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Paul Kelly has only praise for doorman

Paul Kelly may be one of Australia's most recognisable and celebrated musicians, but when it comes to probably one of WA's most laid-back places, reputation rarely counts for much.

After a sound check yesterday afternoon - flanked by talent such as singers Linda and Vika Bull, Stephen Pigram and even Ernie Dingo on didgeridoo - Kelly took a quick walk along Broome's famous Cable Beach with The West Australian.

But on his return and without identification tags, security stopped him getting back into the venue where he later charmed a sold-out crowd of 2500 fans.

"I don't even know who the main act is," the seemingly startled doorman blurted, only to be calmed by Kelly, who praised him for "just doing your job".

Kelly was last night's star of the Royalties For Regions-funded concert that kicked off the town's annual racing carnival that leads to the Broome Cup on Saturday.

During the sound check, on being told that several of his Collingwood-supporting band members would not be pleased with the belting their team was getting from the Eagles back in Perth, Kelly's trademark smirk was quickly backed up with a meaningful "good".

Kelly, a passionate Adelaide Crows supporter, was delighted with Broome's perfect weather.

Such was the beauty of the Cable Beach setting, the Bull sisters took pictures in between harmonies during rehearsal.