Kirk Pengilly Net Worth

What is Kirk Pengilly's Net Worth?

Kirk Pengilly is an Australian musician who has a net worth of $10 million. Kirk Pengilly is the guitarist, saxophonist, and backing vocalist for INXS, celebrated for his musical versatility and distinctive style that blended rock guitar with pop hooks and brass textures. Recognized by fans for his signature glasses and moustache during the band's peak years, Pengilly was also a key contributor to INXS's vocal harmonies and live arrangements. His multi-instrumental skills and stage charisma made him one of the band's most adaptable and valuable members.

Early Life

Kirk Pengilly was born on 4 July 1958 in Kew, Victoria, and moved to Sydney with his family as a child. He began playing guitar as a teenager and soon added saxophone to his repertoire, developing an interest in both rock and jazz influences.

(Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

INXS

Before INXS, Pengilly played in a Northern Beaches band called "Guinness" with Tim Farriss. In 1977, he joined forces with Tim, Andrew Farriss, Jon Farriss, Michael Hutchence, and Garry Gary Beers to form "The Farriss Brothers." They built their reputation in Sydney's thriving pub rock circuit, known for relentless gig schedules and high-energy performances. In 1979, after encouragement from their manager Chris Murphy and Midnight Oil's Andrew Durant, they changed their name to INXS — a nod to the bands XTC and IXL — and signed a record deal with Deluxe Records.

INXS released their self-titled debut album in 1980, gradually building a loyal following in Australia. By their third album, "Shabooh Shoobah" (1982), they began breaking internationally with singles like "The One Thing" and "Don't Change." Their blend of tight funk rhythms, catchy pop hooks, and rock swagger set them apart from other Australian acts.

The band's global breakthrough came with the 1985 album "Listen Like Thieves," featuring the U.S. top-five hit "What You Need." They followed with the career-defining "Kick" in 1987, which sold over 20 million copies worldwide and produced four top-10 hits in the U.S.: "Need You Tonight" (their only U.S. #1), "Devil Inside," "New Sensation," and "Never Tear Us Apart." Pengilly's guitar textures, saxophone solos (notably on "Never Tear Us Apart"), and backing vocals were crucial to the band's sound both on record and on stage.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, INXS remained a major force with albums like "X" (1990) and singles such as "Suicide Blonde" and "Disappear." However, by the mid-1990s, shifting musical trends and less commercially successful albums began to slow their momentum.

The band's trajectory changed dramatically with the death of Michael Hutchence in November 1997. After a period of uncertainty, INXS continued performing with guest vocalists and eventually launched a global search for a new singer via the 2005 reality TV series "Rock Star: INXS," which introduced Canadian singer J.D. Fortune. While they continued to tour and release music with various frontmen, the group never regained its late-1980s commercial dominance.

In 2012, after 35 years together, INXS announced that they would cease touring, effectively marking the end of the band's active career. Pengilly has remained a vocal custodian of the INXS legacy, participating in anniversary events, documentaries, and archival projects celebrating their music.

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Other Projects

Pengilly has worked as a producer and songwriter outside INXS and has been involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly in vision-related charities after undergoing laser eye surgery. In later years, he served as a judge and mentor on music-related television programs in Australia.

Personal Life

Pengilly married former World Champion surfer Layne Beachley in 2010. He continues to perform, record, and appear at music industry events, while maintaining a strong connection to INXS's legacy.

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