PAUL KELLY AUSTRALIAN TOUR TICKETS 2026

All You Need To Know About Paul Kelly

Paul Kelly AO, born on 13 January 1955, is a celebrated Australian rock singer-songwriter and guitarist. He has performed solo and led various bands, including the Dots, the Coloured Girls, and the Messengers. Known for blending genres like folk, rock, and country, Kelly’s music has explored a range of styles from bluegrass to dub reggae. His lyrics often reflect Australia's culture and landscapes, capturing everyday life. Rolling Stone's David Fricke once described him as "one of the finest songwriters I have ever heard." Despite his success, Kelly has expressed that songwriting remains a mystery to him.

After growing up in Adelaide, Kelly settled in Melbourne in 1976, where he became a part of the pub rock scene. He recorded two albums with the Dots before moving to Sydney in 1985 to form Paul Kelly and the Coloured Girls, later renamed the Messengers for international releases. Kelly’s top hits include "To Her Door," "Dumb Things," and "Before Too Long," and he has earned 14 ARIA Awards, including a 1997 Hall of Fame induction. In 2017, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia. Over the years, Kelly has written about Indigenous issues, collaborated with other artists, and published his memoir *How to Make Gravy* in 2010. He currently resides in St Kilda, Melbourne.

Get your Paul Kelly concert tickets today to make sure you don’t miss out on his 2026 show. 

Top 3 Best Paul Kelly Songs

• "To Her Door" – One of Kelly's most iconic tracks, this song tells a poignant story of redemption and relationships. Its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics have made it a timeless classic in Australian music.
• "Dumb Things" – Known for its energetic rhythm and infectious chorus, "Dumb Things" became a hit both in Australia and internationally, showcasing Kelly's skill in blending rock with storytelling.
• "How to Make Gravy" – A Christmas-themed song that stands out for its emotional depth and vivid narrative, "How to Make Gravy" is a fan favorite and highlights Kelly’s gift for capturing everyday human experiences.

How can I book my tickets for Paul Kelly live?

You can check out our website regarding availability whether you are looking for Paul Kelly tickets in Australia and New Zealand. For more pricing information, position of seats available, and dates, check our FAQ section on Ticket Merchant's website today! Feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.

What genres does Paul Kelly primarily work in?

Paul Kelly is best known for his work in the genres of folk, rock, country and Australian pub rock. He often blends all of these styles together to create his own version of the blues while incorporating his witty lyricism and storytelling chops. His music is deeply rooted in Australian culture and story-telling. He covers themes of love, history and social issues. His work sometimes includes bluegrass, gospel and spoken-word poetry as well. 

Which Paul Kelly songs have become Australian anthems?

Paul Kelly is known to have several Australian anthems like: 

• To Her Door (1987): This heartfelt folk-rock ballad is about redemption and reconciliation. This is definitely one of Kelly’s most beloved and recognisable tracks. 
• Dumb Things (1988): An energetic folk-rock classic with a beat that drives home. This song also gained further popularity thanks to being included in the soundtrack of Young Einsteins. 
• From Little Things Big Things Grow(1991): Co-written with Kev Carmody, this song tells the true story of an Aboriginal rights leader Vincent Lingiari and has become a social anthem for justice and reconciliation in Australia. 
• Before Too Long (1986): One of his earlier hits, but still good - this song cemented Kelly’s reputations as a master songwriter and performer. 
• Firewood and Candles (2017): A more recent song that still carries Kelly’s signature story-telling and folk-rock energy, and is loved by newer generations of fans. 

How does Paul Kelly connect with audiences during his live performances?

Kelly manages to easily engage with the audience thanks to his masterful storytelling. He introduces stories with songs, giving insight into their meaning and inspiration. His ability to weave Australian history, culture and personal experiences into his lyrics makes each performance feel like an intimate conversation. His concerts feature a mix of classics and deep cuts, ensuring both longtime fans and newcomers get their fair share of treats. 

Whether he’s performing solo with an acoustic guitar or backed by his full band, he is equally captivating. His unplugged moments create intimate singalongs while the full band performance brings in a rich energy to the stage. Either way, you’ll be able to feel the warmth of his music. 

What is unique about Paul Kelly’s storytelling through music?

Kelly incorporates historical lyricism that digs deep into the background of Australia, making his music culturally relevant and deeply moving. His performances always gets the crowd moving, even with the heavy topics, which is a rare feat. Make sure you get your refundable resale tickets with Ticket Merchant today.

Will Paul Kelly’s 2026 concerts feature any special collaborations or new songs? 

The tour will definitely have tunes from his latest album, Fever Longing Still which was released on November 1st 2024. While the exact setlist isn’t out, fans can anticipate live performances of new tracks like ‘Taught By Experts’ and ‘Houndstooth Dress’. In addition to new material, you can also expect his classics from his extensive catalogue!