Paul Simon Is Playing Through the Hearing Loss
Paul Simon / YouTube
Paul Simon’s return to the stage in 2024 came as a surprise to many, especially after he retired from touring in 2018. Now 83, Simon is defying expectations and embracing a new chapter in his performance career, despite facing significant challenges—most notably, hearing loss that threatened to end his ability to play live altogether. Rather than retreat, the legendary songwriter is once again doing what he’s done for decades: making music that matters.
The A Quiet Celebration Tour began in New Orleans at the Saenger Theater, a fitting venue for Simon’s return. Eschewing massive arenas, he’s chosen intimate theaters with superior acoustics that better suit his condition. Performing multiple nights in each venue, Simon is not just adjusting to limitations—he’s using them as an opportunity to craft more intimate and focused shows.
This run of concerts marks more than a comeback—it’s a quiet triumph. After publicly voicing doubts about ever returning to the stage, Simon’s ability to adapt and work around his hearing issues is a testament to both his perseverance and his passion for music. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about evolving with grace.
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Adapting to Hearing Loss
In a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Simon opened up about the profound impact hearing loss has had on his career. He admitted he once believed performing live again might be impossible, especially with other musicians. The challenge was blending his voice into a sound environment that felt cohesive and musical, something that previously came naturally but had now become complicated.
With the help of his longtime sound engineer, Simon found an innovative way to reclaim the stage. By placing a monitor close to his functioning ear—on his left side—he can isolate and hear the essential parts of the performance. This personalized setup allows him to stay connected to the music without being overwhelmed by stage noise. It’s a technical solution, but also a deeply human one—meeting his limitations with creativity.
Even for a seasoned performer like Simon, that first show back was nerve-racking. Rehearsing in a small studio couldn’t prepare him for the acoustics of a live theater. But once he made it through that first night, the foundation was laid. Each subsequent performance has only sharpened the experience, proving that even legends have room to grow.
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New Songs and Old Mysteries
Despite the physical setbacks, Paul Simon’s creative spirit remains intact. Alongside performing live again, he continues to write and reflect on his legendary catalog. During his Colbert interview, Simon revealed that he’s already penned two new songs. This comes just a year after releasing Seven Psalms, an introspective and minimalist album that explores spiritual themes with sparse instrumentation.
Interestingly, Simon spoke candidly about one of his most famous works—“The Sound of Silence.” Even after decades of acclaim, he admitted the song still feels mysterious to him. That level of humility and awe toward his own work is part of what has made him such a compelling figure in music. He doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, even when the world sees him as a master.
To close out the Colbert segment, Simon performed “The Sacred Harp,” a track that bridges the old with the new. His voice may be a little older, and his hearing diminished, but his artistry remains undiminished. For fans, it’s not just heartening to see him back—it’s inspiring to witness someone still evolving after all these years.
