“Bendigo Bendigo, digging high, digging low. Do you know that song? It’s played on radio out here a lot,” he says

I don’t but I do now.

When we get back on topic, it is clear that Foster and Allen are excited to come to Bendigo during their Australian tour.

“It was three years ago since we were last out on tour and we were Bendigo then. We play there nearly every time we come out,” Allen said.

“This is our 19th trip (to Australia) and always look forward to it. Every town in Australia has a very good theatre or very good RSL Club.

“There’s always very good facilities for people to be entertained in which is absolutely wonderful.”

Foster and Allen’s tour is in celebration of 40 years together.

After meeting and playing together in a band in 1967, they went their separate ways until 1974 when they played in another band together.

While on tour with that band, the pair payed some sideshows together and promptly formed Foster and Allen.

In the early 1980s, when their song Maggie reached number one in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, Foster and Allen began touring internationally.

Since then they have released 27 albums and sold 20 million records.

Allen certainly can’t believe it has been 40 years.

“We were chatting with our tour promoter, who has worked with us every time we have been here,” Allen said.

“His son is now running the business and we met him (in the 1980s) when he was a few years old.

“It’s hard to believe my own kids grown up and now I have two grandkids. You don't notice (a 40 year career) happening especially when you're in a business where enjoy what you do.”

So what’s the secrets of having a 40 year music career with 27 albums?

“I think it’s the fact we always got on well together. We’ve never even had an argument,” Allen said.

“We also only work six months of year and are very lucky to know a lot of writers in Ireland. There are a lot of great young songwriters creating songs for us.”

Foster and Allen’s tour is also the release of their album Celebration, which celebrates their time together.

“The album has done very well and one song, We Owe It All To You, was written for our 40 years by a friend of ours and is about the people who support us, see us, buy our records and listen to the music,” Allen said.

Foster and Allen perform at Ulumbarra on June 5 at 7pm. For tickets head to www.gotix.com.au