He had looks, talent and charisma to burn. Michael Kelland Hutchence was born to be a rock star. And he didn't let destiny down.
He knew how to make platinum selling records, but somehow never learned about ordinary limits. The Sydney born star filled his 37 years with a life that few of us could imagine.
With Michael up front, his band INXS went from performing in small Australian pubs to London's Wembley Stadium and on to New York's Madison Square Garden. They took the world by storm, selling millions of records.
Michael was truly international, keeping houses in Paris, Sydney and London. He was always fond of a party - of the spotlight, the stimulation, the excitement. This was what made him Michael. Here was a performer who didn't have to die to become a legend.
Michael's combination of charisma, talent and intelligence was an irresistable magnet for romance. He was a rare man - he seemed to understand woman. Above all, he understood the mother of his child, Paula Yates - the woman he called his soul-mate.
They met in 1985 when Paula, Bob Geldof's wife, interviewed Michael on the British television showm The Tube. The attraction was instant, but it wasn't until 1995 that they began a passionate public affair.
Paula and Michael ignored the critics and began a permanent relationship. They extended their family, which already included three children from Paula's marriage to Geldof, with the birth last year of their daughter Heavenly Hiranni Tiger Lily.
Michael was a devoted father. The day he died he had sent a dozen roses to Paula's home with a card reading "To all my girls". Both Paula and Michael shared so much - they were independant, rebellious and used to living their lives in the limelight. But the limelight grew more intense as the world clamoured to learn more about the provocative pair.
Paula's messy divorce and custody battle with Bob only fuelled the fascination. Their love had an energy all of it's own.
Tragically, on November 22, 1997, that fierce energy was extinguished - half a lifetime sooner than anyone would have imagined - when Michael's body was found in his suite at Sydney's Ritz Carlton hotel, a leather belt around his neck.
Michael is gone but what will never disappear is our memory of him - as legend and lover.