Paul Simon Debuts ‘Seven Psalms’ At Opening Show Of 1st Tour Since 2018

Paul Simon embarked on his first substantial tour since 2018 with a pair of concerts at Saenger Performing Arts Theater in New Orleans. A Quiet Celebration Tour's opening night saw Simon premiere material from his 2023 Seven Psalms album and be joined by his wife, fellow musician Edie Brickell.

The 83-year-old Simon stopped touring after losing the ability to hear with his left ear. Simon approached Stanford University’s Initiative to Cure Hearing Loss, as well as members of his production team, to collaborate on a stage setup that would allow Simon to perform live again.

Both shows in New Orleans began with complete recitations of Seven Psalms, an acoustic album Simon mostly recorded himself as a single, seven-part composition. Brickell was brought out for the last two Seven Psalms songs, “The Sacred Harp” and “Wait.”

A second set followed the Seven Psalms presentation and consisted of selections from across Simon’s storied career. Favorites “Graceland,” “Slip Slidin’ Away,” “Homeward Bound,” “Under African Skies” (with Brickell) and “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” were on the setlist. Simon & Garfunkel classics “The Boxer” and “The Sound of Silence” closed out the opening night of the tour.

Simon’s A Quiet Celebration Tour continues on Tuesday, April 8 with the first of three shows at Bass Concert Hall in Austin, Texas.