Paul Kelly Marks Milestone Age with New Album
From St Kilda to Kings Cross, from the hills near the MCG to the wide outback, few songwriters have portrayed Australian life as vividly as Paul Kelly. Now, at 70, the acclaimed musician celebrates this personal and artistic milestone with his 30th studio album, simply titled 70.
A Lifetime of Music
Reflecting on his long career, Kelly shared that reaching this age itself feels like an accomplishment.
“You've got to live that long. Everything else after that is, you know, gravy,”
he said, adding that he’s never been happier or performing with more vitality.
Inspiration from Everyday Moments
Kelly continues to write songs drawn from everyday speech and fleeting turns of phrase. He often notes down lines that catch his attention.
“If I read something, I think ‘that's a good line,’ or a line of poetry or something from a book, or just general conversation that's got a good ring to it, I'll write it down,”
he explained. One of his best-known lyrics came from an offhand remark.
“I've done all the dumb things”
was something he overheard at a pub in Richmond’s Corner Hotel.
New Release
Paul Kelly’s album 70 will be released tomorrow, marking another chapter in the celebrated artist’s enduring journey.
Author’s Summary
Paul Kelly celebrates turning 70 with his 30th album, continuing to find poetic magic in ordinary life and proving his music remains timeless.