Legendary musician Paul Simon has officially announced the cancellation of two highly anticipated concerts scheduled for this weekend. A statement was released just hours prior to his performance slated for Saturday night, June 28, at the iconic Academy of Music in Philadelphia. Simon was set to grace the stage at this historic venue for both Saturday and Sunday evenings, creating significant disappointment among fans eager to enjoy his music.
The announcement detailed, “Regretfully, Paul Simon must cancel two shows tonight, June 28, and tomorrow night, June 29, at Philadelphia’s Academy of Music.” This important news was shared via a post on Simon’s official Instagram account. The statement further explained that Simon has been enduring chronic and intense back pain, which escalated to a level that became unmanageable and necessitated immediate attention. Unfortunately, due to the circumstances, the cancellation of these shows is unavoidable as rescheduling is not feasible at this time.
Simon’s team expressed optimism regarding his recovery, stating, “We are hopeful that after this minor surgical procedure, which has been scheduled in the next few days, Paul will be able to resume the tour and potentially find a way to make up these missed dates.” This highlights the ongoing commitment of the artist to his fans and the tour, despite facing health challenges.
The message also provided essential instructions for ticketholders of Simon’s June 28-29 concerts, which are part of his A Quiet Celebration Tour. Fans are advised to “please go to your point of purchase or local ticket provider for a full refund.” This ensures that those who purchased tickets can recover their costs in light of the unfortunate cancellation.
Although Simon, now 83 years old, indicated that his tour back in 2018 was intended as a farewell tour due to significant hearing loss, he surprised fans in February 2025 by announcing a spring/summer tour. This announcement came shortly after his memorable appearance on the televised SNL50 celebration, where he performed “Homeward Bound” alongside Sabrina Carpenter, reigniting excitement among his audience.
The 2025 tour, which kicked off in April and made its way to New York City just before reaching Philadelphia, is scheduled to continue through early August. As of the latest updates, his next performance is set for July 7 in Long Beach, California, followed by additional concerts in major cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, and Seattle. This extensive tour reflects Simon’s enduring presence and popularity in the music industry.