FEATURE:
Homeward Bound
IMAGE/PHOTO CREDITS: Getty Images
Why Paul Simon’s Decision to Quit Touring Is Especially Sad
_________
PAUL Simon is the latest music icon to announce...
IMAGE CREDIT: Getty Images
his retirement from the stage. Before he departs the world of touring, he will appear in a one-off show - billed Homeward Bound: The Farwell Performance. It will take place on 15th July and is part of the final night of this year’s British Summer Time festival in Hyde Park. Bonnie Raitt and James Taylor (& His All-Star Band) will be in attendance. It is a must-see occasion for two reasons: for a start; it is Paul Simon! You are getting a fantastic show, regardless, but, more than that; it is the final time we will see him in the U.K. I wonder whether this ‘final’ show is a total embargo – or he will play other shows in the U.S. When his Stranger to Stranger album was released in 2016; Simon was adamant his passion for touring was over. Many might say his decision is unsurprising given his age: at seventy-six; Simon is at a stage in life where he needs to start looking after himself. It is interesting seeing why certain legends call time on their live careers. I was saddened to hear about Neil Diamond and his battle with Parkinson’s. It seems, even in advancing years, he is keen to bring his music to the people. The two U.S. icons have different reasons for departing the stage – they are not the only examples of established artists retiring from performance.
IN THIS PHOTO: Neil Diamond
I worry, for any artist, the sheer physical and psychological demands are too much to handle. Older artists are more vulnerable and, as such, many are cutting their careers short. Neil Diamond’s situation is different: it is not an effect of relentless touring and the pressure put on him. Others, like AC/DC’s Brian Johnson – who feared he was going deaf; he had to succeed the frontman reigns to Axl Rose – have been afflicted with hearing problems and other such issues. The public will always have a demand for these artists - but I wonder whether enough is being done to ensure their health and wellbeing is not compromised. Fortunately, Brian Johnson is back in action but for others, the damage caused by consistent touring and its physical demands is irreparable. Touring is not a young person’s game but, more and more, I fear some of our finest-ever musicians are losing the spark. Those who want to continue playing are either being affected by health issues or running out of steam. I realise there are plenty of long-standing legends who are still pounding and putting out music – from Sir Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan to The Rolling Stones – but they are among the more fortunate. Many continue because of financial rewards; others to ensure they have a platform for their music: most do it for the sheer love of playing.
It is a shame some are unable to continue but, in Paul Simon’s case; it seems age and medical reasons are not behind things – merely a lack of love and desire to keep going. He speculated, back in 2016, his identity revolved around a series of gigs and recordings. He was starting to lose a bit of himself and, as such, has put to an end his touring life. Maybe it is a natural result of decades of touring; perhaps Simon wants to slow down and spend more time away from music – whatever the real reason; it is a huge shame to see him bow out. We all want our favourite bands/artists to keep going until life decides otherwise. I feel the zeal to keep going and not disappoint the public is leading to undeserved and premature decline. In the case of Paul Simon; perhaps that desire to fit into a particular ‘mould’ meant his everyday existence became robotic. We will not be able to see Paul Simon perform beyond his U.K. date – let’s hope he records new material down the line. I would hate to think this is the end for Simon’s career. To me, his music and live shows are what music should be. From his days with Art Garfunkel through his extraordinary solo career; he has produced some of the greatest material ever. To me, it is all about Graceland...
I know we will not see Simon join Ladysmith Black Mambazo to recreate that extraordinary album. Experiencing the full spectrum of his career, and its fresh nuances, is why we go to see artists like Paul Simon play. Hearing Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, The Boxer and The Obvious Child on the same bill is a treat few of will ever be lucky enough to see. Simon’s music is inspiring and otherworldly; the songs timeless and indelible. The way they come to life on the stage means they take on a new life and dynamic. We cannot put too much pressure on our artists: if they want to retire and spend time away from the stage, then that should be encouraged. Paul Simon has been playing for decades and has brought his music to the adoring masses. The 15th July will be a fabulous occasion and glorious swansong for Simon. Whilst we might not seem his grace the stage ever again: recording material, surely, will follow at some point?! What form that takes, and when that comes, is down to him – one would like to think that would arrive sooner rather than later. I have been thinking about some of the huge names that have retired from the stage and what a loss it is for music. Maybe it is me being nostalgic or musing about mortality: the absence the world will feel is going to be big. It has been a long and exciting road for Paul Simon – and thinks are not over yet. Make sure you get to British Summer Time festival and the Homeward Bound: The Farwell Performance. Whatever Paul Simon has planned for that finale; I am sure the gig will be…
ONE to remember.