Paul Simon of the former duo, Simon & Garfunkel, disclosed having troubles with his left ear while making his Seven Psalms album. The condition grew worse, but rather than retire, the singer-songwriter is finding new ways to keep making music and performing live.
The 83-year-old is frustrated at his inability to enjoy the process of creating sounds, as his left ear is now at 6 percent hearing capacity. He has been forced to restrict his song rendition to acoustic versions; however, there is one he is unable to ever perform again.
The song Paul Simon can’t perform anymore
Due to his diagnosis, Simon can no longer perform his 1986 single “You Can Call Me Al.” He admitted to being frustrated about it and having to place large speakers all around him during concerts. The song, which was part of his Graceland album, performed better in the UK, Netherlands, Canada, and Australia, unlike in the US where it peaked at number 23.
Simon has maintained a positive outlook so far, noting that disability does not stop creativity. He referenced one of the most influential artists of the past century, Henri Matisse, noting that his illness led to his new body of work, the cut-paper collage.
Is Paul Simon revisiting past times?
Amid balancing his music career and health, Simon recently reunited with his former partner Art Garfunkel, after years of estrangement. It was an emotional reconnection over lunch, as Art was remorseful about his past misdeeds against Simon, which led to their official split in the ‘70s.
They both pursued solo careers, with Art now collaborating with his son Art Garfunkel Jr. as Garfunkel & Garfunkel. The new duo released their debut album, Father and Son, shortly after Simon and Art met again. While fans anticipate new music from Simon and Art as a duo, they are yet to promise any.