Paul Kelly On Turning Seventy: 13th Floor MusicTalk Interview
Paul Kelly, the esteemed Australian singer-songwriter, marks his seventieth birthday alongside the release of his new album, also titled Seventy. Marty Duda from The 13th Floor interviewed Paul to explore the meaning of this milestone age and his outlook for the future.
Reflection on Age
Marty: "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 of… ’cause it seems to be a major thing, doesn’t it?"
Paul shared that he’s never been one to focus on his age, but has noticed how others treat him differently as he grows older.
Significant Milestones
He recalled three key birthdays that stood out to him:
- Forty: Felt like a true adulthood marker and the first time he experienced the loss of close friends and colleagues, which is common in the music industry.
- That period highlighted the reality that some continue living while others do not.
Paul’s Perspective
He reflected on how dying young is frequent in the music business, adding a poignant aspect to reaching milestones like 40 and 70.
"Forty felt like a big birthday. It felt like, okay, you know, this is, I’m an adult now... That was, that sort of felt like a real, different time that this is when some of us keep living and some of us don’t."
The interview provides a thoughtful insight into aging and legacy from one of Australia's most iconic musicians.
Author’s summary: Paul Kelly’s 70th birthday and album inspire poignant reflections on aging, loss, and the continued journey of life in the music world.