Paul Kelly has made a name for himself as one of Australia’s most beloved musicians, and on Thursday night, some of his biggest fans witnessed the iconic poet play an intimate gig at the Collingwood Children’s Farm.
Last month, Paul Kelly released his 24th album, Nature, and managed to continue his recent purple patch. Having scored his first ARIA number one with 2017’s Life Is Fine, Nature also went straight to the top of the chart, giving Kelly more of the success he so greatly deserves.
Composed a little differently to previous records, Nature brought together poems from the likes of literary icons Dylan Thomas, Walt Whitman, Sylvia Plath, Gerard Manley Hopkins and Phillip Larkin, alongside poems that Paul Kelly wrote himself. An eclectic mix, the record has clearly resonated with some of Kelly’s most dedicated fans.
On Thursday night, Spotify held another one of their Fans First Sessions, where some of Paul Kelly’s biggest listeners were invited to see the artist in an intimate location. Taking place in the picturesque Collingwood Children’s Farm, lovers of animals and music were in fine company as they were treated to a lovely evening of music.
Kicking things off with a brief Q&A session between with ABC presenter, and fellow collaborator, Alice Keath, Kelly soon jumped into a number of new tunes and old classics, joined by friends and family for a gorgeous performance.
Showcasing a handful of songs from his newest record, Paul Kelly was joined by Vika & Linda Bull and his nephew, Dan Kelly for a few tracks, before welcoming his daughters Maddy and Memphis to the stage.
Between discussing the origins of his new tracks, Kelly shared jokes with the crowd, while maintaining such a free and friendly atmosphere that it felt hard to believe he’s anything more than your best mate, who just jumped up on stage to belt out a few classics.
After slowing things down with a solo performance of 2017’s ‘Life Is Fine’, Paul Kelly welcomed Alice Keath to the stage for a pair of tracks, before every guest performer returned to help deliver some high-energy renditions of ‘How To Make Gravy’ and 1987’s ‘Dumb Things’.
With fans being treated to this unique nine-song set, it serves as something of a taster for Paul Kelly’s 2018 ‘Making Gravy’ tour, which is set to kick off next month. Teaming up with Angus & Julia Stone and Alex Lahey, these three shows are set to get you in the Christmas mood as Kelly delivers some of his finest tunes to his eager audiences.
Check out Paul Kelly’s ‘With The One I Love’:
Paul Kelly @ Spotify’s Fans First Session 1/11/18 Setlist
‘And Death Shall Have No Dominion’ (with Vika and Linda Bull and Dan Kelly)
‘With the One I Love’ (with Vika and Linda Bull and Dan Kelly)
‘A Bastard Like Me’ (with Vika and Linda Bull and Dan Kelly)
‘With Animals’ (With Maddy & Memphis Kelly)
‘Life Is Fine’
‘Sonnet 18’ (With Alice Keath)
‘The Trees’ (With Alice Keath and Dan Kelly)
‘How to Make Gravy’ (with Vika and Linda Bull, Dan Kelly, Alice Keath, and Maddy & Memphis Kelly)
‘Dumb Things’ (with Vika and Linda Bull, Dan Kelly, Alice Keath, and Maddy & Memphis Kelly)
Paul Kelly’s Making Gravy 2018 tour
Friday, December 14th
Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne, VIC (All Ages)
With special guests Angus & Julia Stone, Alex Lahey and Mojo Juju
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Saturday, December 15th
The Domain, Sydney, NSW (18+)
With special guests Angus & Julia Stone, Alex Lahey, D.D Dumbo & Angie McMahon
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Friday, December 21st
Riverstage, Brisbane, QLD (All Ages)
With special guests Angus & Julia Stone, Alex Lahey and Mojo Juju
Tickets: Ticketmaster
