Paul Kelly And Lucinda Williams: Everything To Know About The 2025 Arena Tour And His New Album 'Seventy'

As of December 2025, the legendary Australian singer-songwriter Paul Kelly has cemented his status as a national treasure with two monumental announcements that are setting the music world abuzz: the release of his 30th studio album, *Seventy*, and a historic 2025 Arena Tour. This tour, which marks the first headlining arena run of his forty-plus year career, has generated significant curiosity, especially regarding the dynamic and star-studded lineup that answers the eternal question, "Paul Kelly and who?" The answer to that question is a dream pairing for fans of roots and folk-rock: the inimitable Lucinda Williams and Band will join Kelly as the special guest for the highly anticipated Australian shows. This collaboration follows the release of his deeply personal and critically acclaimed new album, *Seventy*, which arrived on November 7, 2025, a collection of stories and reflections perfectly timed to mark a significant age milestone for the prolific artist.

Paul Maurice Kelly: Biography and Profile

Paul Maurice Kelly AO is an Australian rock music singer-songwriter, guitarist, and harmonica player whose prolific career has spanned over four decades and an astonishing thirty studio albums. His work is celebrated for its poetic, distinctly Australian storytelling and its refusal to be confined by a single genre, moving effortlessly between rock, folk, country, and roots music.

• Full Name: Paul Maurice Kelly AO
• Born: January 13, 1955
• Birthplace: Adelaide, South Australia
• Occupation: Singer-songwriter, musician, author, and film composer
• Notable Groups: Paul Kelly and the Dots, Paul Kelly and the Messengers, Paul Kelly Band
• Career Span: Early 1970s–present
• Accolades: Inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1997. Appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2017.
• Signature Songs: "To Her Door," "Dumb Things," "Before Too Long," and the perennial Christmas classic, "How to Make Gravy."

Kelly's background as the sixth of nine children born to a lawyer in Adelaide often informs his lyrical themes, which are steeped in the details of everyday Australian life, history, and landscape. His ability to capture the national vernacular with such eloquence has cemented his status as one of Australia’s most respected cultural figures.

The *Seventy* Album: A Milestone of Storytelling at 70

Paul Kelly’s latest offering, the 30th studio album of his career, is titled *Seventy*, a straightforward reference to his age upon its release in November 2025. The album is not merely a collection of new songs but a significant artistic milestone, showcasing his enduring talent for crafting narratives that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. Critics have praised the album as a testament to his refusal to slow down or compromise his eclectic musical vision. The album has already generated buzz with the single "Happy Birthday Ada Mae," a tender track accompanied by a music video directed by his daughter and starring his granddaughter, highlighting the generational continuity in his life and work.

The Long-Awaited Sequel: "Rita Wrote a Letter"

One of the most compelling reasons fans are flocking to *Seventy* is the inclusion of the track "Rita Wrote a Letter." This song serves as a long-awaited sequel to his iconic 1996 hit, "How to Make Gravy," a song that has become an unofficial Australian Christmas carol. "How to Make Gravy" is a heart-wrenching letter written by a man named Joe from prison to his brother, detailing a recipe and expressing the pain of missing Christmas with his family. In the new song, "Rita Wrote a Letter," the perspective shifts. This time, the listener gets to hear Rita's voice "loud and clear," picking up the story from where the original left off, providing a new dimension to one of Kelly's most beloved narratives. This kind of deep, connected storytelling is a hallmark of Kelly's genius and a rich reward for his long-time listeners.

Paul Kelly and Lucinda Williams: The 2025 Arena Tour

The phrase "Paul Kelly and" is most currently and excitingly linked to the legendary American singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams. The 2025 Arena Tour is a monumental event for Kelly, marking the first time he has headlined arena shows in his career. The tour was initially announced with American artist Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit as the special guests. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, a tour update confirmed that Isbell would no longer be joining the run of shows. Stepping into this coveted spot is the Grammy-winning Lucinda Williams, a musician who shares Kelly's deep roots in folk, country, and rock, and his reputation for raw, poetic songwriting. The pairing of these two lyrical titans is a significant event for music fans across Australia. The tour is set to kick off in late August 2025, offering audiences a powerful double-bill of two of the world's most respected songwriters. The collaboration not only answers the "Paul Kelly and" query but also promises a night of intense musical storytelling and unforgettable performances.

A History of Groundbreaking Collaborations and Side Projects

Paul Kelly's career has been defined not just by his solo work but by a constant willingness to collaborate and explore new musical territories, making the "Paul Kelly and" framework a recurring theme in his discography. His work with different entities has broadened his topical authority and introduced his music to new audiences.

International and Classical Partnerships

Beyond the major Australian tour, Kelly's collaborative spirit is evident in his other recent and ongoing projects:

• Reb Fountain: Kelly is scheduled to tour New Zealand in September 2025, where he will be joined by the acclaimed New Zealand singer-songwriter Reb Fountain and Band. This continues his tradition of supporting and performing alongside diverse international talent.
• Seraphim Trio and Paul Grabowsky: Kelly has engaged in significant classical and jazz-influenced projects, including collaborations with the Seraphim Trio and composer Paul Grabowsky. These side projects showcase the versatility of his catalogue, proving his songs can be reinterpreted in a variety of musical contexts, from rock to chamber music.
• The Rock Party: Kelly has also participated in charity projects such as The Rock Party, demonstrating his commitment to using his platform for social good.

This constant evolution, from the folk-rock of Paul Kelly and the Messengers to the sophisticated arrangements with the Seraphim Trio, is why his music continues to resonate with both original fans and a new generation of listeners—many of whom are the children of his initial audience. As Paul Kelly enters his seventies, his career is in a period of remarkable artistic and commercial momentum, proving that his best work may still be ahead of him. Fans can also look forward to future announcements, including his involvement in the Red Hot Summer Tour 2026.