INXS may have had its final retirement confirmed as guitarist Tim Farriss recently lost a finger during a boating accident, according to new reports from Billboard. The accident happened near his home in Sydney and the band's label Petrol Records confirmed that he has had two operations to attach the digit. The accident occurred on January 24 and Farriss has since been released from the hospital, according the label.
Without getting too graphic with the details, reports indicate that the accident involved the electronic anchor winch of his boat. You can imagine.
The guitarist has updated his fans via Twitter in the meantime. The INXS official account offered a "message from Tim" on Wednesday:
"I'm overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and well-wishes I'm receiving," he said. "Thank you all, I'm feeling the love and it's really helping me get through this nightmare."
Although he'll receive physiotherapy as part of the recovery process, it's not sure whether Farriss will ever be able to play his instrument again. Although guitarists such as Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath has persisted despite losing the tips of his middle and ring fingers, in this case it's not sure whether Farriss will be able to move the finger at all.
Farriss founded INXS with his brothers, drummer Jon Farriss and keyboardist Andrew Farriss (the band was originally known as The Farriss Brothers) during 1977. The band has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, including six platinum efforts in the United States according to Billboard. The band officially disbanded during 2012.
If he finds himself able to play the guitar again, don't be surprised to see him onstage: During 2006 he injured his knee and came back to play live with knee support.
