process as any other instrument.
Q: How did Jon Farriss influence modern drummers?
A: Farriss’ blend of live drumming and electronic elements paved the way for modern hybrid drumming styles. Artists like Travis Barker (Blink-182) and Josh Freese (The Vandals) cite his techniques as inspiration, particularly his use of triggers and programmed rhythms in live settings.
Q: What is Jon Farriss doing now?
A: After INXS’ hiatus following Michael Hutchence’s death in 1997, Farriss has worked on solo projects, drum clinics, and occasional reunions with INXS for special performances. He remains active in the drumming community, sharing his insights on modern techniques.
Q: Which INXS songs best showcase Jon Farriss’ drumming?
A: Tracks like *"Need You Tonight,"* *"Original Sin,"* and *"Never Tear Us Apart"* are prime examples of Farriss’ genius. His use of half-time shuffles, ghost notes, and electronic layers is most evident in these songs, making them essential listening for fans of his work.
