Gallery: Paul Kelly @ Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne – September, 6

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Published September 9, 2025 by Ben Veress

Aussie legend Paul Kelly showcased his excellent musicianship and sentimental storytelling at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on Saturday night as the singer took the audience through a career-defining set, which had everyone on their feet.

Paul Kelly is a name familiar to every Australian, thanks to his numerous iconic hits, which have played throughout our homes while growing up. For that reason alone, his concerts have felt like nostalgic celebrations, taking us back to those moments growing up with his music.

On Saturday, September 6, his concert at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena was just that.

The 70-year-old songwriter took the audience on a tour de force of a setlist, weaving his most iconic hits from his many bands over the years.

It didn’t take long before punters throughout the stadium were on their feet, chanting along with Kelly and his band through tracks like ‘Dumb Things’. By the time Kelly was performing ‘How to Make Gravy’, you could see crowdgoers think to themselves, “How did this only come ninth in Triple J’s hottest 100 Australian songs?”

Kelly would also bring out Australian singer-songwriter Jess Hitchcock to harmonise with him while performing ‘Every Day My Mother’s Voice’ and ‘From Little Things Big Things Grow’, which got the waterworks going for so many in the crowd.

The Rod Laver Arena concert was more than just a celebration; it was a home run for Paul Kelly, proving why he remains Australia’s most iconic and beloved artist to this day.

Here was the full setlist from the night: