INXS are returning to Perth to introduce their new frontman and to open one of the largest sporting events in WA's recent history.
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The rockers will return to Fremantle, the home town of band members Andrew and Jon Farriss, in December to perform at the Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships, where their new lead singer Ciaran Gribbin will perform for the first time.
![Drummer Jon Farris will return to his hometown of Fremantle with INXS to perform with yet-to-be-announced frontman. Drummer Jon Farris will return to his hometown of Fremantle with INXS to perform with yet-to-be-announced frontman.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/81aa7044-e542-4836-8954-8e92af4b7234.jpg/r0_0_729_481_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Irish singer-songwriter Gribbin has worked with the likes of Paul McCartney, Madonna and Snow Patrol and has been nominated for a Grammy Award.
He has co-written the band’s new album The Point of a View with Farris including the track Tiny Summer.
![Ciaran Gribbin has been announced as the new frontman of INXS. Ciaran Gribbin has been announced as the new frontman of INXS.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/0549d4d1-dc2d-495f-9c17-3f36e82845d1.jpg/r0_0_353_530_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Supported by Grinspoon, the December 3 concert will also mark the opening of the Worlds Festival at Esplanade Park which will run alongside the biggest international sailing event of the year.
Perth 2011 will be bigger than the official sailing regatta scheduled for next year's Olympic Games and will take place along the WA coast with events scheduled for Bathers Bay down to Leighton Beach.
"Compared to this, the Olympics is a tiny little event, we've got an event here that is literally four times bigger than the Olympics," Perth 2011 event director and American's Cup veteran John Longley said.
If sailors want a shot at achieving gold in London, competing in Perth is mandatory.
Organisers expect to see some of the 1200 athletes, 850 boats, 300 support boats and over 120 other technical boats arriving in the coming weeks to prepare for the choppy conditions served up daily by the Fremantle Doctor.
Eventscorp executive director David Van Ooran said the 16-day event and corresponding festival is "the grand-daddy of events in terms of positioning, profile and prestige in the sailing world."
Organisers estimate over $40 million in tourism funds are to be made with over 5000 visitors, competitors and support crew expected to travel to Perth for the 16-day event.
Tickets to INXS at the Worlds Festival are still available through Ticketmaster and start at $99.
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