From the very beginning of INXS, Garry Beers held down the bass on such colossal cuts as “Need You Tonight,” “Never Tear Us Apart” and “What You Need,” while co-writing the likes of chilling show closer “Don’t Change” and the beloved “Listen Like Thieves.”

As the 1980s rolled into the ‘90s with the multi-platinum projects “Kick” and “X,” these Australian ambassadors of sorts became stadium-filling superstars all over the planet, but it all stopped in a blink with the sudden passing of charismatic front man Michael Hutchence in 1997.

Nonetheless, the group soldiered on for a second act, jumpstarted by the “Rock Star: INXS” TV show in 2005, and despite calling it a day seven years later, never really left the public’s consciousness thanks to a frequent flow of retrospectives and documentaries.

Thankfully, the compulsion to create has never left this notable player, who’s back with the new band AshenMoon, which also features “Rock Star: Supernova” alum Toby Rand, guitar wizard Jimmy Khoury and mixing by Grammy-winner David Reitzas.

The classic-minded modern rockers will release their debut Golden Robot Records EP, “Umbra 1,” on October 16, and as Beers enthuses to Chicago Concert Reviews, he may very well be as primed as he was during INXS’ phenomenal run.

What was the path that brought AshenMoon together?  

Garry Beers: The path of friendship and mutual respect, coupled with the need to make a collective statement, both musically and socially. I met Jimmy at a music event in 2006 when I first moved here [Los Angeles] and Toby at a party four years ago. They became my mates for life and last year we finally got around to writing together.

For those who are new to the band, how would you describe your sound?

Beers: We are a rock band in the true sense. Disciples of [Led] Zeppelin, The Beatles and all the great artists who molded what we now call classic rock.

What do you hope listeners will take away from your upcoming EP?
 
Beers: A sense of hope in these painful times. Toby has a unique voice and a very special way with words. I know he feels that he has put a lot of emotion into these songs and I guess that’s what I’d like people to take away. As for Jimmy, he is the best all-round guitar player I have ever played with. He is a true virtuoso. We are pretty serious about this band and the music we make together.
 
Tell us a bit about the meaning behind the title. 

Beers: An umbra is the shadow on the moon during an eclipse, so having the two EPs, called “Umbra 1” and “Umbra 2,” makes a complete eclipse for AshenMoon. 

How do you think AshenMoon will be received by INXS fans?

Beers: So far so good. It’s different to INXS and Toby is his own man singer-wise, so there’s no need to compare to anybody. To be honest, I feel most fans are happy that I’m still making music and loving life.

Speaking of that group, can you reflect on the recent reissue of “Live Baby Live” and what it was like during that era of arguably being the biggest band in the world?

Beers: It was great. To be honest, it was so much hard work touring-wise, it was hard to have a moment to reflect on anything, which was probably a good thing as we just kept concentrating on the art and not the egos.

What INXS projects or periods mean the most to you and why?

Beers: The Wembley Stadium show was one of our best and probably means the most to all members. The record we made straight after that tour was “Welcome To Wherever You Are,” which we all put a lot of passion into. We wanted to be The Beatles for a while and make records that would challenge the listeners.

Are there any misconceptions about Michael Hutchence you’d like to clear up? What do you miss about him? 

Beers: Michael was a sweetheart. He always put other’s situations and feelings before his own. I still dream about him regularly, so for me, he is still here. I do miss his laugh.

How did you feel about reviving the group through “Rockstar: INXS”?

Beers: It was great and weird at the same time. We are not TV stars and just really wanted a new singer. In the end, it was a great experience, and resulted in a great record [“Switch”], and some great tours.

Did the show have anything to do with connecting you and Toby from “Rock Star: Supernova”? What has that shared TV experience brought to AshenMoon? 

Beers: Toby did the “Supernova” show 12 months after the INXS show. I went to a few tapings of “Supernova,” saw him perform and thought he was great. It’s a shame that he didn’t try out for the INXS show! We met at a mutual friend’s party years later, in 2015 or so. We even had an old-fashioned jam at the party.

Once it’s possible, do you guys have touring plans or anything lined up online in the meantime? 

Beers: Absolutely. We had a tour booked and were adding shows as COVID hit, so we truly cannot wait to get out there. We’re great live. We’ve been around, you know? We have done an online concert a few months back and are planning more as we speak. Stay tuned to AshenMoon’s Facebook.

Can you recall any concerts you played in Chicago that really made an impression?

Beers: Chicago was always a great town for INXS. Too much fun actually. What a party town. I remember killer shows at the Riviera Theatre for 93XRT’s 25th anniversary. Shows at the Allstate Arena, Poplar Creek, UIC Pavilion with the Violent Femmes and Matchbox 20, plus the Metro club in ‘93 on our “pub” tour when we wanted to get back to playing sweaty venues where we started. We always looked forward to Chicago. I can’t wait to bring AshenMoon “home.”

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For additional information on AshenMoon, visit AshenMoonMusic.com.