Paul Kelly, the veteran Australian singer-songwriter, marks his 70th birthday alongside the release of his new album, also titled Seventy. In a conversation with The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda, Kelly reflects on the meaning of this milestone age and shares his thoughts about what lies ahead.
Marty Duda notes the shared milestone, saying, “The album is Seventy, you are 70, and believe it or not, I’m 70 too. So I’m even more curious to hear about your thoughts…”
Paul Kelly responds:
“I’ve never been one to pay much attention to how old I am, but suddenly it’s the way people treat you. I remember three big birthdays clearly. Forty felt like a major one — like I was truly an adult. It was also the first time people close to me, whether I grew up with them or worked with them, started passing away. That’s common in the music business; quite a few of us die young. That felt like a turning point — some of us keep living, and some don’t.”
Kelly’s album and reflections bring forward the bittersweet reality of aging in the music world, underscoring the value of life, memory, and legacy as he approaches this new chapter.
Author’s summary: Paul Kelly marks his 70th birthday with a reflective album, sharing how age shapes his outlook amid the bittersweet realities of life and loss in the music industry.