Michael Hutchence Forums

1. DWoodford
   Member

   I have a copy of a small article that appeared in Creem magazine sometime in 1987, called "Excess!"

   The article was a brief synopsis of a concert somewhere in Queensland (Brisbane, maybe?) in which Michael expressed an opinion that got the Premier of Queensland bent out of shape.

   According to the story, the Premier in question was against vending machines in public restrooms that sold condoms.

   In response, Michael went on stage and threw out packages of condoms to the audience, simulated ejaculation on stage with a bottle of water, and made some comments about the Premier that almost got Michael arrested.

   This little article gives only the bare bones of the story, and I'd like to know more. Can you get more info. Thanks.

   Posted 1 year ago #

2. Matt
   Key Master

   The Premier in question was Queensland's Premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen who was premier from 1968 - 1987. At the time Queensland was kinda a very strict state and the premier wanted to ban condom vending machines in clubs and schools as he thought they influenced people to have sex.

   Anyway at the concert MH was throwing out condoms into the crowd and saying stuff about the premier. Then INXS went overseas to tour Kick in 1987...and a warrant was issued for MH's arrest if he entered Australia.

   But in the end Sir Joh was kicked out of politics in 1987 so when MH did come back into the country they had forgotten about him and nothing happened.

   I've always thought by INXS having the condom vending machine in the Shining Star video clip a few years after this was a reference this. And the guy that attempts to get the giant condom is meant to be Sir Joh. But the band have never come out and said so.

   Posted 1 year ago #

3. DWoodford
   Member

   Actually, I know most of that. I want to know more.

   I remember reading this article at the time it was published, and being shocked that Michael would do this.

   But now, I find it a bit strange that Mr. Bjelke-Petersen got so bent out of shape because Michael expressed an opinion that was contrary to his own.

   And having Michael arrested for it! How stupid is that? Joh must have had too much time on his hands! Doesn't governing Queensland take up more time than that? Although, maybe he thought that he WAS governing Queensland.

   So, anyway, my question is: since there was more to the story than what my article tells me, I would like to get more details.

   By the way, I never had thought of the condom machine in the "Shining Star" video as having anything to do with that situation. Although I do find it funny.

   Posted 1 year ago #

4. Matt
   Key Master

   That is all to the story really MH just threw out condoms into the crowd because he didn't like that the machines were been pulled out of clubs and schools...like I said at the time Queensland was a different place than it is now...it was very much what you would call a "police state" with lots of laws. Anyway in the end nothing happened and MH was never arrested when he re-entered Australia in 1988. Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen has since died.

   Posted 1 year ago #

5. Sorrow
   Member

   Race segregation ( against African Americans ), existed in America till late 70's, so, behavior of conservative Queensland's premier isn't big surprise, as we also know that Catholic church still condemns all contraceptives.

   Posted 1 year ago #

6. Ellen
   Member

   I'm a Catholic, I have nothing against the use of condoms really except that they have screwed up the younger generation by telling them that casual sex whenever you want it is okay.. Like I don't agree with having condom vending machines in schools... but I guess that's just my opinion. I'm glad though that due to the introduction of condoms we've made great progress in learning about the prevention of things like AIDS and STIs.

   I never really knew about this story with MH and handing out condoms, it's pretty funny that someone would try to arrest him over it all.. I'm glad nothing eventuated haha.

   Posted 1 year ago #

7. Matt
   Key Master

   http://videos.sapo.cv/MTsvGOhAb4z8bp2Z2tMB

   Posted 12 months ago #

8. Sorrow
   Member

   Thanks for the video Matt, hehehehe, "very stupid", "very irresponsible" premier of Qeensland.

   Posted 12 months ago #

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