Veteran 82-year-old singer and songwriter Paul Simon has expressed optimism about returning to the stage for live performance after officially quitting touring in 2018 due to hearing complications. The iconic singer lost his left ear while recording his “Seven Psalms” album in 2018.
During an interview, Paul Simoon disclosed to journalists that he had always been pessimistic about returning for a live performance, but not anymore, as he is currently very optimistic about his return. He said, “I’m hoping to eventually be able to do a full-length concert. I’m optimistic. Six months ago, I was pessimistic.”
Recall that in 2018, Paul Simon said that he was bringing his performing career to “a natural end,” though he was not pleased with the decision. He said it felt pretty unsettling, but he had very little or no choice but to allow it to be. He described it as an act of courage to let go; he said it is “an act of courage to let go. 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. Now I know: it feels a little unsettling, a touch exhilarating and something of a relief.”
His last performance was in September 2018 at his childhood home in Queens, New York. He categorically stated that he was quitting touring but would continue singing, and the funds and donations would be given to charities. “I don’t intend to tour anymore, but I will perform again, and I’m going to donate the money I make to various causes I believe in.”
While Simon was recording his “Seven Psalms” album in 2023, he started experiencing hearing impairment in his left ear precisely. He experienced a concern that “It was scary and frustrating” being in denial and then suddenly becoming overwhelmed because “you now have a disability.” He told Mojo magazine in July that he wanted to return to performing but had yet to figure out the possibility, considering that he had tried to rehearse with his band crew several times but could not contain it due to his hearing condition.
Following his recovery, he has disclosed that he hopes to return to live performance in earnest.
