Paul Simon has announced that he will retire from live performance this year following a series of shows in the US and Europe.
The Homeward Bound Tour will stop in Manchester and Glasgow in July, concluding with a show at London’s Hyde Park on July 15.
"I’ve often wondered what it would feel like to reach the point where I’d consider bringing my performance career to a natural end," says Simon’s statement announcing the decision to retire. "Now I know: it feels a little unsettling, a touch exhilarating, and something of a relief."
He cites time spent away from his wife and family as one factor in his decision to retire from live touring. He also says that the death of his longtime guitarist, Vincent N’guini, in December played a part in the decision.
"After this coming tour, I anticipate doing the occasional performance in a (hopefully) acoustically pristine hall, and to donate those earnings to various philanthropic organisations, particularly those whose objective is to save the planet, ecologically," he concludes.
You can read the full statement here.
