Paul Kelly review: Full band and iconic vocals stun MECC into silence

He is the grand man of Australian music with a catalogue that is a soundtrack of generations. And Mackay experienced his magic at the MECC.

Paul Kelly and his band play the MECC. Picture: Heidi Petith

Susan O’Connor waited more than 30 years to see the music maestro Paul Kelly live.

On Wednesday night, along with more than 1000 avid fans eager for live and first-class music, she lived her dream.

“I finally got to see him,” the West Mackay resident said after meeting opening act Fanny Lumsden in the MECC foyer after two hours of Kelly and his full band holding the theatre in rapture.

“Oh it has been … oh 30 years. Something always came up.”

Fanny Lumsden, of Fanny Lumsden and the Thrillseekers, with new fan Susan O'Connor meet after Paul Kelly with his band at the MECC, July 14, 2021. Picture: Tara Miko

Between children, life and other things, she had never seen the man whose music catalogue had become the soundtrack of summer sports and pub sessions.

Keen for Paul Kelly and his band at the MECC are (from left) Katrina Coomer, Northern Beaches, Sarah Miotto and Catherine Miotto of West Mackay, Jocelyn Morgan of Walkerston and Bernadette Rasmussen of East Mackay, July 14, 2021. Picture: Tara Miko

But three decades – or more – of waiting was rewarded. Kelly did not, and could not, disappoint with the legendary singer-songwriter sharing the stage with his full band.

Snapping up the merchandise are (from left) Carolyn Everett of Mackay, Vance Clarke of East Mackay, and Megan Fagg and Bevin Fagg of West Mackay at Paul Kelly with his band at the MECC. Picture: Tara Miko

His songbook is ingrained in the minds of generations, finding a fresh following with How to Make Gravy — a rendition of which brought the house down in that palpable manner for which Kelly is known.

Ella Hoare with dad David Hoare, from West Mackay, were excited to hear To Her Door and Leaps and Bound at Paul Kelly with his band at the MECC. Picture: Tara Miko

Whether alone on stage with just a guitar and a chair or with his impeccably precise and sound-perfect band, the song that is now an icon reverberated towards the end of his set.

Paul Kelly and his band play the MECC. Picture: Heidi Petith

And which other music legend of any genre could hold more than 1000 people in complete silence as they recited a poem? Few, if any, but that again sets Kelly apart, stunning the audience with his Clancy of the Overflow delivery.

At Paul Kelly with his band at the MECC are (from left) Julie Osborne and Geoff Osborne of West Mackay with Terry Blakeney and Mary Blakeney of West Mackay. Picture: Tara Miko

Entwining newer songs with those now generational (think To Her Door) and others anthemic (Dumb Things), the 66 year old’s voice was true and passionate, proving again why he is the grand man of Australian music.

The Gonnella family (from left) Noah, Thea, Hamish and Chris, of West Mackay, was stoked to see Paul Kelly with his band at the MECC. The family's favourite songs including From St Kilda to Kings Cross, Dumb Things, Little Things and How to Make Gravy were standout tracks of the night. Picture: Tara Miko

The Gonnella family from West Mackay wanted their hits of Little Things, Dumb Things, From St Kilda to Kings Cross and Making Gravy, undoubtedly leaving satisfied when each was played with gusto.

Freda Funston and Craig Funston from Bucasia say How to Make Gravy is among their favourite Paul Kelly songs. Paul Kelly with his band at the MECC. Picture: Tara Miko

David Hoare wanted Leaps and Bounds while his daughter Ella was keen for To Her Door, a rendition of which brought the house down with its extra energy on stage.

Catching up before Paul Kelly with his band at the MECC are (from left) Indra Hill and Terry Hill of Marian with Ben Whittaker, Brice Whittaker and Katrina Whittaker, from Shoal Point. Picture: Tara Miko

Initially struggling to recall the title, Brice Whittaker was keen for his favourite, Careless, while Ben Whittaker was another fan of Little Things.

Paul Kelly fans (from left) Margie Harris of Mackay, Debbie Pruden of Mackay and Catherine Webb of Mackay. Paul Kelly with his band at the MECC. Picture: Tara Miko

Super fan Debbie Pruden, who guessed she had seen Kelly at least 10 times, said he was like a fine wine – just getting better with age – with his older songs among her favourites.

Buzzing after Paul Kelly with his band play the MECC are (from left) Shennon Rodger of Beaconsfield, Liam Dobson of Shoal Point, Brodee Augustine of Mackay and Shelly Rodger of Seaforth. Picture: Tara Miko

To share the stage with Kelly and his band was an honour opener Fanny Lumsden and the Thrillseekers duly recognised, and warmed up the eager audience with an enthusiasm of an artist back on the road after Covid-induced cancellations.