Fortune visits his hometown
Salt Springs-raised-singer-turned INXS frontman spotted around Pictou County, performs at Fibbers pub

NEW GLASGOW -- It was Pictou County”s worst-kept secret.

Despite his friends” protestations to the contrary, the newest member of the Australian rock band INXS really was home in Nova Scotia this week.

Banishing all doubts that recent J.D. Fortune sightings were figments of overactive imaginations, the band”s lead singer led an impromptu concert at Wednesday”s open mic night at Fibbers Eatery and Pub in New Glasgow.

Fortune, who started life as Jason Dean Bennison, won the band”s front spot in September on the CBS reality show Rock Star: INXS.

By all accounts, his quiet return to the community where he honed his considerable performance skills was meant to be a rest.

But, despite denials by those who knew him, news of Fortune”s presence started making the rounds soon after his arrival Monday.

He was staying at a local hotel, shopping in a New Glasgow grocery store, and singing at a private party at Fibbers, where he often performed before his CBS win.

Even Fortune”s friend and fellow singer-songwriter Dave Gunning wasn”t sure Fortune would perform Wednesday night, because the appearance wasn”t advertised.

Nevertheless, Fibbers was packed with expectant fans.

“It”s kind of crazy how word got around,” said Gunning. The venue gave him little chance for a ””quality chat” with his friend, and he had no idea what Fortune”s plans are.

“He”s floating around somewhere,” Gunning said Thursday, adding that he tries to keep business and friendship separate and wouldn”t give up his buddy”s whereabouts even if he knew.

Fortune”s visit fulfilled a promise to his local fans, who supported him even before he became famous, Gunning said.

“It was honorable of him to do that,” he said, adding that Fortune”s success will now garner him attention wherever he goes.

“He”s handling it really well,” he said.

Wednesday night”s surprise performance, sharing the stage with the Rabbit Town Blues Band, delighted Fortune”s Pictou County fans.

Fortune performed four songs, ending with his signature Pretty Vegas.

“He rocked the house,” said local radio personality and die-hard Fortune fan Anne MacGregor. “The vibe was wonderful.”

Sources suggested Fortune would be in the area for a few more days, but will likely try to keep a low profile for the rest of his stay.

The Australian band tour schedule for 2006 opens on Jan. 18 in Vancouver at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. The only other Canadian dates, so far, are two sold-out shows in February at Massey Hall in Toronto.

The 32-year-old Salt Springs-raised performer became the full-time replacement for the late Michael Hutchence, after the weekly singing contest on CBS during the summer.

The new version of the band has already made some U.S. television appearances.

The band is completing its Epic Records debut with producer Guy Chambers, who has worked with a range of contemporary artists from Robbie Williams to Charlotte Church.

The album, titled Switch, is due in stores Nov. 29.

Canadians can download the new song Pretty Vegas, co-written by Fortune and performed on the television series, from iTunes Canada. The single is getting heavy airplay worldwide.