Legends link up for tour

WORLD renowned Australian musicians Grace Knight and Wendy Matthews will be stopping by Bendigo for a show next week and singing pieces from Paul Simon’s album Songbook.

Knight said she and Matthews had been friends since the 80s, and decided they wanted to do a gig together before COVID hit.

The show will be part of three or four around Central Victoria, said Knight, and said the duo has an “incredible” band playing with them.

“Like actually physically perform together, not just get on stage and shoehorn ourselves into each other’s songs but actually do something completely different,” said Knight.

“We decided on Paul Simon, who’s one of the most successful and prolific songwriters of pop history.

“It’s been the most fantastic fun that both of us have ever had. We’re on stage together, we’re singing together, and apart from being a real laugh, it’s a really, really fun show.”

The singer said she felt like she was “15 minutes off retirement,” another factor prompting her and Matthews to go on tour together.

“I’ve been very gifted with the fact that my work is really fulfilling for me as an artist and I’m incredibly grateful that I have got for the last 45 years to do a job that just fills me up to the brim,” she said.

“That was another reason that prompted Wendy and I to pull our finger out and go come on let’s bloody well do this before we shuffle off.”

As well as her singing career, Knight has had success in rug-making, with a recent creation of hers being displayed at a gallery in New South Wales.

“They’re very cool, I’ve got to tell you, I’m ever so pleased about that,” she said.

“You hang them on the wall, they’re to kind of give your house this feeling of warmth and family.

Knight said she is looking forward to coming to Bendigo to perform on Saturday 22 July at All Seasons Resort Bendigo, and to pop by the Bendigo Woollen Mills.