Fans of the legendary singer Paul Simon are praying for him after he cancelled two concerts over the weekend amidst an ongoing health struggle.
Simon Cancels Concert
Simon, 83, had been scheduled to perform at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia on Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29. Sadly, he had to cancel these performances hours before Saturday’s show.
“Paul has been struggling with chronic and intense back pain,” read a statement posted to Simon’s Instagram page. “Today it became unmanageable and demands immediate attention. Unfortunately, we have to cancel these shows at this time, as we don’t have the ability to reschedule them.”
“However, we are hopeful after this minor surgical procedure which has been scheduled in the next few days, Paul will be able to complete the tour as well as look into returning to make up these dates,” the statement continued. “In the meantime, please go to your point of purchase or local ticket provider for a full refund.”
Fans Respond
Simon’s loyal fans took to the comments section of his post to offer him their well-wishes.
“Heal well Paul!” one fan commented. Another added, “Rest good and heal up, Mr Simon. We need you healthy.”
“Just landed in Philadelphia from Scotland for the concert, gutted!” a third devastated fan wrote. “Hope it’s nothing serious, get well soon.”
“Feel better soon, the songs are great!” yet another fan commented.
Related: Despite Hearing Loss, Paul Simon, 82, Is Hopeful He Can Perform Again
Simon’s A Quiet Celebration Tour
Just two days earlier, Simon performed at this venue. These three Philadelphia performances were meant to be part of his A Quiet Celebration Tour. Simon announced this tour back in February.
“The evolution of this extraordinary artist continues to unfold,” a press release stated at the time. “In which Simon chose to perform in intimate venues where the acoustics are optimal in consideration of the severe hearing loss that he incurred over the last few years.”
The tour came as a welcome surprise to his fans, as Simon had retired from the road in 2018.
“I feel the travel and time away from my wife and family takes a toll that detracts from the joy of playing,” he said at the time, adding that it “feels a little unsettling, a touch exhilarating, and something of a relief.”
Throughout his A Quiet Celebration Tour, Simon has been performing hits from both his time as one-half of Simon & Garfunkel and his decades-long solo career. He’s also performed songs from his 2023 LP “Seven Psalms.” While creating this album, Simon realized that he’d lost most of the hearing in his left ear.
“Quite suddenly I lost most of the hearing in my left ear, and nobody has an explanation for it. So, everything became more difficult,” Simon previously revealed. “My reaction to that was frustration and annoyance; not quite anger yet, because I thought it would pass, it would repair itself.”
Watch Simon talk more about this in the video below.
Full Story: Paul Simon, 81, Says ‘My Generation’s Time Is Up’ As He Reveals Hearing Loss
Simon’s New Tour Is ‘Much Quieter’
Earlier this year, Simon was asked how he’s managed his A Quiet Celebration Tour around his hearing loss.
“I’m going through my repertoire and reducing a lot of the choices that I make to acoustic versions,” he replied. “It’s all much quieter.”
Simon is next scheduled to perform at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center’s Terrace Theater in Long Beach, California, on July 7. He is set to end this tour with a performance in Seattle, Washington on August 3.
Simon is a true legend, and there will never be another one like him. Please join us in saying a prayer for Simon’s health moving forward!
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