Paul Kelly, the iconic Australian musician, has a bold opinion that might surprise many: he believes John Lennon's 'Imagine' is one of the worst songs ever written. This statement is sure to spark debate among music lovers, but Kelly doesn't hold back in expressing his distaste for the iconic song.
Kelly's new album, aptly titled 'Seventy', coincides with his 70th birthday, a number he finds biblically significant and pleasing. Reaching this age feels like a milestone, and he attributes his longevity to a fair share of luck, given his reckless and risky past. Kelly has always been fascinated with mortality, writing songs about death from a young age, a theme he shares with Neil Young.
In a surprising twist, Kelly reveals that Joe, the protagonist of his songs 'How to Make Gravy' and 'To Her Door', continues to talk to him even after killing him off. He wrote 'Rita Wrote a Letter' to give Rita her say, but Joe's voice persists. Despite concerns about fan reactions, Kelly assures that Joe lives on, and he even considers writing a prequel to 'How to Make Gravy'.
When asked about his most controversial pop culture opinion, Kelly doesn't hold back. He boldly declares his dislike for 'Imagine' and 'Hotel California', sparking potential debates among fans. However, he also shares an unexpected favorite: 'I Want to Know What Love Is' by Foreigner, a song he adores.
Touring with legends like Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen left a lasting impression on Kelly. He describes Dylan's casual, spontaneous performances and Cohen's scripted, ritualistic shows, both making large venues feel intimate. Kelly learned to command the stage from these masters.
Kelly's favorite film, 'The Sound of Music', holds a special place due to its catchy songs and underlying darkness, which he only realized as an adult. He also loves Clint Eastwood's 'Unforgiven' for its portrayal of an aging bounty hunter. These films and their themes resonate deeply with him.
One memorable fan interaction stands out: a man proposing to his girlfriend on stage during a concert in Amsterdam. Despite initial concerns, the proposal went well, and the couple celebrated with the audience. Kelly's music created a memorable backdrop for their special moment.
For his funeral, Kelly chooses 'Black and Tan Fantasy' by Duke Ellington, a beautiful and unusual song he first heard at 12. The advice he values most comes from his grandmother, an opera singer, who taught him to breathe deeply to calm nerves before performances.
Kelly's least favorite bird is the noisy miner, a bully that disrupts native birds. Onstage chaos once ensued at Mittagong RSL Club due to technical issues and a snarky DJ, but Kelly has had many successful shows since.
'Seventy' is a testament to Kelly's enduring talent and unique perspectives, offering a blend of personal reflections and musical storytelling.
