Simon Says: No More Touring
• Legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon has joined a growing list of his musical peers by announcing the end of his touring career. As reported by Rolling Stone, Simon announced his final tour — dubbed “Homeward Bound — The Farewell Tour” will kick off in May.
In a statement, Simon remarked, “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.” He continued, “I love making music, my voice is still strong, and my band is a tight, extraordinary group of gifted musicians. I think about music constantly. I am very grateful for a fulfilling career and, of course, most of all to the audiences who heard something in my music that touched their hearts.”
The North American leg of Simon’s farewell tour begins May 16 in Vancouver and will work its way east before concluding June 20 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Tickets go on sale this Friday; visit Simon’s website for complete ticket information. Following the North American leg, Simon and his band will go on brief tour through Europe that wraps up in London on July 15 with the singer’s previously announced “Farewell Performance” with James Taylor and Bonnie Raitt.
Simon becomes the latest baby-boomer-era artist to announce their retirement from the road, following similar tours announced by Elton John, Ozzy Osbourne, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Slayer. Neil Diamond also announced the end of his touring days after a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.
