Paul Kelly On Seventy: 13th Floor MusicTalk Interview
Paul Kelly, the veteran Australian singer-songwriter, turns seventy and marks this milestone with a new album titled Seventy, featuring about a dozen fresh songs. Marty Duda from The 13th Floor discussed with Paul the meaning of reaching this age and his perspectives for the future.
Reflections on Turning Seventy
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 never paid much attention to his age before, but noticed how people’s attitudes change as you get older. He recalled three significant birthdays, especially turning forty, which felt like a true milestone. It was the moment that confirmed adulthood for him.
He also reflected on how turning forty coincided with losing friends and colleagues, a common reality in the music world where many talented people pass away too soon. This marked a different and somber chapter in his life, recognizing that some survive while others do not.
Paul: "Forty felt like a big birthday. It felt like, okay, this is, I’m an adult now. And forty was also the first time that people I’ve grown up with or close to me or worked with or friends started dying. That does happen a bit in the music business, quite a few of us die young."
Despite the challenges, reaching seventy is also a moment of reflection and anticipation for what lies ahead.
Summary
Paul Kelly reflects on how turning seventy is a meaningful milestone, marked by both loss and growth, and celebrates it through his new album that captures this phase of life.
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