Washington DC [US], June 29: Fans of legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon were left disappointed after the artist canceled his upcoming performances in Philadelphia due to ongoing health concerns.
In an official statement posted on his Instagram account on Saturday, Simon announced that his scheduled shows on June 28 and 29 at the Philadelphia Academy of Music have been called off due to “chronic and intense back pain” that has become “unmanageable.”
“Regretfully, Paul Simon must cancel two shows tonight, June 28 and tomorrow night, June 29… Paul has been struggling with chronic and intense back pain. Today, it became unmanageable and demands immediate attention,” read the Instagram post.
While fans were understandably disheartened, Simon’s team reassured that the 82-year-old singer hopes to resume his A Quiet Celebration Tour after undergoing a minor surgical procedure in the coming days.
“Unfortunately, we have to cancel these shows at this time, as we don’t have the ability to reschedule them. However, we are hopeful that after this minor surgical procedure… Paul will be able to complete the tour as well as look into returning to make up these dates,” the post added.
Ticket holders for the cancelled Philadelphia shows have been advised to contact their original point of purchase for a full refund.
According to Variety, Simon had performed at the same venue just two nights earlier, marking the first of a planned three-show run in the city. Following the East Coast leg, the tour is scheduled to continue at the Terrace Theatre at Long Beach Performing Arts Center on July 7.
With Simon now preparing for surgery, it remains uncertain how the remainder of the tour—including a five-night stretch at Disney Hall in Los Angeles—will be impacted.
Paul Simon, celebrated for iconic works such as Graceland (1986) and The Sound of Silence, continues to hold a cherished place in the hearts of fans around the world.