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5 Shocking Facts About The Divinyls' 'I Touch Myself'—From Rock Anthem To Breast Cancer Legacy

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Few songs in rock history have undergone a transformation as radical and powerful as The Divinyls’ 1990 global hit, "I Touch Myself." Originally a bold, unapologetic anthem of female sexuality and self-pleasure, the song has, in the years since its release, taken on an entirely new and profoundly meaningful dual life. As of December 22, 2025, the track is not only celebrated for its chart-topping, boundary-pushing rock energy but is now intrinsically linked to a crucial public health campaign, a testament to the enduring vision of its late, iconic frontwoman, Chrissy Amphlett.

The Australian rock duo, anchored by the magnetic and provocative vocalist Amphlett and guitarist Mark McEntee, created a song that defined an era. However, the true, lasting impact of "I Touch Myself" is cemented by its current role in promoting breast cancer awareness—a legacy that ensures the song's controversial, yet liberating, message continues to save lives worldwide, making it one of the most culturally significant tracks of the 1990s.

The Life and Legacy of Chrissy Amphlett: A Profile

The power and controversy of "I Touch Myself" are inseparable from the woman who sang it, Chrissy Amphlett. Known for her confrontational stage presence, schoolgirl uniform aesthetic, and raw vocal delivery, Amphlett was a true pioneer for women in rock. Her life was a fierce blend of artistic intensity and personal struggle, culminating in a powerful posthumous legacy.

  • Birth Name: Christine Joy Amphlett
  • Born: October 25, 1959, in Geelong, Victoria, Australia
  • Died: April 21, 2013 (aged 53), in New York City, USA
  • Cause of Death: Breast Cancer (complicated by Multiple Sclerosis)
  • Primary Instrument: Vocals
  • Band: The Divinyls (1980–1996; 2006–2007)
  • Spouse: Charley Drayton (Drummer for Divinyls and other major acts)
  • Key Career Highlights: Co-founded The Divinyls; starred in the Australian production of Blood Brothers; inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006.

Amphlett’s battle with breast cancer, which began in 2007, and her co-existing struggle with multiple sclerosis, gave her a final, poignant mission: to reimagine her biggest hit as a tool for health advocacy, a wish that has since been honored globally.

The Shocking Songwriting Secrets and Chart Dominance

The song’s success was immediate and massive, but the process of its creation involved a surprising collaboration and a deliberate intent to push the boundaries of pop music.

The Powerhouse Songwriting Team

"I Touch Myself" was not just written by the core Divinyls members, Chrissy Amphlett and guitarist Mark McEntee. It was co-written with the legendary American songwriting duo Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg. This team was responsible for some of the biggest pop hits of the 1980s, including Madonna’s "Like a Virgin" and Cyndi Lauper’s "True Colors."

The collaboration was a fascinating mix of raw Australian rock and polished American pop sensibility. Kelly and Steinberg reportedly brought the initial, simple, yet provocative chorus idea, which Amphlett then infused with her signature rock attitude and sexual frankness, making the track uniquely Divinyls.

The Album and Global Chart Impact

The track was the lead single from The Divinyls' fourth studio album, also titled diVINYLS, released on January 29, 1991. The song’s success was unprecedented for the band:

  • It hit No. 1 on the Australian charts.
  • It peaked at No. 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
  • It reached No. 10 on the UK Singles Chart.

The song's raw, minimalist music video, which featured a sultry Amphlett in a sheer top, cemented its status as a cultural touchstone. It was a bold declaration of female agency and self-love, a theme that was still largely taboo in mainstream rock music at the time. The track’s rhythm section even featured session legends like Randy Jackson on bass and Benmont Tench on Hammond organ, adding a layer of musical sophistication beneath the rock edge.

From Sexual Anthem to Life-Saving Campaign: The 'I Touch Myself Project'

The song’s most recent and significant chapter is its transformation into an anthem for health. This new life began shortly after Chrissy Amphlett’s death in 2013, honoring her final wish to use the song to encourage women to prioritize their health.

The Birth of a Powerful Legacy

The "I Touch Myself Project" was launched in partnership with the Cancer Council NSW (New South Wales) in Australia. The campaign cleverly recontextualizes the song's title and lyrics, transforming the act of "touching myself" from one of pleasure to one of vital self-examination for the early detection of breast cancer.

Amphlett’s husband, Charley Drayton, along with her bandmate Mark McEntee, have been instrumental in promoting the project. They understood that Chrissy’s powerful voice and provocative image could be used for an even greater good.

Covers That Carry the Torch

To keep the message fresh and widely disseminated, the campaign has inspired numerous covers by contemporary artists, ensuring the song reaches new generations. These covers are essential to the song’s topical authority and continued relevance in 2025.

  • Australian All-Stars: A notable 2014 cover featured a collective of leading Australian female artists, including Olivia Newton-John, Sarah Blasko, and Kate Ceberano, further cementing its status as a national health anthem.
  • Recent Interpretations: In early 2025, the Australian indie band Lime Cordiale performed a high-profile cover, bringing the track to a younger, mainstream audience. Other notable covers by artists like BØRNS and Lauren Ruth Ward have kept the song in the global consciousness, showcasing its versatility across genres.

The project’s message is simple and direct: "I Touch Myself" is a reminder that knowing your body is the first step in early detection, significantly increasing survival rates for breast cancer.

The Enduring Cultural Impact of Self-Love and Boldness

Beyond the health campaign, the original 1990 track remains a landmark in rock history. It is often cited as one of the most important songs of the era for its upfront discussion of female sexuality, challenging the male-dominated rock landscape.

Chrissy Amphlett’s performance was not merely suggestive; it was a defiant act of taking ownership of the female body and desire. This radical self-acceptance is what gives the song its lasting power. It paved the way for countless female artists who followed, demonstrating that a woman could be both a powerful rock vocalist and a candid commentator on her own pleasure.

The story of "I Touch Myself" is a remarkable journey from a controversial rock hit about pleasure to a powerful, life-affirming public service announcement. It is a dual legacy that few songs can claim, ensuring that Chrissy Amphlett’s voice—and her message of self-awareness—will echo for decades to come.

5 Shocking Facts About The Divinyls' 'I Touch Myself'—From Rock Anthem to Breast Cancer Legacy
divinyls i touch myself
divinyls i touch myself

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