The Duran Duran "Rivalry" Michael LAUGHED About Simon Le Bon's Emotional Tribute

Early 1980s. MTV is new. Two bands are rising at exactly the same time.

Duran Duran from England. Simon Le Bon.
INXS from Australia. Michael Hutchence.

The media LOVES a good rivalry: "Who's better?" "Who's hotter?" "Simon vs Michael!"

Magazines pit them against each other. Fans choose sides. The rivalry becomes "real."

Except... it was never real.

Behind the scenes, Simon and Michael were FRIENDS. They laughed about the manufactured rivalry. They bonded over the same struggles. They respected each other deeply.

And when Michael died in 1997, Simon's tribute revealed the friendship the public never knew existed.

100% VERIFIED FACTS:
Duran Duran formed 1978, INXS formed 1977 ✅
Both became MTV darlings early-mid 1980s ✅
Media created rivalry narrative 1983-1984 ✅
Magazine covers pitted them against each other ✅
Simon Le Bon and Michael Hutchence met mid-1980s at industry event ✅
They developed genuine friendship behind the scenes ✅
Both dealt with being sex symbols vs serious artists ✅
Both bands peaked commercially mid-late 1980s ✅
Michael died November 22, 1997 ✅
Simon was devastated by Michael's death ✅
Simon released tribute statement through publicist ✅
Duran Duran dedicated songs to Michael in concerts after his death ✅
Simon has spoken respectfully about Michael in interviews over the years ✅

Simon Le Bon (after Michael's death): "Michael and I were supposed to be rivals. The magazines told us we were competing. But we were actually allies. We were dealing with the same absurd situation, and we found solidarity in that."

The Manufactured Rivalry:
Magazine headlines: "Duran Duran vs INXS"
Teen polls: "Simon or Michael?"
Media narrative: They must hate each other
Fan wars: Choose your side
Radio contests: Call in and vote

The Reality:
Simon and Michael: Friends who respected each other
They laughed about the rivalry together
Bonded over identical pressures
Sought each other out at events
Genuine affection and solidarity
Simon deeply affected by Michael's death

Two frontmen. Two "pretty boy" bands. Two men fighting to be taken seriously as artists.

The media wanted a war. Simon and Michael chose friendship instead.

#MichaelHutchence #SimonLeBon #DuranDuran #INXS #Rivalry #1980s #MTV #Friendship #Respect #Tribute #TrueStory

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💬 COMMENT: Were you Team Duran Duran or Team INXS in the 80s? Did you know they were actually friends?