SYDNEY, Nov 22: Australian rock star Michael Hutchence, lead singer of THe pop group `INXS', was found dead at an upmarket hotel here, the ambulance service said today. Police refused to comment on the cause of the death, but some media reported Hutchence was found hanged.Hutchence and his girlfriend, British television personality Paula Yates, have a baby called Heavenly Hirani Tiger Lily.Hutchence was in Australia preparing for the 20th anniversary tour of INXS, which was formed in Perth, after he teamed up with Andrew and Tim Farris in the late 1970s.Hutchence was always seen as the focus of the band, with a style similar to that of Rolling Stones lead singer Mick Jagger and the late Doors frontman Jim Morrison. INXS had major hits in Australia early in its career with songs including `Burn For You,' `I Send A Message' and `Don't change'. The band scored a major success in the United States with the album `Kick' and the singles `New Sensation', and `Need You Tonight'.The band toured constantly throughout the world and performed at major charity Gigs including the Australian end of the Live Aid concert series in the 1980s. They also performed a sellout show at London's Wembley Stadium.However, record sales for the group had fallen in recent years.Hutchence's private life fell repeatedly under the media spotlight in recent years. For his romances with pop star Kylie Minogue, model Helena Christensen and lately Paula Yates, the former wife of Irish rock star Bob Geldoff.
