Paul Simon cancels two shows to undergo minor surgery
Paul Simon has cancelled two shows in Philadelphia that were set to take place this weekend due to “chronic and intense back pain”.
Simon had been scheduled to play three shows at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, on June 26, 28 and 29. While he played the first of the three concerts, he announced on Saturday (June 28) that the second and third shows would be cancelled due to “chronic and intense back pain”.
“Today it became unmanageable and demands immediate attention,” the statement read. “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 added.
The statement also encouraged ticket holders to “please go to your point of purchase or local ticket provider for a full refund”. Read Simon’s full statement below:
The three Philadelphia shows were scheduled as part of Simon’s 2025 ‘A Quiet Celebration’ tour of North America, which comes seven years after he retired from playing live. The singer-songwriter is next set to perform at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center in California.
Back in 2018, Simon played Queens, New York’s Flushing Meadows Corona Park in what was described as his final-ever concert at the time. “I’ve often wondered what it would feel like to reach the point where I’d consider bringing my performing career to a natural end,” he said back then. “Now I know: it feels a little unsettling, a touch exhilarating and something of a relief.”
He then went on to discuss his struggles with hearing loss last year, explaining how it made the recording process of his 2023 album ‘Seven Psalms’ “incredibly frustrating”.
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Puah Ziwei
NME
