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Two years ago, Paul Simon feared he may never perform live again after suffering severe hearing loss in his left ear. Last year, the legendary singer-songwriter gave an optimistic update that he was hoping to one day be able to play a full-length concert again. And over the weekend, he kicked off a miraculous North American tour aptly billed as "A Quiet Celebration Tour."
The 83-year-old played a 19-song set that began with selections off his latest album Seven Psalms and also included some of his biggest hits. One classic that was notably absent was "You Can Call Me Al." During a recent interview, Simon explained how his hearing loss required him to alter his setlist. “I’m going through my repertoire and reducing a lot of the choices I make to acoustic versions,” he said at the time. “It’s all much quieter. It’s not ‘You Can Call Me Al.’ That’s gone. I can’t do that one.”
Watch Simon perform "Under African Skies" with his wife Edie Brickell and see the full setlist below.
Paul Simon’s “A Quiet Celebration” Tour Opener Setlist
The Lord (Live debut)
Love Is Like A Braid (Live debut)
My Professional Opinion (Live debut)
Your Forgiveness
Trail of Volcanoes (Live debut)
The Sacred Harp (with Edie Brickell) (Live debut)
Wait (with Edie Brickell) (Live debut)
Graceland
Slip Slidin’ Away
Train in the Distance
Homeward Bound (Simon & Garfunkel song)
St. Judy’s Comet
The Late Great Johnny Ace
Spirit Voices
Rene and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After the War
Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard
Under African Skies (with Edie Brickell)
Encore:
The Boxer (Simon & Garfunkel song)
The Sound of Silence (Simon & Garfunkel song)