Paul Simon ‘Hopeful’ About Returning to Live Performances Despite Significant Hearing Loss
Legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon, 82, has revealed that he remains hopeful about returning to live performances, even after suffering significant hearing loss in his left ear. In a recent interview with The Guardian, the music icon discussed his gradual shift toward optimism, saying, “Six months ago, I was pessimistic, but now I’m optimistic,” expressing his belief that he may once again perform a full-length concert.
Simon’s hearing loss, which he first disclosed in May 2023, came suddenly and without warning. Speaking to The Times at the time, Simon shared that he had lost most of the hearing in his left ear with no medical explanation. This unexpected development forced him to reconsider his ability to perform with a full band and impacted his creative process. However, despite the challenge, Simon has continued to work on new material and remains open to the possibility of returning to the stage.
Simon last toured in 2018, concluding a celebrated career on the road that spanned decades. Reflecting on his decision to stop touring, Simon clarified, “I never said I was going to retire. I said I was going to stop, which I did. I thought that with that band and the repertoire we were doing, we’d developed it as far as we could. It was enjoyable, but I wanted to find out what happens when you stop.” After stepping away from live performances, Simon embarked on personal travels with his wife, exploring new creative directions.
During this period of introspection, Simon experienced a dream that reignited his musical inspiration. This dream led to the creation of his acoustic project, Seven Psalms, a 33-minute album released in 2023. The lyrics for the album, which Simon described as coming to him in fragments during dreams, mark a significant departure from his previous work. The project captures Simon’s reflections on spirituality, aging, and the creative process.
The making of Seven Psalms was documented by acclaimed filmmaker Alex Gibney in a 3.5-hour feature, In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon. The documentary, which follows the development of the album, premiered in the United States in March and is set to be released in UK cinemas on October 13, coinciding with Simon’s 83rd birthday. Gibney’s film offers an intimate look at Simon’s evolving creative journey, the challenges posed by his hearing loss, and the resilience he has shown in continuing his artistic pursuits.
Despite his hearing limitations, Simon has already made a tentative return to the stage. He recently performed alongside two guitarists at a fundraiser for the Stanford Initiative to Cure Hearing Loss, marking his longest live performance in five years. While the performance was not full-length, it demonstrated Simon’s enduring passion for live music and his connection to audiences.
As Simon looks ahead, his optimism reflects both a personal and professional evolution. While he acknowledges the difficulties posed by his hearing loss, Simon remains committed to his craft and hopeful about future performances. The premiere of In Restless Dreams and the continued success of Seven Psalms offer a glimpse into the next chapter of Simon’s storied career.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
