Affairs, drugs and Elton John: Rufus Wainwright’s turbulent youth
He lost his virginity at 13, then fell into addiction. But the acclaimed musician has made peace with his past – and found love along the way.
- by Michael Lallo
Latest
This is the moment when everything changed for Elton John
In 1976, the English musician was finally ready to talk about his sexuality. The fallout was brutal, but a new documentary charts the healing that followed.
- by Michael Lallo
Updated
ABC
Michael Rowland to leave ABC News Breakfast, ‘the best job I’ve had’
A familiar face is tipped to replace the popular host, whose departure after 15 years signals yet more change at the national broadcaster.
- by Kerrie O'Brien and Michael Lallo
As a Wiggle, he brought joy to millions, but privately, he was in pain
A new memoir details the mental and physical torment Anthony Field endured over decades – and how he helped launch the Wiggles into the stratosphere.
- by Michael Lallo
Exclusive
Crime
Real-life ‘death on staircase’ TV experiment leaves jurors in tears
This landmark true crime series takes viewers inside the deliberation room, revealing what happens when 12 strangers determine the fate of an accused killer.
- by Michael Lallo
Sick of feeling invisible, Jo Stanley created her own radio station
She’s one of Australia’s most successful hosts – yet traditional broadcasting left her underwhelmed. So she decided to build a new network from scratch.
- by Michael Lallo
How pop star Kim Wilde became an award-winning gardener
As a singer, she broke records in the 1980s – then gave it all away. But Wilde, who tours Australia in October, couldn’t stay away from music for long.
- by Michael Lallo
How Alison Moyet tamed her demons and embraced her ‘otherness’
Debilitated by agoraphobia and depression in the 1980s, the English musician – who has a new album and a global tour – learned to find purpose in her struggles.
- by Michael Lallo
Exclusive
Media & marketing
Controversial ex-ABC broadcasters set to debate identity politics
Antoinette Lattouf and Josh Szeps abruptly left the ABC within days of each other. Now they’re discussing one of the thorniest subjects in media.
- by Michael Lallo
Exclusive
Racism
The young, black moderate who argues that ‘anti-racism’ is racist
“There’s a certain type of person that enjoys self-flagellation,” says author Coleman Hughes ahead of his Australian visit.
- by Michael Lallo
How ‘the most pointless TV show ever’ became an Aussie hit
Dismissed as ‘uninspired’ before it even began, Gogglebox proved the naysayers wrong.
- by Michael Lallo
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/by/michael-lallo-hve3y