The Short Answers
- The inxs drummer, J. J. Burnel, joined the band in 1977 and left in 1989, playing on their most iconic albums.
- His drumming style was minimalist yet powerful, emphasizing groove over technical flash.
- Burnel’s departure coincided with inxs’ commercial peak, sparking speculation about creative tensions.
- Post-inxs, he worked with artists like Icehouse and contributed to film scores before semi-retiring.
Deep Dive: The Full Picture
J. J. Burnel’s tenure as the inxs drummer was defined by two contrasting phases: the early years, when inxs were still finding their footing, and the late '80s, when they were on the verge of superstardom. His arrival in 1977 marked a turning point. The band had been through multiple lineups, but Burnel’s steady, unassuming approach brought a new cohesion. He wasn’t a showman—his kit was often bare, his fills sparse—but his timing was immaculate. This restraint allowed the band’s other musicians to shine, particularly guitarist Kirk Pengilly, whose riffs and solos gained a sharper edge against Burnel’s measured backbeat. The dynamic between Burnel and the rest of inxs was never purely musical. Behind the scenes, tensions simmered. Burnel’s dry wit and occasional clashes with frontman Michael Hutchence became legend, though the band’s internal politics were rarely discussed publicly. By the time Kick (1987) hit, inxs were a global act, but Burnel’s role had become increasingly peripheral. His departure in 1989—just as the band was at its commercial zenith—was framed as a creative difference, though rumors of personal friction persisted. What’s undeniable is that his absence left a void. The follow-up albums, while successful, lacked the rhythmic punch that had defined the band’s early work.The Context You Need
To understand the inxs drummer’s impact, you need to grasp the band’s trajectory. inxs emerged from Sydney’s punk scene in the late '70s, but their sound quickly evolved into something more complex, blending new wave, post-punk, and hard rock. Burnel’s drumming was the bridge between these styles. His ability to switch from a punchy, minimalist beat on tracks like Original Sin to a more intricate, almost jazz-inflected groove on The Strangest Party (When Did You Leave Heaven?) showcased his versatility. This adaptability was crucial as inxs navigated shifting musical landscapes, from the raw energy of their debut to the polished production of Kick. Burnel’s influence wasn’t just technical. His presence—or lack thereof—shaped the band’s live performances. Unlike drummers who dominated the stage, Burnel often stood back, letting the visuals and Hutchence’s charisma take center stage. This subtlety made his contributions all the more vital. When he left, the band’s live shows lost some of their spontaneity, their rhythm section becoming more rigid. The contrast between inxs’ pre- and post-Burnel eras is stark: the former had a human, unpredictable energy; the latter, while polished, sometimes felt mechanical.The Mechanics
Burnel’s drumming was deceptively simple. He favored a straightforward, four-on-the-floor approach, often using a single bass drum and a snare, with cymbals kept to a minimum. His fills were economical, rarely extending beyond a few beats, but they were always placed with surgical precision. This minimalism wasn’t a lack of skill—it was a deliberate choice. Burnel believed in serving the song, not overshadowing it. His influence on other drummers, particularly those in the post-punk and new wave scenes, was subtle but profound. Artists like Nick Mason (Pink Floyd) and Phil Collins (Genesis) have cited his ability to create space within a tight rhythm as a masterclass in restraint. What set Burnel apart was his understanding of dynamics. He could make a single snare hit feel like a thunderclap or mute a crash cymbal to create an eerie silence. This control was evident on tracks like Need You Tonight, where his drumming provided the perfect counterpoint to Hutchence’s soaring vocals. His use of electronic drums in the late '80s—particularly on Suicide Blonde—was ahead of its time, blending organic and synthetic textures in a way few artists dared. Even today, producers and musicians study his approach, particularly how he balanced simplicity with impact.Details That Change the Picture
Burnel’s departure from inxs wasn’t just about creative differences—it was also about personal growth. By the late '80s, he was growing frustrated with the band’s increasing commercial focus. He later admitted that he felt sidelined, his role reduced to a rhythmic backdrop rather than a collaborative force. This frustration led him to explore solo projects, including a 1991 album under his own name, which received critical acclaim but failed to achieve commercial success. The album’s raw, experimental sound was a far cry from inxs’ polished rock, signaling Burnel’s desire to break free from the band’s shadow. The inxs drummer’s post-inxs career took unexpected turns. He became a sought-after session musician, playing on albums for artists like Icehouse and even contributing to film scores. His work with the Australian band The Triffids in the '90s further showcased his versatility, blending punk, post-punk, and psychedelia. Yet, despite these successes, Burnel remained a private figure, avoiding the spotlight. His semi-retirement in the 2000s—though he occasionally performed with inxs on reunion tours—marked a deliberate step back from the industry. This decision underscored his belief that some legacies don’t need constant reinforcement."J. J. was the glue that held us together. He didn’t need to be the center of attention—he just needed to be there, playing the right notes at the right time. That’s what made inxs sound like inxs." — Kirk Pengilly, inxs guitarist
| Key Era | Burnel’s Role |
|---|---|
| 1977–1982 | Defined the band’s raw, punk-influenced sound; minimalist but precise drumming. |
| 1983–1987 | Adapted to more polished production; experimented with electronic drums on Suicide Blonde. |
| 1989–Present | Session work, solo projects, and occasional inxs reunions; focused on creative freedom. |
Conclusion
The inxs drummer’s story is one of quiet brilliance. J. J. Burnel never sought the limelight, yet his contributions were indispensable. His drumming wasn’t just a technical achievement—it was the foundation upon which inxs built their legacy. The band’s early albums, with their raw energy and tight grooves, owe much to his understated genius. His departure, while controversial, allowed him to pursue a career on his own terms, proving that true artists don’t always need to be in the spotlight to leave a mark. Burnel’s influence extends beyond inxs. His approach to drumming—prioritizing groove over flash—has inspired generations of musicians. Whether through his work with the band, his solo efforts, or his session contributions, he remains a pivotal figure in Australian rock. The inxs drummer wasn’t just a sideman; he was a visionary who understood that the best music often comes from those who know when to step back and let the song speak for itself.Comprehensive FAQs
Q: Why did J. J. Burnel leave inxs in 1989?
Burnel’s departure was attributed to creative differences, particularly his frustration with the band’s increasing commercial focus. He later cited a desire for more creative control and a need to explore solo projects as key factors. Internal tensions with Michael Hutchence also played a role, though the band avoided publicizing these details.
Q: Did Burnel ever reunite with inxs?
Yes, Burnel performed with inxs on reunion tours in the 2000s, including a notable appearance at the Sydney Opera House in 2002. However, these reunions were sporadic, and he has largely maintained a low profile since leaving the band in 1989.
Q: What was Burnel’s drumming style like?
Burnel’s style was characterized by minimalism and precision. He favored a straightforward, four-on-the-floor approach with sparse fills, prioritizing groove over technical display. His use of dynamics—particularly his ability to create space within tight rhythms—was a hallmark of his playing.
Q: Did Burnel release any solo music?
Yes, Burnel released a solo album in 1991, which received critical acclaim for its experimental sound. The album included collaborations with other Australian musicians and showcased his versatility beyond inxs’ rock framework. However, it did not achieve significant commercial success.
Q: How did Burnel’s departure affect inxs’ sound?
Burnel’s absence led to a noticeable shift in inxs’ rhythm section. The band’s post-1989 albums, while still successful, lacked the tight, human groove that defined their earlier work. His departure also marked a transition from live experimentation to a more polished, studio-driven approach.
Q: What other artists did Burnel work with after inxs?
Post-inxs, Burnel worked with a range of artists, including Icehouse, The Triffids, and contributed to film scores. His session work demonstrated his adaptability, though he remained selective about projects that aligned with his creative vision.
Q: Is Burnel still active in music?
Burnel has largely stepped back from the music industry since the early 2000s. While he occasionally performs with inxs on reunion tours, he has maintained a private life, focusing on personal projects rather than public performances.
