Down On The Corner-Paul Kelly Live
Seventy performed live by Paul Kelly and Band
Over the years I have been lucky enough to see Paul Kelly over a dozen times. From The Espy in St.Kilda to the now defunct Hopetoun Hotel in Surry Hills, PK has given me some magical musical moments. Filling my ears with his sweet melodies and lyrics that touch my heart, it’s always a joyful experience.
We both arrived in Sydney in the mid-80s, and I was lucky enough to see the Coloured Girls play at the Hopetoun, as noted, Graphic Arts Clubs, Selinas and more. I became a bit obsessed and loved his band and his songwriting. It’s like catching up with an old friend when a new PK album is released.
On 11-11-2025, Paul Kelly and his band took the stage at The Corner Hotel in Richmond. Paul turned 70 in January and he just released SEVENTY his brand new collection of songs. This was a one off opportunity to hear him and his band play all the songs from the album. I had heard the album once and I thought it was a fabulous collection of songs that hinted at different periods of his career and his life. Let’s just say mortality plays a big role in the themes and colour of this disc.
For almost 2 hours the sold out Corner was entertained with music and a few tales. The band had probably been playing some of these songs on his recent tour but we got at least one (Sailing To Byzantium) that Kelly said they had not played since recording it. Rita Wrote A Letter, a sequel to Making Gravy, is classic Kelly hit single material. The varietal pleasures of the songs were a beautiful display of his storytelling skills in words and music.
Rebecca Barnard and Billy Miller were guest vocalists joining the long-standing Kelly gang members:
Dan Kelly-Guitars/Vocals
Ashley Naylor-Guitar
Peter Luscombe-Drums
Bill McDonald-Bass
Cameron Bruce-Keyboards
Jess Hitchcock-Vocals/Percussion
Before Kelly launched into “Dumb Things” he looked out over the band room and pointed to a spot near the rear. “About 40 years ago I was standing back there and heard someone say, “Yeah, I’ve done a lot of dumb things”. Back then I carried a little notepad with me and I wrote it down. You have to write these things down because if you don’t, they will be gone in like 30 seconds.”
Now, two things saved that crazy sailor
Trapped for days inside his hull
No food, no water, no nothing
Just his tongue rattling around inside his skull
Words and music-yeah, yeah-Words and Music-Paul Kelly
Seventy may be a big ass number, but Mr Kelly still has some gas in the tank.
Words and Music….Yeah!