Jonathan James Farriss was born in 1961 in Perth, Australia. At the age of 7 he gets a drum set. He plays along with Beatles records and takes drum lessons. However, he only keeps these drum lessons for six sessions, after which he continues drumming by ear.
Need You Tonight
Together with his brother, guitarist Tim Farriss, Jon starts the band The Farris Brothers in 1977. The name soon changes to INXS. Jon gained the confidence in INXS to do his own thing and try lots of crazy things. This can be heard on the song Need You Tonight. Keyboardist Andrew quickly programs a drum pattern on a drum machine and Jon adds extra percussion; cowbells, congas, shakers. The combination of the computer-controlled drums and Jon’s improvised percussion immediately gives the beat tension and dynamics.
Driving force
Jon is the driving force behind the band. Nile Rodgers, who produced their big hit Original Sin, even said he didn’t start working with INXS until after seeing Jon Farriss play the drums live.
Although music remains Jon’s greatest passion, he says he also focuses on deepening his spirituality, exploring hidden wisdoms, enjoying nature and watching birds.
Curious about the whole story of Jon Farriss? Listen to The Golden Eardrum below:
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