Paul Simon Discusses Formulating Tour Setlist & Art Garfunkel

Legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon will soon embark on a tour in support of his upcoming new album Stranger To Stranger, kicking off with an appearance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on April 29. The new album, which saw Simon working again with longtime collaborator Roy Halee will be issued on June 3, and in a recent interview Simon revealed which songs from the new LP, as well as which ones from his renowned songbook will be in the mix for the tour’s setlist.

Simon spoke with Rolling Stones’ Andy Greene and gave some insight into how he decides what songs to play on a tour, revealing a desire to balance new material with well-known songs that many fans come to hear. In addition to medleys such as “Hearts and Bones” > “Mystery Train” > “Wheels,” this tour’s setlist will feature about 10 classic hits, a selection from 2000’s You’re The One and two songs off of 2011’s So Beautiful Or So What. Simon also plans to incorporate “Stranger To Stranger,” “Werewolf” and “Wristband” from the new LP into each night’s performance.

Greene also asked Simon about the current status of his relationship with former musical partner Art Garfunkel. Simon revealed the pair “don’t even talk” while dismissing the notion of a reunion as “out of the question.” Head here for the full article.

Watch Simon perform the live premiere of “Wristband” with Andrew Bird, Sarah Jarosz, Chris Thile and members of Punch Brothers during an appearance on A Prairie Home Companion in February: