By JENA MARINO
FROM singing on the high seas to sell-out crowds all around the world, star of ’80s pop band Eurogliders, Grace Knight is still rocking the spotlight 35 years on.
With bookings piling up till the end of the year for both Knight’s solo act and Eurogliders, things are looking bright, including the upcoming release of the group’s new album Don’t Eat The Daisies in early March.
Singing became a “stepping stone” and a means to travel the world as Knight landed her first gig working on decommissioned cruise ships in Dubai after being discovered at a national singing competition in the UK.
“I didn’t have two pennies to rub together,” she said.
She travelled from Southampton, England to Fremantle, Perth criss-crossing many countries such as Sri Lanka, Malta and Gibraltar.
Eurogliders became a musical sensation as the young group of six travelled the world.
Often compared to Fleetwood Mac, the band saw tracks like Heaven (Must Be There) and Can’t Wait to See You as well as its album Absolutely topping Aussie charts in 1985.
“Touring was absolutely crazy,” she said. “We were living the dream.”
Memorable performances included an MTV New Year’s Eve Party televised to 65 million people as well as performing to royals like Princess Diana and luminaries including Bill and Hilary Clinton.
On screen, Knight appeared on ABC’s hit TV series, Come in Spinner, which she said was one of the highlights of her career. Other appearances included a recent role on Neighbours.
Knight’s jazz solo act has attracted ARIA award nominations, with hit Stormy Weather placing number one in the charts. She will return to the studio this year to release a new album.
“Singing doesn’t have the same sorts of boundaries as life does,” she said. “People love music.”
Eurogliders will play the Sunday stage at this year’s Geelong’s Motor City Music Festival.
Although there will be four members as opposed to six, the band will reintroduce old songs with a light feel.
But Knight assured audiences the sound would still be “festival-esque” and get people up and dancing to the groove.
