News December 3, 2023

Rolling Stone AU/NZ Unveils 50 Living Icons in Special Collector’s Edition

STAFF

Rolling Stone AU/NZ publisher The Brag Media has revealed its next annual special collector’s edition, celebrating 50 of the most iconic stars from across Australia and Aotearoa.

The magazine’s December-February ‘Icons Issue’ arrives on newsstands and at Coles from Monday, December 4th.

But what makes a celebrity an Icon? It’s not just talent; it’s a magnetic charisma, enduring influence, and that unmistakable Antipodean spirit that sets them apart. In an issue that is sure to attract much debate, Rolling Stone AU/NZ celebrates 50 living Icons across screen (TV and film), music and comedy, those who have broken boundaries, shattered ceilings and opened doors.

In the realm of music, Rolling Stone AU/NZ delved deep into the anthems that have resonated with Aussies and Kiwis for generations and considered artists who have impacted the music scene, from legendary Aussie singer John Farnham to rapper Iggy Azalea and Blackpink‘s Rosé, an artist who represents the success of K-Pop’s crossover into Western mainstream music.

Film and TV have had their own share of luminaries who’ve left an indelible mark on our screens, including internationally respected actor and producer Margot Robbie, critically acclaimed actor Deborah Mailman, newsreader, journalist and social media Icon Lee Lin Chin, and Hollywood-conquering filmmaker and actor Taika Waititi.

And no ‘Icons Issue’ could be complete without including the comedians who’ve had us in stitches over the years, from the controversial entertainer Chris Lilley to loveable larrikin Dave ‘Hughesy’ Hughes and NZ comedian, actor and presenter Rose Matafeo, revealing a unique brand of humour reflective of our local sensibilities.

These 50 living Icons are etched into the cultural history books — here and abroad — and continue to inspire the next generation of Icons.

Credit: Dave Homer

The Brag Media’s Editor-in-Chief, Poppy Reid, said: “Rolling Stone AU/NZ is renowned for its lists and we take the responsibility of anointing the most worthy entertainment careerists and cultural impact drivers very seriously. With the weight of the industry we want to champion on our shoulders, we find gravity in helping to export local talent to the rest of the world.

“And so, as we gathered our team and a selection of industry experts, we debated, examined, pondered and shared tense moments as we went back and forth questioning what makes an Icon, the kind of impact they have on culture and if career longevity matters. We also added consistent relevancy, innovation, accolades and global influence to our ‘must-have’ criteria.

“Our very first ‘Icons Issue’ is a celebration of broken boundaries, shattered ceilings and opened doors, proving brilliance knows no borders. Here’s to the power of creativity, innovation and influence.”

The full list, in alphabetical order, appears below:

Angus Young – AC/DC co-founder, lead guitarist, songwriter
Bic Runga – singer-songwriter & multi-instrumentalist pop singer
Carl Barron – comedian
Cate Blanchett – actor
Chris Hemsworth – actor
Chris Lilley – Australian actor & comedian
Dame Hinewehi Mohi – musician & producer
Daniel Johns – musician & singer/songwriter
Dave Hughes – comedian
Deborah Mailman – actor
Elle Macpherson – model, actor, presenter & entrepreneur
Eric Bana – actor
Finn Brothers (Neil & Tim) – musicians
Flea – musician & actor
Hamish & Andy – comedy duo/presenters
Hannah Gadsby – comedian
Hugh Jackman – actor
Iggy Azalea – rapper
Jacki Weaver – actor
Jemaine Clement & Bret McKenzie (Flight of the Conchords) – musicians & comedians
Jessica Mauboy – singer/songwriter
Jim Jefferies – comedian & actor
Jimmy Barnes – singer
Joel Little – record producer & musician
John Farnham – singer
Julia Morris – comedian & presenter
Keith Urban – singer & guitarist
Kevin Parker – singer/songwriter, producer & DJ
Kylie Minogue – singer
Lee Lin Chin – news journalist & television presenter
Magda Szubanski – comedy actor & writer
Margot Robbie – actor & film producer
Naomi Watts – actor
Nick Cave – musician & actor
Nicole Kidman – actor & film producer
Paul Hogan – actor
Paul Kelly – rock singer/songwriter
Rebel Wilson – actor & comedian
Rhys Darby – actor & comedian
Richard Wilkins – TV & radio presenter
Rosé (Blackpink) – K-pop singer & dancer
Rose Byrne – actor
Rose Matafeo – comedian & actor
Russell Crowe – actor & musician
Sam Neill – actor
Sia – singer/songwriter
Taika Waititi – filmmaker & actor
Temuera Morrison – actor
Tina Arena – singer/songwriter
Toni Collette – actor