Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Entertainment
Steph Harmon

Ben Lee: ‘My whole career is chasing the dragon of opening for Sonic Youth’

‘A lot of ABC children’s television in the 80s scarred me for life’ … Ben Lee.
‘A lot of ABC children’s television in the 80s scarred me for life’ … Ben Lee. Photograph: Matthew Waddingham

When did you first realise you might be becoming a bit famous?

Fame is a weird one because it happens in so many stages. I remember I used to busk in Bondi Junction when I was probably nine years old, and my grandmother angrily called me one night, and said, “Mrs Trachtenberg saw you begging in Bondi Junction!” That was my first taste of fame – realising how your reputation precedes you, and that there’s accountability and misunderstanding and incomprehensible sort of stuff.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.