Paul Kelly On Seventy: 13th Floor MusicTalk Interview

Paul Kelly, the veteran Australian singer-songwriter, turns seventy along with his new album titled Seventy. The album features around a dozen new songs, marking an important milestone in his life and career.

Marty Duda from The 13th Floor discussed with Paul the significance of reaching this age and his outlook for the future.

Interview Highlights

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 because it seems to be a major thing, doesn’t it?

Paul Kelly: I’ve never really paid much attention to how old I am, but suddenly it changes how people treat you. I remember three big birthdays clearly. Forty felt like a significant age—it felt like, okay, I’m an adult now. But forty was also the first time I noticed people I grew up with, worked with, or were friends with started dying. That happens a bit in the music business—quite a few of us die young. That time felt like a real turning point, where some of us keep living and some don’t.

Key Reflections

Turning seventy represents a major life milestone for both Paul and the interviewer.
Paul views forty as a significant turning point that brought awareness of mortality among peers.
The music business has a high rate of early deaths, which impacts personal perspectives on aging.

Author’s Summary

Paul Kelly reflects on turning seventy with a new album, sharing how age changes perceptions and brings a poignant awareness of loss in the music industry.

The 13th Floor — 2025-11-05