Nick Cave Has Always Been Confident
The artist, 63, on overnight success, the value of solitude, and a frightening police confrontation.
Home > Reviews
All Stories
Windy City Wisdom
Over the years, our Backroom interviews have featured wise and witty insights from high-profile locals: actors and authors, musicians and moguls, priests and politicians — even a genuine astronaut. Here are their...
Designer Cynthia Rowley Has Stamina, Not Patience
The fashion designer, 63, on her sneaker lifestyle, relentless optimism, and surfing injury.
Stephanie Izard on Her Olive Garden Job and Home Meals
"When Top Chef first called, I was like, ‘No, thank you.’"
Aleksandar Hemon is Kicking the Tires
The author, 57, on The Matrix Resurrections, his compulsive nature, and a memorable lakefront utterance.
Hermene Hartman’s Gut Keeps Getting Smarter
The N’Digo publisher, 74, on working for Jesse Jackson, marrying interracially, and criticizing Obama.
Tim Samuelson, the First Cultural Historian of Chicago
The historian, 70, on his office player piano, the poetry of a Sullivan building, and the ultimate lakefront soundtrack
Catching Up With Liz Phair
The singer-songwriter, 54, on her sudden fame, using her sexuality, and why she practices saying her own name
Haki R. Madhubuti
The poet, 79, on the role books played in his youth, his mother’s murder, and mentor Gwendolyn Brooks
George Wendt
The actor, 72, on causing a stir at a Sox game, cleaning out Royko’s office, and dancing in heels