IT’s the unofficial anthem that conjures all sorts of feelings for Port Adelaide supporters, and now the writer admits getting emotional when 50,000 people sing Never Tear Us Apart at Adelaide Oval.

The 1988 classic was given new life in March 2014 when it was first used in the 60 seconds before the first bounce when Port Adelaide moved its home games to the Oval.

Nowadays it is a staple of game day and thousands of people stand and sing in unison, holding scarves above their heads – many featuring the words Never Tear Us Apart.

While he is not a Port Adelaide supporter, one of the song’s writers Andrew Farriss from the rock group INXS, said the moment still makes him emotional.

“I must say I was overwhelmed when I first saw Adelaide audiences participating with Never Tear Us Apart,” he said during an interview on ABC TV.

“It makes me very emotional because I recognise that this is not a pop moment, this is not an award, it’s not even about money.

“It’s about culture. This song, that I wrote with Michael (Hutchence) all those years ago, perhaps even naively, is now part of Australian culture and I take that very seriously.”

Farriss explained the pride he took when the song was first used.

While his allegiances lie elsewhere, he praised the Port Adelaide Football Club and Chairman David Koch for helping create an incredible moment.

“I supported East Fremantle originally because I’m from Western Australia originally,” he said.

“Good on Kochie for championing that, I really appreciate that and that Port Adelaide have taken that on.”

You can take part in the moment next season, with memberships now on offer.

Click here to sign up for 2021.