Paul Kelly Celebrates 70th Birthday with New Album
From St Kilda to Kings Cross, overlooking the MCG and stretching across the outback, no Australian songwriter captures the spirit of the country like Paul Kelly. Marking a milestone at 70 years old, Kelly is releasing his 30th studio album, aptly titled 70.
The national treasure shared that he has never felt happier or more energetic in his music career. Reflecting on reaching this age, he noted the role of fortune:
“You've got to live that long. Everything else after that is, you know, gravy.”
Despite the many years in the industry, Kelly continues to write and perform passionately. His songwriting process often involves gathering phrases he encounters in everyday life. He explained:
“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 recalled an example of inspiration from a local pub in Richmond:
“'I've done all the dumb things' was something I heard at a pub just down the road in Richmond - the Corner Hotel.”
Paul Kelly's new album 70 will be available starting tomorrow.
Summary: Paul Kelly marks 70 with his 30th studio album 70, sharing reflections on life, luck, and his enduring passion for songwriting inspired by everyday moments.