Paul Simon has canceled two shows scheduled for this weekend at Philadelphia’s Academy of Music due to intense back pain.
The singer expressed hope that he could return to the road in time for his next scheduled show. In a statement, Simon’s team said: “Regretfully, Paul Simon must cancel two shows tonight, June 28, and tomorrow night, June 29, at Philadelphia’s Academy of Music. Paul has been struggling with chronic and intense back pain. Today it became unmanageable and demands immediate attention.”
The statement added that while the shows cannot be rescheduled at this time, there is hope that after a minor surgical procedure scheduled in the next few days, Simon will be able to complete the tour and possibly make up the missed dates.
Simon performed the first of three planned Philadelphia shows on Thursday night. Earlier in 2023, he revealed that he had lost hearing in one ear and was struggling to perform live comfortably.
In April, Simon launched the Quiet Celebration tour, performing at intimate venues. The tour includes a full-album performance of 2023’s “Seven Psalms” followed by a selection of solo and Simon & Garfunkel hits and rarities.
Simon’s next scheduled show is Monday, July 7, in Long Beach, California. There are 15 dates left on his itinerary, including a five-night stand in Los Angeles and three nights (July 31, Aug. 2, and Aug. 3) in Seattle.
