Paul Simon cancels two Philadelphia shows due to severe back pain requiring surgery.
Paul Simon has unexpectedly paused his A Quiet Celebration tour, canceling two shows in Philadelphia to address “chronic and intense back pain” with a minor surgical procedure.
The 83-year-old icon shared the news on Instagram on June 28, explaining that his discomfort had become “unmanageable and demands immediate attention.”
Unfortunately, there’s no ability to reschedule the June 28 and 29 performances at the Academy of Music, and ticket holders are advised to seek full refunds through their point of purchase .
This North American tour marked Simon’s return to the road after retiring from live shows in 2018 due to hearing loss.
Announced in February, A Quiet Celebration supports his 2023 album Seven Psalms and features a mix of new material and beloved classics from his solo career and Simon & Garfunkel days.
Since kicking off in April at New Orleans’ Saenger Theatre, he’s brought intimate, theater-style shows to cities like Austin, Denver, and New York City, earning praise for his storytelling and musicianship.
Despite the setback in Philadelphia—where Simon did perform on June 26 before canceling the weekend dates—his team remains optimistic.
The Instagram statement noted that the “minor surgical procedure” is scheduled “in the next few days,” and they’re hopeful he’ll be able to finish the tour and possibly return to make up the missed Philadelphia dates.
Fans should look for refunds within the next week and keep an eye on official channels for any updates about added shows.
Looking ahead, Simon’s next booked appearance is July 7 at the Terrace Theater in Long Beach, California, followed by a five-night run at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles starting July 9.
From there, he’s slated to visit San Francisco, Vancouver, and Seattle before wrapping up in early August.
His use of moving monitors to combat hearing issues and his partnership with the Stanford Initiative to Cure Hearing Loss have underscored his dedication to performing despite physical challenges.
As Simon prepares for his procedure, fans across social media have flooded his Instagram post with get-well messages and memories of past concerts.
Here’s hoping this legendary artist recovers swiftly and returns to the stage stronger than ever—ready to share more songs that have soundtracked our lives for decades.
