It tells the story of Australian bushranger Ned Kelly with an eclectic score combining rock opera, vaudeville and burlesque.

Livermore began writing Ned Kelly in 1972 when touring as a performer with the musical Hair in Perth and Adelaide.

[2] In the manner of Jesus Christ Superstar, a concept album of the musical was made prior to a stage production.

"[6] In 1974, it was announced that Robert Helpmann would direct a production in 1975 to feature Livermore, Jon English and Jeannie Lewis, produced by Packer in partnership with J.C. Williamson's.

Livermore wrote "I passionately believed in the abilities of the men and women we chose as our cast, an overall balance of talent and of type in the context of an ensemble; they all had good voices."

The production was visually striking, with design features including a full drop curtain containing over 600 hurricane lamps and Kelly's iconic armour represented by a costume of shiny black plastic with geometric bullet holes.

[15] The Age reviewed the Adelaide production saying "there was plenty in the non-stop two-hour show to grab the eye and ear.

[17] The only professional revival has been a production by the New Moon Theatre Company, directed by Terence O'Connell, that toured the Queensland regional cities of Cairns, Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton in January and February 1982.

[18] Original cast member Geraldine Turner performed the ballad "Die Like a Kelly" in a 1994 ABC television special on Australian musicals (Once in a Blue Moon) and this song is featured on its soundtrack.