We sat down and chatted with with Anthony and Tim to talk about the show, their careers, the balance of married life and performing together. Like many love stories, Anthony Callea and Tim Campbell’s started when the universe conspired, Cupid’s arrow flew, and their paths converged innocently on an ordinary day.
“Our paths crossed many times professionally, but I never knew that Tim was gay. Well, so much for my gaydar. I didn’t have a clue.” — Anthony Callea
Once Anthony figured out Tim was gay, their relationship quickly blossomed when they found themselves working together on a musical in Perth. Anthony says, “We had lunch two or three times, and once I realised that he shared the same feelings as me, it progressed from there”.
After just six months of dating, the couple bought a place together, and in 2014, the boys announced their engagement before tying the knot in New Zealand, where same-sex marriage was legal at the time.
Now, eleven years on, the musical power couple are touring Australia together, offering audiences a night of music and nostalgia with their new show, The Songs of Elton and George. This electrifying tribute concert celebrates the iconic songbooks of two gay musical legends who paved the way for LGBTIQ+ artists to embrace and share their identities through music.
With timeless hits, powerhouse vocals, and the undeniable on-stage chemistry of Anthony and Tim, their show promises to have audiences on their feet, singing along and cheering for more. We chatted with Anthony and Tim to talk about the show, their careers, the balance of married life and performing together.
David Blanco (FUSE) : Thanks for taking time to chat. I know readers are excited about your show. I’m interested to know what inspired you both to choose the music of Elton John and George Michael?
Tim Campbell: Both singers have been incredibly influential to us over the years. I was honestly obsessed with Elton John’s music as a kid, diving into his entire catalogue from the ’70s, starting with classics like ‘Your Song’, ‘Tiny Dancer’ and ‘Rocket Man’. I was such a fan that 10 years ago, I even named my dog Reggie after Elton’s real name, Reginald Dwight. So, for me, this show is a bit of a guilty pleasure!
Anthony Callea: I’ve always been drawn to great male vocalists, and George Michael was definitely one of them. He’s had a huge influence on me as a singer, so bringing his music together with Elton John’s — two absolute icons — is such a special experience. Taking this celebration of their music across the country is very exciting.
What do you hope fans take away from the show?
Anthony: Tim and I are old-school when it comes to music. We love live performances and real musicianship. We’re also drawn to strong melodies and meaningful lyrics that resonate with the audience and create a genuine connection between us and them.
We rely heavily on our devices. I’m guilty of this, too. But there’s truly nothing better than experiencing music surrounded by musicians and singers. Sometimes, we fall into the trap of depending so much on technology that when we encounter live music, it hits us in a deeply moving way. It creates a powerful and beautiful connection. I’ve always loved that feeling.
I’ve been doing this for 21 years, ever since Australian Idol, and there’s still nothing better than stepping onto a stage, feeling that energy, and sharing a moment with a live audience. I hope audiences take away a sense of connection, the thrill of live performance, and the magic of being truly present in the moment.
Are there any songs or parts of your show you particularly love?
Tim: For me, one of the songs is ‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me’. It was originally on an Elton John album in the ’70s, but the most iconic version is the live duet he and George Michael performed at Wembley in the UK, which was later released as a single. We perform it together, and honestly, I think people would throw things at us if we left it out!
Our show really takes me back to Elton John’s ’70s era. There’s a fantastic medley where I get to celebrate a selection of his biggest hits, all the way back to ‘Your Song’. That one resonates with me. It’s such a timeless song with a beautiful message.
Anthony: I should probably be talking about my own performances, but one of my favourite moments is when Tim sings ‘Your Song’. It’s such a beautiful song, and even after seeing it five times at the Sydney Opera House, it’s still my favourite part of the show.
You have been married for a decade now —congrats! What do you guys think the key to a successful longterm relationship is, especially as a couple in the entertainment industry?
Tim: Some people say that. Others say commiserations! Kidding! Having an extra bedroom when needed definitely helps! But seriously, Anthony and I both had established careers before we met, and we continue to have separate paths. I’ve been in television and stage while Anthony’s built an incredible music career. Over time, we’ve both explored new areas, so it’s been a great partnership, supporting each other through those shifts.
It’s pretty amazing that, after all these years — 21 years since Australian Idol for Anthony and 20 since Home and Away for me — we’re still thriving in our careers and now collaborating on a show like this. Not everyone would want to work with their partner, but for us, it’s been fantastic.
Anthony: I think it’s all about finding a healthy balance between work and personal life. Touring together and producing these shows ourselves, everything from lighting and stage design to audio, arrangements and costuming, can really take over. But it’s important to step back, focus on our wellbeing, and make sure we maintain that balance.
As for the longevity of a relationship, jealousy can’t be part of it. Once that creeps in, it’s over. We’ve always supported each other, and we’ve also made sure to maintain friendships outside the industry. We have friends who work in finance, the rag trade and other fields, so our lives aren’t always consumed by showbiz. That balance is key to keeping things healthy.
As all-round entertainers, what do you guys like doing the most?
Tim: I’ve been lucky to move through different mediums without having to choose. Twenty years ago, there was this idea that if you were a singer, you couldn’t be taken seriously as an actor, and vice versa. It felt like you had to pick one, but I’ve always worked against that. Thankfully, someone like Hugh Jackman showed that it’s okay to cross between mediums. Right now, I’m really enjoying the live stage experience — sharing stories, laughs and music with the audience. But I also love being on set, telling stories through the camera. Hopefully I won’t have to choose, but for now, I’m loving touring with a live band and incredible music, so that’s where I’m at.
Anthony: For me, it’s always about coming back to what makes me happy. After 21 years in the industry, there have been plenty of ups and downs, and moments of self-doubt. At times it can get confusing, and you have to take a step back to ask yourself, ‘What do I truly want to do?’
For me, it always comes back to live performance and singing. Whenever I start to feel unsure, I focus on what brings me joy, and for me, that’s the live experience.
Since I was a kid, I’ve always wanted to be the best singer I can be. Every time I rehearse or record, I listen to my past performances and think, ‘I can always do better’. I think with age and experience, that desire to improve naturally comes through in my work. I’m a different performer now than I was 10 or 15 years ago, but that’s a good thing. Life experiences shape how I perform, and that evolution makes my work feel more authentic. One other thing I’ve learned is the importance of vulnerability.
When I wrote my book, Behind The Voice: Dietro La Voce, I was initially hesitant because I knew I’d have to be truly open and honest. But the more I thought about it, the more I realised it was essential. Letting my guard down wasn’t easy, but it’s led to a much deeper connection with my audience and with myself. That raw honesty is what creates something real and beautiful in both my work and my relationships with others.
On a more personal note, who takes longer to get ready for a night out?
Anthony: That’s definitely me! I can’t stand being rushed. I need my time, especially before getting on stage or heading out. There’s a process I go through, and if you tell me I have to get ready in 10 minutes, well, that’s just not going to happen! I need to have music playing, maybe even a drink in the bathroom, just to get in the right headspace. I love having that buffer time. You always need it because, let’s be honest, you’re going to put on an outfit, and something’s not going to work. Then, you’ll need time to figure out what else to wear. So, I always make sure there’s extra time to work through it!
What’s next after the tour is done and dusted?
Anthony: There’s a small break between a few shows, like at the end of this tour, and then we have some other shows later in the year, both individually and together. I’m planning to take a short trip overseas to get back into the studio and start writing again. I’m also working on some other projects that I’ll be doing on my own. So, there are a few things I’m juggling now while this tour is happening, which is great because I get to perform live and do what I love.
Tim: This tour takes us into the middle of the year, and then, as Anthony mentioned, we’ve got a few other shows lined up, including a trip to the Maldives. We’re doing a whole week of intimate shows on the beach, which will be amazing since we’ve never been there before. I’m already planning a new tour for 2026. It’ll be myself and another artist, and all I’ll say is that if you love ’80s music, you’re really going to enjoy this one!
Anthony and Tim’s show is currently touring Australia. Visit songsofeltonandgeorge.com for details.
SONGS OF ELTON AND GEORGE
In an unmissable celebration of two iconic musical legends, powerhouse vocalists and dynamic performers Anthony Callea and Tim Campbell present a spectacular concert featuring the timeless hits of Elton John and George Michael. After sold out shows in Melbourne and Sydney this national tour is set to once again entertain audiences, taking them on a musical journey through the classic songs that have defined generations, creating an unforgettable and entertaining live music concert experience.
