On this day September 7 1988, INXS reached a new career milestone when their smash single Need You Tonight won Video of the Year at the 5th Annual MTV Video Music Awards. The recognition marked a defining moment for the band, showing how their sleek image and stylish visuals matched the energy of their music.
The video for Need You Tonight stood out for its sharp editing, split screen effects, and charismatic presence from the band, especially frontman Michael Hutchence. It perfectly captured the look and feel of late 80s rock while pushing forward the growing importance of music videos as an art form. The award win confirmed INXS not only as hitmakers but also as innovators in the MTV era.
The success of the video helped drive even more attention to the album Kick, which had already produced multiple hit singles and established INXS as global superstars. Need You Tonight in particular became a defining anthem, fusing rock, funk, and pop in a way that appealed to a wide range of audiences. Winning the top honor at the VMAs reinforced its cultural impact and influence.
80s insight: The 1988 Video of the Year win highlighted how MTV had become a kingmaker in the music industry, where visual presentation was just as important as the songs themselves.
The video for Need You Tonight stood out for its sharp editing, split screen effects, and charismatic presence from the band, especially frontman Michael Hutchence. It perfectly captured the look and feel of late 80s rock while pushing forward the growing importance of music videos as an art form. The award win confirmed INXS not only as hitmakers but also as innovators in the MTV era.
The success of the video helped drive even more attention to the album Kick, which had already produced multiple hit singles and established INXS as global superstars. Need You Tonight in particular became a defining anthem, fusing rock, funk, and pop in a way that appealed to a wide range of audiences. Winning the top honor at the VMAs reinforced its cultural impact and influence.
80s insight: The 1988 Video of the Year win highlighted how MTV had become a kingmaker in the music industry, where visual presentation was just as important as the songs themselves.
