Paul Simon is on the mend after undergoing back surgery.
A statement from Simon’s team on Thursday, July 3, confirmed that the musician, 83, had successful surgery after suffering from “severe back pain,” which caused him to cancel his June 27 and 28 shows in Philadelphia. Simon had a performance scheduled on Monday, July 7, in Long Beach, California, but that has since been postponed until the next day amid Simon’s recovery.
“Thanks to a great team of doctors, the surgery went well, as expected,” read the Instagram statement. “However, it has become clear he will need one additional day of rest and recuperation to ensure he is able to perform at the top of his ability in Long Beach.”
The post noted that the decision to move the concert back by one day was made out of “an abundance of caution” and that all tickets will be accepted for the rescheduled date. There will also be refunds for fans who can’t make the new concert date, which will be held at the same location.
“We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, but Paul is looking forward to seeing everyone in Long Beach on Tuesday,” the post concluded.
Simon’s health scare previously caused him to cancel the two shows at Philadelphia’s Academy of Music just hours before he was set to take the stage.
“Paul has been struggling with chronic and intense back pain,” a statement posted via Instagram read in June. “Today it became unmanageable and demands immediate attention. Unfortunately, we have to cancel these shows at this time, as we don’t have the ability to reschedule them.”
The statement noted that Simon was prioritizing his health.
“However, we are hopeful after this minor surgical procedure which has been scheduled in the next few days, Paul will be able to complete the tour as well as look into returning to make up these dates,” the statement continued. “In the meantime, please go to your point of purchase or local ticket provider for a full refund.”
Simon is currently on his A Quiet Celebration Tour, which was announced after he retired from touring in 2018 due to hearing loss.
“It was incredibly frustrating. I was very angry at first that this had happened,” Simon told CBS News in November 2024. “I guess what I’m most apprehensive about would be if I can’t hear well enough to really enjoy the act of making music.”
He continued: “You know Matisse, when he was suffering at the end of his life, when he was in bed, he envisioned all these cut-outs and had a great creative period. So I don’t think creativity stops with disability. So far, I haven’t experienced that. And I hope not to.”
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