Overview

• Paul Kelly released “Rita Wrote a Letter” as a narrative follow-up to his 1996 classic “How to Make Gravy,” revealing protagonist Joe’s posthumous perspective.
• The music video, directed by Imogen McClusky, stars Justine Clarke as Rita and blends haunting visuals with Kelly’s storytelling.
• Seventy, Kelly’s 30th studio album named for his 70th birthday, is set for official release on 7 November.
• A staged obituary for Joe printed in The Age earlier this week served as a planned marketing tease rather than an actual announcement of death.
• Kelly credits nephew Dan Kelly for providing the piano motif that shaped the song and will begin his largest Australia and New Zealand arena tour on 26 August.