Legendary Australian singer-songwriter, Paul Kelly AO, has been honoured with an Adelaide lane named in his honour and a public artwork celebrating the acclaimed musician.
Paul Kelly Lane, formerly known as Pilgrim Lane, runs from Flinders Street to Pirie Street, behind the Adelaide Town Hall and alongside the Pilgrim Uniting Church.
Prominent South Australian contemporary artist, Heidi Kenyon, created a series of light-based artworks which will be visible day and night, to pay tribute to the popular musician.
City of Adelaide Lord Mayor, Sandy Verschoor said Paul Kelly’s inclusion in the City of Music Laneways project was worthy recognition for one of her favourite artists.
“Like most Australians I have fond memories of listening to Paul Kelly songs, so I love that we can have the laneway behind the City Council building named in his honour,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The artwork created by Heidi Kenyon is stunning and will no doubt be a popular drawcard for city workers, residents and visitors to check out, not only during the day but particularly at night.
“The City of Adelaide is committed to celebrating Adelaide’s status as a world UNESCO City of Music and our laneways projects promote our rich musical heritage.
“We have an incredible musical history, with so many great artists having close connections to this city, its live music venues and wonderful festivals.”
Born and raised in Adelaide, Paul Kelly released his first album in 1981 and has gone on to pen popular hits including Dumb Things, How To Make Gravy and From Little Things Big Things Grow over a decorated career spanning more than 40 years.
“I’m honoured to be a part of this musical laneway project along with Cold Chisel, No Fixed Address and Sia, all artists I greatly admire,” the musician said.
“And I’m glad the lane is so close to the Adelaide Town Hall with which I’ve had an association for over 50 years from playing trumpet at school speech nights, attending concerts and, later on, doing my own shows,” he said.
The City of Music Laneways project will also see Adelaide pub rock favourites, The Angels, become the fifth and final musical act to be honoured later this year, joining Sia Furler, Cold Chisel, No Fixed Address and Paul Kelly in the inaugural instalment of the celebratory program.
