Paul Kelly On Turning Seventy: 13th Floor MusicTalk Interview
Paul Kelly, the renowned Australian singer-songwriter, marks his 70th birthday alongside the release of his new album titled Seventy. Celebrating the milestone with around a dozen new tracks, Kelly reflects on the importance of this age and his outlook moving forward.
Interview Highlights with Marty Duda from The 13th Floor
Marty Duda: The album is called Seventy, you are 70, and believe it or not, I’m 70 too. I’m curious about your thoughts on turning 70—it seems like a significant milestone, doesn’t it?
Paul Kelly: I’ve never really focused on my age before, but suddenly, it changes how people treat you. I distinctly remember three major birthdays. Turning forty was huge—it felt like becoming a true adult. That age also brought a harsh reality; people I grew up with, close friends, and colleagues started passing away. Unfortunately, that’s common in the music world since many don't live long. Forty marked that shifting moment—some of us keep going, and some don’t.
"Forty felt like a big birthday. It felt like, okay, you know, this is, I’m an adult now… and 40 was also the first time that people I’ve grown up with or close to me or worked with or friends started dying."
Reaching seventy introduces a new perspective, but Kelly approaches it with tempered acceptance and continued creativity.
Summary
Paul Kelly reflects on aging with a sense of perspective shaped by life's milestones, losses, and creative vitality as he celebrates seventy years.
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