This Month
Victoria’s budget woes put ABBA plans on ice
However, despite the state’s debt pressures, the Victorian Chamber of Commerce says ABBA Voyage would generate hundreds of millions in revenue for Melbourne.
- Gus McCubbing and Alexander Gow
This is why a ‘Frankenstein’ violin can still be worth millions
The Australian Chamber Orchestra’s Satu Vanska is in a dream collaboration with the Sydney Dance Company, but has nightmares about losing her violin.
- Matt Teffer
How Taylor Swift got very, very rich
The tale of the singing star being exploited by a ruthless, male dominated music industry isn’t the full story.
- Alice Fulwood
July
The kids of this famous choir prove busy people will make time
Forget social media. The pre-teen choristers of The Choir Of King’s College, Cambridge, are just as happy to read and sing the sheet music of Stravinsky and Tallis.
- Michael Bailey
June
Seven shows you must see in July
From Dracula to Hamilton, to a gallery tour led by a cat – yes, a cat – here is Life & Leisure’s monthly selection of unmissable shows around the country.
- Michael Bailey
A cello or a house? The answer was easy for this virtuoso
Two airfares to get anywhere. A mortgage-sized outlay on a new instrument. The cello is an expensive addiction for Nicolas Altstaedt, who is touring with the ACO.
- Michael Bailey
May
Could US Ticketmaster case spell the end of extra fees?
A Biden administration effort to rein in entertainment giant Live Nation might encourage ticketing competition in Australia.
- Michael Bailey
Audra McDonald brings Broadway brilliance to Sydney
Her voice a marvel of power, control and emotional connection, the musical theatre queen deserved the two standing ovations she got at the Opera House.
- Michael Bailey
What Shane MacGowan told this rebellious folk band
Like a more political Pogues, Dundalk’s The Mary Wallopers have won acclaim for a rousing live show they bring to Australia this month.
- Michael Bailey
April
Forget sex, drugs and rock’n’roll: kale and kombucha take over touring
Frontier Touring has a new-look team, but it’s not the only thing in the music biz that has changed.
- Samantha Hutchinson
March
Seven must-see shows in April
From West Side Story’s Tony and Maria on Sydney Harbour to Tom Gleeson’s return to stand-up in Melbourne, entertainment options are hot next month.
- Michael Bailey
‘Shock the industry needs’: Splendour in the Grass cancelled
Spiralling costs and an over-saturation will lead to a “correction” after the music festival’s shock 2024 demise, according to one promoter.
- Michael Bailey
From TISM to Ben Elton, seven shows you must see in March
Your downtime won’t be a letdown with our guide to some of the best shows happening around the nation this month.
- Michael Bailey
February
What it was like at Taylor Swift’s show on Sunday
The billionaire songstress put in the hard work to maintain a deep connection to her 83,000 fans at Sydney’s Accor Stadium.
- Michael Bailey
Taylor Swift takes to the stage, fans, PM go wild
The singer’s sell-out four-concert run has kicked off in Sydney in front of thousands of fans and the prime minister.
- Updated
- Kat Wong and Nyk Carnsew
Qantas puts on A380 as storms threaten Swifties’ dreams
The airline put on the plane normally used for international flights as arrivals and departures were limited at Sydney Airport.
- Updated
- Patrick Durkin
Why smart businesses are Swift-ifying themselves
Bookings for some tourism operators were languishing about 15 per cent below this time last year. Now, everything has changed.
- Samantha Hutchinson
Taylor Swift takes Melbourne by storm as she kicks off Australia tour
The pop megastar opened her Australian tour with a show at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in front of 96,000 delirious fans.
- Updated
- Liz Hobday
‘Taylor has topped it’: Swift trumps Aus Open, NYE in hotels gold rush
Accommodation bookings in Sydney and Melbourne have jumped on this time last year, even as room rates double.
- Samantha Hutchinson
January
- Opinion
- Opinion
Need to get something done quickly? Ask an ageing rocker
The long-haired, morally degenerate yobos of yesterday are showing the outwardly respectable politicians and chief executives how to behave when you have power.
- Shane Watson
