Paul Simon is dealing with intense pain. In a statement posted on social media, the musician announced that his shows on June 28 and 29 were canceled due to a health issue.
Videos by American Songwriter
Simon was scheduled to play two concerts at Philadelphia’s Academy of Music, but is no longer able to do so due to “chronic and intense back pain.”
The pain, Simon’s statement read, recently “became unmanageable” and, as such, required “immediate attention.”
“Unfortunately we have to cancel these shows at this time, as we don’t have the ability to reschedule them,” the statement read. “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.”
Ticket holders will be given a full refund for the canceled shows.
Simon is currently on his A Quiet Celebration Tour, which kicked off in April. He’s next scheduled to play in Long Beach, California, on July 7.
After that, Simon will head to Los Angeles for five shows at Disney Hall. Stops in San Francisco and Vancouver will follow, before Simon’s tour wraps with three shows in Seattle.
Paul Simon’s Hearing Loss
For his latest tour, Simon opted to play intimate venues “with optimal acoustics” due to his “severe hearing loss.”
Simon has been dealing with hearing loss for years.
“It was incredibly frustrating. I was very angry at first that this had happened,” he told CBS Mornings in November. “I guess what I’m most apprehensive about would be if I can’t hear well enough to really enjoy the act of making music.”
With only has six percent hearing in his left ear, Simon has made adjustments to his shows. He uses larger speakers and plays acoustic versions of many of his songs.
“I guess what I’m most apprehensive about would be if I can’t hear well enough to really enjoy the act of making music,” Simon said. “I don’t think creativity stops with disability. So far, I haven’t experienced that. And I hope not to.”
Photo by Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via Getty Images
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.