Paul Kelly, the renowned Australian singer-songwriter, celebrates his 70th birthday alongside the release of his new album, also titled Seventy. In an interview with Marty Duda from The 13th Floor, Kelly reflects on the significance of this milestone and shares his thoughts about reaching this age.
Marty Duda notes, "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… ’cause it seems to be a major thing, doesn’t it?"
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 real milestone. It felt like, okay, I’m an adult now. Forty was also the first time I noticed people I grew up with, close to me, or worked with started dying. That happens quite a bit in the music business—quite a few of us die young. So that birthday felt like a different time, a moment when some of us keep living and some of us don’t."
Paul Kelly embraces the milestone with a mix of reflection and acceptance, recognizing the changes time brings.
Paul Kelly marks his 70th birthday and new album with deep reflection on aging, mortality, and the significance of life milestones in his music career.