Overview

• On August 11, The Age published a public death notice for Joe, the incarcerated protagonist of Paul Kelly’s 1996 song 'How To Make Gravy,' describing his cause of death as 'sudden misadventure.'
• Kelly shared the notice on Instagram with the caption 'RIP, Joe,' prompting fans and outlets to interpret it as a marketing stunt for forthcoming material.
• The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age classifieds teams confirmed that EMI Music Australia’s marketing manager, Thomas Snaddon, placed the ad, while EMI declined further comment.
• The notice sets a funeral service for August 14 followed by a 'wake to end all wakes,' aligning with Kelly’s previously mentioned sequel song concept 'Rita Wrote A Letter.'
• Binge, producer of the 2024 film adaptation of 'How To Make Gravy,' said no movie sequel is planned at this stage as Kelly’s arena tour begins August 26.