Brand New

19 October 2017 #548

Cover Story: Brand New

In this edition, Russell Brand sits down with Big Issue vendors in the UK to talk honestly and openly about his own addictions, and his blueprint for recovery. It’s a moving interview with the actor-activist who shows off a new, subdued side.

“We delve collectively into our madness – the truth around addiction, the truth around mental health issues,” he says. “I learned a lot and hopefully you will learn something from getting closer to the people that sell this fine publication.”

We also speak with a mother and son who have both struggled with addiction: Senator Jacqui Lambie and her son, Dylan.

This edition takes an unflinching look at addiction, recovery and ways of moving forward in a way that is illuminating, funny and movingly honest all at once.

Also in this issue...

Neil Finn talks about his brand-new album, and the unconventional way it was made; in Letter To My Younger Self, Ella Hooper tells us about finding fame at 13 with Killing Heidi, and their upcoming reunion tour; Ben Elton discusses the thinking behind his new Aussie film, Three Summers, starring Magda Szubanski, John Waters and Michael Caton. And, in Big Picture, we take a look at history of Holden, and the car’s place in Australian culture as they prepare to finally shut their last factory doors in Australia.

The star of this edition’s Vendor Profile is Rhys from Adelaide. We have Streetsheet contributions from Dave R in Brisbane; Sarah in Fremantle; Peter D in Sydney; Adam S in Melbourne; and Kerry Anne in Adelaide. We also have some words and pretty artwork from Caroline in Perth.