‘Why not try to be the best in the world, just for the fun of it?’ Art Garfunkel on a rich, restless life – and reconciling with Paul Simon
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
On September 4, 2026, The Guardian published an in-depth interview with Art Garfunkel. Under the headline “Why not try to be the best in the world, just for the fun of it?”, British journalist Dave Simpson looks at the singer’s extraordinary life, his music, his many interests and his return to the stage.
At the center of the interview is an artist whose life extends far beyond his decades-long career as a singer. Art Garfunkel talks about music, literature, mathematics, walking and the many different experiences that have shaped his journey. Yet through all this diversity, one thing has remained unchanged: his special connection to singing.
After an extended break from the stage, Art Garfunkel returns to international concert stages in 2026 with the “What a Wonderful World” tour. The tour takes him through the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Japan, marking his return to major international performances.
In the interview, Art Garfunkel explains how his path back to the stage began with small performances. After singing for intimate audiences, he eventually felt the desire to perform regularly for his listeners again. The joy of singing and the direct connection with an audience are once again at the heart of his return.
The conversation also touches on his decades-long musical history – from his early recordings with Paul Simon as Tom & Jerry, through the worldwide success of Simon & Garfunkel, to his solo career. His special relationship with Paul Simon and their renewed connection after years without personal contact are also discussed.
The interview portrays an artist who can look back on an extraordinarily varied life while continuing to look ahead. For Art Garfunkel, 2026 is therefore not only a time to remember past musical achievements, but also a time to reconnect with his audience.
The Guardian accompanies this special phase of his career with a personal conversation that presents Art Garfunkel as a musician and as a person with many different facets – and as a singer who has by no means stopped wanting to make his voice heard.
