Canadian artist Jason Dean Bennison (aka J.D. Fortune) made music history in 2005. At the time, he was homeless, and he beat out 15 other contestants on Rockstar: INXS to become the band’s new singer. 

As the band’s frontman, J.D. injected new life into INXS, recorded a platinum album and toured extensively with the band. Now, J.D. brings the INXS catalog to Michigan for a night of beloved pop hits in the Island Showroom.

A New Sensation

INXS was formed in Sydney, Australia in 1977. It was comprised of Farniss brothers Jon, Tim and Andrew, saxophonist Kirk Pengilly, bassist Garry Gary Beers and charismatic frontman and lyricist Michael Hutchins. 

They began as a “pub rock” band but quickly incorporated elements of funk, pop and dance music into their sound. They achieved significant commercial success in the mid-80s to early 90s with songs like “What You Need,” “Suicide Blonde,” “Never Tear Us Apart” and “New Sensation.” 

INXS has sold 50 million albums worldwide and is the third-highest-selling Australian band behind AC/DC and The Bee Gees. The band has won numerous awards in their native land and internationally. They’ve been nominated for several Grammys and won five MTV music awards, two Brit awards and six ASCAP awards. 

Unfortunately, tragedy struck in 1997 when singer Michael Hutchence was found dead from an apparent suicide related to depression and drug use. The band went on hiatus for a year and then only played occasional shows with various replacement singers.

Almost Torn Apart 

J.D. Fortune was living in his car when he saw the notice for auditions to Rockstar: INXS. He had been raised primarily by his grandparents and drifted through many entertainment industry jobs, including working as an Elvis impersonator. 

Fortune was a clear underdog during the TV competition. However, his versatile voice, stage presence and ability to win over the band landed him the gig as INXS’s new lead singer.

Shortly after Fortune’s victory, he went into the studio with the band and recorded vocals for the album Switch. Fortune wrote the lyrics to the first single, “Pretty Vegas,” during the Rockstar competition, and it became a Billboard hit. 

In 2006, the newly invigorated band hit the road for an extensive world tour that saw them playing shows around the globe over the next two years. But in 2009, it seemed the partnership was eroding, and by 2011, Fortune and INXS had parted ways. 

Since then, J.D. Fortune has worked on several solo projects, including a solo album and music for television. In 2025, he’s hitting the road again, singing the catalog of songs that made him famous.

Get What You Need

Relive the Classics, Celebrate the Legends: Experience ultimate tributes and timeless hits at the Island. More than a mere tribute, you’ll experience your favorite INXS songs sung by the man who breathed new life into the band. Get your tickets for this dynamic performer and enjoy a special night at The Island Showroom.

Show Details:

• Date: June 21, 2025
• Time: 8:00 PM ET Showtime / Doors at 7:15 PM
• Location: Island Showroom
• Ticket Price: $20

Our favorite free concert series is back! Downtown Rocks is one of the best parts about summer in Las Vegas – and even a little bit into fall. Nothing really beats free music, but when you pair it with Downtown Las Vegas and summer vacation, it definitely gets a lot better. Read on to learn more about these amazing and free Las Vegas concerts and the artists performing the rest of the year.

What is the Downtown Rocks Free Concert Series?

The Downtown Rocks 2024 concert series is a summer concert event hosted by the Fremont Street Experience and casino partners in Downtown Las Vegas featuring some of the greatest headliners – all for free. Live music in Las Vegas is one of the best things the city has to offer, and making it free for everyone to enjoy is what makes Fremont Street so special. The concert series really kicks off toward the end of May, where there are free shows once a week nearly every week through October, with a break in August.

The performances take place either on the 1st St Stage, steps away from Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, or the 3rd Street Stage, right in the heart of Fremont Street. Whether you’re at one of the bars nearby or in the crowd by the stage, you’ll be able to hear a range of artists, from Hoobastank to Sebastian Bach to Common Kings.

Upcoming Downtown Rocks Performers

Saturday, May 25th | Seether

3rd Street Stage, 9:00 pm

To kick off the Downtown Rocks concert series is Seether. Hailing from Pretoria, South Africa in 1999, the band has cultivated a global following. Their remarkable track record boasts three platinum and two gold albums, 22 #1 singles, and 21 Top 5 multi-format hits – leading Billboard to rank them as the #8 All-Time Mainstream Rock Artist.

Saturday, June 8th | Soul Asylum

3rd Street Stage, 8:00 pm

Emerging as Minneapolis’ spirited punk band, Soul Asylum soared to prominence with their 1992 breakthrough album “Grave Dancers Union”, spotlighting the iconic hit “Runaway Train.” With a discography spanning 12 albums, Soul Asylum’s 2020 release “Hurry Up and Wait” continues to earn widespread acclaim.

Saturday, June 8th | Hoobastank

3rd Street Stage

Hoobastank became popular with their unique alternative rock music. Their self-titled 2001 album, featuring the chart-topping hit “Crawling in the Dark”, helped them land themselves in the limelight. The band’s next album in 2003, “The Reason”, became a global sensation with the title track becoming a chart-topping hit.

Saturday, June 29th | Boys Like Girls

1st St Stage, 9:00 pm

Originating from Boston in 2004, Boys Like Girls swiftly climbed to fame. Their debut album and successor “Love Drunk” showcased their rise with hits like “The Great Escape”. Following a reunion tour in 2016 and now signed with Fearless Records, their latest single “Blood and Sugar” highlights that Boys Like Girls is back and ready to rock.

Saturday, July 6th | Chris Janson

3rd Street Stage, 9:00 pm

Dubbed a “live legacy in the making” by Rolling Stone, Chris Janson’s hit “Drunk Girl” earned him an ACM Award, while “Buy Me A Boat” achieved 4x Platinum status. Songs from his album “Real Friends” topped the country charts. In 2023, he saw his fifth #1 career single with his #1 country radio hit “All I Need Is You.”

Saturday, July 20th | Sebastian Bach

1st St Stage, 9:00 pm

Known for his voice, Sebastian Bach has made an impact across music, theater, film, and television. From his iconic songs like “18 and Life” to his diverse roles from Broadway’s Jekyll & Hyde and TV hits like “Trailer Park Boys”, Sebastian Bach has talent that stretches a number of genres, which you’ll get to catch during Downtown Rocks.

Saturday, August 31st | Common Kings

3rd Street Stage, 9:00 pm

Common Kings blend their Pacific Islander heritage with hip-hop, pop, ska, R&B, and reggae styles. Their Grammy-nominated debut album “Lost in Paradise” pushed them to global status, allowing them to share the stage with other musical icons. This free Las Vegas Labor Day Weekend concert is one you’ll want to catch!

Saturday, September 7th | Joe Nichols

1st St Stage, 9:00 pm

Known for blending classic country with modern sound, Joe Nichols has billions of streams and hits. Taking inspiration from the music of George Strait and Merle Haggard, Nichols adds his own spin to country music, especially with his latest album. “Good Day for Living”.

Saturday, September 21st | Sublime with Rome

3rd Street Stage, 9:00 pm

Formed in 2010, Sublime with Rome brings ska alternative rock hits like “Wrong Way” and “Santeria.” Their debut album, “Yours Truly” broke the top ten on the Billboard 200 in 2011. You won’t want to miss this nostalgia-filled concert while singing along to hits like “What I Got” and “Caress Me Down.”

Saturday, October 5th & 26th | TBD

While these artists are still TBD, be sure to keep an eye out for artist announcements to close out the Downtown Ricks 2024 season!

This year’s Downtown Rocks concert series has one of the best lineups to date, and is the prime spot to enjoy free music in Las Vegas from some of the top artists. Plan your summer trip to Las Vegas around your favorite artist, or stop by when you’re in town to see someone new. You might have a new favorite band! Either way, book your room at Golden Gate Hotel to be right in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas and have all the music right outside your door.