Epi 224 The return of Mark Optiz Part 2
Who is Mark Opitz? Let’s just say this… without Mark Opitz, the sound of INXS – and a good chunk of Australian rock royalty – wouldn’t be what it is today. Mark Opitz is more than a record producer. He’s a sonic architect, a studio visionary, and the man behind the glass during some of the most defining moments in Aussie music history.
INXS – Yes, he helped shape their sound during that vital early international breakthrough with “Shabooh Shoobah”, and a few years later, he came back to help steer the band through two bold and creative studio albums: “Welcome to Wherever You Are” and “Full Moon, Dirty Hearts.” Albums that pushed boundaries, reinvented the band’s sound, and cemented their status as artists—not just hitmakers.
But the Mark Opitz story doesn’t stop at INXS. Not even close. He’s worked with AC/DC, Cold Chisel, The Angels, Divinyls, Noiseworks, Hoodoo Gurus, Models, and Jimmy Barnes—and that’s just scratching the surface. His shelves are stacked with ARIA Awards, platinum records, and accolades from every corner of the industry. He’s produced and engineered for acts like Kiss, Bob Dylan, and even The Rolling Stones during their Australian tour prep. Mark’s career spans decades and genres, always with a trademark focus on the craft of making records that last.
And here’s the part we’re proudest of… Mark is a patron and proud supporter of the INXS: Access All Areas Podcast. He believes in what we do, and he generously shared his time, stories, and wisdom with us across two incredible episodes. Episodes 222 & 223 In this powerful 2-part series, Mark takes us inside the studio, unpacks how his mind works, and gives us a front-row seat to the alchemy of recording.
You’ll hear about: Working with a young Michael Hutchence Finding that perfect guitar tone Why studio psychology is just as important as the gear What it takes to bring the best out of a band
So… Who is Mark Opitz? He’s the producer behind your favourite tracks, the unsung hero of the Aussie rock explosion, and a man with a million stories told with heart, humour, and honesty.
Listen now to Episodes 222 & 223 of the INXS: Access All Areas Podcast and celebrate the genius of this legendary man. Rock history, straight from the source.
There is also time to buy a raffle ticket and be in the running to win a cool INXS Goodie bag; it includes a CD gift wrapped and signed by Kirk Pengilly, one of Tim's guitar picks, the New Listen Like Thieves double CD, a Limited Edition Listen Like Thieves Lanyard, some Podcast merch. All tucked into an Offical Listen Like Thieves Tote bag. Here the link this is "What You Need!" https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/product-page/listen-like-thieves-raffle-ticket
To find out more about the podcast here is our website https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/
Cheers Haydn & Bee
Australia