Paul Simon Just Added 2 New Shows to His ‘Quiet Celebration’ Tour
via Radio Heartland / YouTube
Just when fans thought Paul Simon’s “A Quiet Celebration” tour was winding down, the 83-year-old music icon surprised everyone with two additional shows. Originally scheduled to end on August 3 at Seattle’s Benaroya Hall, Simon has now added August 5 and 6 performances at a new venue — McCaw Hall. For longtime followers, this extension is a welcome encore to an already intimate and emotional tour.
What makes these newly announced shows even more special is that they’ll be filmed. A post on Simon’s official social media channels confirmed that these events will offer fans “a unique opportunity to become part of the ‘Quiet Celebration Tour’.” It’s not just another concert — it’s a chance to witness history being preserved.
A press release elaborated that the filming is “for archival purposes and possible broadcast,” suggesting these final nights may later be shared with an even wider audience. Tickets are set to go on sale this Friday, July 18, at 10 a.m. PT, and given the added significance, they’re expected to go quickly.
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The Final Run
Before arriving at McCaw Hall, Simon has a few more performances lined up on the West Coast. On July 16, he plays the last of five shows at Disney Hall in Los Angeles. After that, the tour heads north, with three shows in San Francisco on July 19, 21, and 22. Then it crosses the border for three Vancouver dates on July 26, 27, and 28.
The tour returns to Seattle for three back-to-back nights at Benaroya Hall on July 31, August 2, and August 3 — originally thought to be the final leg. That makes the newly added McCaw Hall shows not only a surprise but a coda to this poetic journey. With each venue carefully chosen for its acoustics and intimacy, Simon clearly intends to make every night count.
Fans can find more information and tour updates on PaulSimon.com. With only a handful of dates left, these concerts feel less like a routine tour and more like a farewell with meaning — quiet, but impactful.
The Structure Behind “A Quiet Celebration”
“A Quiet Celebration” first kicked off in New Orleans on April 4 and 5, marking Simon’s first tour since his 2018 “farewell” shows. But this isn’t just a greatest hits set — the concerts begin with a live performance of his 2023 album Seven Psalms, a deeply reflective piece that sets the tone for the rest of the night. From there, Simon moves through his catalog, offering both fan favorites and rarities from his solo career and Simon & Garfunkel days.
The performances aren’t stripped down. In fact, Simon is backed by a rich ensemble of musicians: guitarists, percussionists, a cellist, a violinist, and even a saxophonist. His wife, Edie Brickell, joins him onstage for a few songs, adding warmth and chemistry that audiences have cherished throughout the tour.
Simon’s return is all the more remarkable considering his battle with hearing loss in his left ear, which began while recording Seven Psalms. Thanks to careful work with his team and audio engineers, he’s been able to design a stage setup that allows him to hear and perform comfortably again.
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Setbacks, Surgeries, and the Strength to Carry On
The tour hasn’t been without challenges. In late June, Simon was forced to cancel two shows in Philadelphia due to severe back pain. Fortunately, after undergoing a minor surgical procedure, he was well enough to return to the stage by July 8 in Long Beach, California.
It’s a reminder of the toll touring can take, especially for a performer in his eighties. Yet Simon’s resilience — both physical and artistic — has become part of the narrative. These aren’t just concerts; they’re acts of endurance, love for the craft, and deep connection with fans.
As the “Quiet Celebration” tour nears its true end, these last two filmed shows in Seattle feel like a meaningful finale. Whether or not there’s a future tour remains uncertain, but for now, Simon is still standing — and singing — on his own terms.
