Paul Kelly, the iconic Australian singer-songwriter, has a bold opinion about a beloved classic. He declares, 'Imagine by John Lennon is one of the worst songs ever written.' But why? Kelly, now 70 years old, is releasing his new album, aptly named 'Seventy,' and he's not holding back.
The Significance of 70:
Kelly finds a special connection with the number 70, describing it as biblical and pleasing. Turning 70 feels like a significant milestone, a marker of a life well-lived, and he attributes his longevity to a mix of luck and recklessness. But there's a philosophical twist: 'Everything else after this is just extra.'
The Inevitable Dance with Death:
Kelly has been writing about death's proximity since his youth, a theme that resonates with many poets' fascination with time and mortality. This theme even extends to his songs 'How to Make Gravy' and 'To Her Door,' where the protagonist, Joe, continues to talk from beyond the grave in the sequel, 'Rita Wrote a Letter.'
Controversial Pop Culture Opinions:
Kelly doesn't shy away from sharing his unpopular opinions. He boldly states that 'Imagine' is not to his taste, especially after it gained immense popularity. And he's not a fan of 'Hotel California' either. But surprisingly, he adores 'I Want to Know What Love Is' by Foreigner, a song some might find unexpected for his taste.
Touring with Legends:
Kelly has toured with music icons Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, and he reflects on their unique stage presence. Dylan's performances were unpredictable, keeping his band on their toes, while Cohen's were scripted yet felt like a prayer, serving the audience with humility. Kelly learned to make large spaces intimate from these masters.
The Sound of Music:
Kelly revisits 'The Sound of Music' repeatedly, drawn to its catchy tunes, captivating story, and underlying darkness. He recalls the film's depth revealing itself to him as an adult, a surprise that left a lasting impression.
Unforgiven and the Struggles of Age:
Clint Eastwood's 'Unforgiven' resonates with Kelly, particularly the old bounty hunter's struggle to mount his horse. It's a relatable scene as Kelly approaches his own milestones, like getting on his push bike.
A Memorable Fan Proposal:
In Amsterdam, a fan asked Kelly for permission to propose on stage. Despite initial hesitation, Kelly agreed, and the proposal went ahead, with the crowd eagerly watching. The couple got engaged and celebrated with a night of drinking, even attempting to crash the band room later.
Funeral Wishes and Musical Memories:
Kelly wants 'Black and Tan Fantasy' by Duke Ellington played at his funeral, a song he first heard at 12, captivated by its unusual beauty. This choice reflects his deep connection to music and its ability to evoke powerful emotions.
Grandmother's Advice:
Kelly's grandmother, an opera singer, offered him simple yet effective advice for pre-show nerves: 'Breathe deeply.' This wisdom still guides him before performances, a testament to the power of intergenerational knowledge.
A Noisy Miner's Unpopularity:
Kelly's least favorite bird is the noisy miner, a local bully that disrupts the peace and harms native birds. This opinion might spark debate among bird enthusiasts, but Kelly stands firm in his dislike.
On-Stage Chaos:
Recalling a disastrous show at Mittagong RSL Club in 1988, Kelly describes technical issues, a DJ who upstaged them, and a bar that seemed miles away. When they finally performed, the sound was terrible, and a woman approached the guitarist mid-song to declare them the worst band she'd ever seen. A memorable low point, but they've had better shows since.
Paul Kelly's 'Seventy' is a testament to his longevity and unique perspective, offering a blend of personal reflections, musical insights, and controversial opinions that will undoubtedly spark conversations.
