Tim Farriss: The Guitarist Behind INXS’s Distinctive Sound

Tim Farriss is an Australian musician best known as the founding guitarist of INXS, one of the most successful rock bands to emerge from Australia. Across the group’s decades-long career, his guitar work helped shape a sound that blended rock, new wave, and pop—and carried INXS from local Sydney venues to audiences around the world.

Early Life and the Formation of INXS

Tim Farriss was born in Perth, Western Australia, on August 16, 1957. He grew up in a musical family with his younger brothers, Andrew and Jon. In the late 1970s, the brothers joined musicians Kirk Pengilly, Garry Gary Beers, and Michael Hutchence to form the group that became INXS.

Originally known as the Farriss Brothers, the band developed its sound through energetic live performances and a willingness to draw on different musical influences. The group adopted the name INXS and began building a following in Australia before finding international success.

Tim Farriss’s Role in the Band

As INXS’s lead guitarist, Farriss brought a flexible, rhythmic approach to the band’s music. Rather than relying on guitar alone to define each song, INXS often combined guitar parts with keyboards, bass, and percussion. Farriss’s playing contributed to the group’s balance of rock energy and danceable groove.

INXS reached a worldwide audience in the 1980s with albums including Shabooh Shoobah, The Swing, and Kick. The latter featured major hits such as “Need You Tonight,” “New Sensation,” and “Never Tear Us Apart.” The band became known for its polished production, strong rhythms, and charismatic performances, with Farriss an integral part of its sound and stage presence.

Life Beyond the Spotlight

Farriss’s career has been closely associated with INXS, but his work also reflects a broader interest in music and creative collaboration. Over the years, he has contributed to the band’s recordings and performances while remaining part of a musical family whose members have pursued projects of their own.

In 2015, Farriss suffered a serious hand injury in an accident. The injury required significant medical treatment and affected his ability to play guitar. His recovery became an important personal challenge alongside his long history in music.

A Lasting Musical Legacy

INXS announced the end of the band after a performance in Perth in 2012. The group’s catalog, however, continues to reach new listeners, and its songs remain a defining part of Australian popular music. Tim Farriss’s contribution is woven through that legacy: a distinctive guitarist whose work helped give INXS its recognizable character.

For fans, Farriss represents more than a memorable stage presence. His career is part of the story of a band that connected rock music with pop and dance influences, and helped bring Australian music to a global audience.

 

Tim Farriss FAQs: Net Worth, Finger Injury, and Guitar Playing

1. How much are the Farriss brothers worth?
2. What is Tim Farriss’ net worth?
3. What happened to Tim Farriss?
4. Which finger did Tim Farriss lose?
5. Can Tim Farriss still play guitar?

How much are the Farriss brothers worth?

There is no verified public figure for how much the Farriss brothers—Tim, Andrew, and Jon—are worth. Online net-worth estimates vary and are often based on speculation rather than confirmed financial information. Their careers with INXS, along with songwriting, touring, and other music projects, have contributed to their success, but their individual wealth has not been publicly disclosed.

What is Tim Farriss’ net worth?

Tim Farriss’s exact net worth is not publicly verified. Online estimates vary, but they are speculative and may not reflect his assets, investments, or financial obligations. As a founding member and guitarist of INXS, Farriss has earned income from decades of recording, touring, songwriting, and music royalties, but there is no confirmed figure available.

What happened to Tim Farriss?

Tim Farriss suffered a serious hand injury in a boating accident in 2015 when his wedding ring became caught in a winch as he was raising an anchor, severing his left ring finger. He underwent surgery and a lengthy recovery, and the injury affected his ability to play guitar. Despite the setback, Farriss remains best known as INXS’s founding guitarist and for his role in the band’s enduring legacy.

Which finger did Tim Farriss lose?

Tim Farriss lost his left ring finger in a boating accident in 2015. The injury also caused serious damage to his hand and affected his ability to play guitar, leading to surgery and a lengthy recovery.

Can Tim Farriss still play guitar?

Yes. Tim Farriss has played guitar again following a serious hand injury in a boating accident in 2015. His recovery was challenging, and the injury affected his playing, but he worked to regain his ability. How comfortably or extensively he plays today may vary.