Paul Simon Cancels Shows Due to ‘Chronic and Intense Back Pain' That Required a ‘Minor Surgical Procedure': ‘Today it Became Unmanageable'
Bad news for Paul Simon fans.
In a post shared to Simon's Instagram account on Saturday, it was announced that Simon canceled his Saturday and Sunday performances at the Philadelphia Academy of Music due to an ongoing issue with his back.
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'Regretfully, Paul Simon must cancel two shows tonight June 28 and tomorrow night June 19 – at Philadelphia's Academy of Music,' read the post. 'Paul has been struggling with chronic and intense back pain. Today it became unmanageable and demands immediate attention.'
The post continued, 'Unfortunately we have to cancel these shows at this time, as we don't have the ability to reschedule them. However, we are hopeful after this minor surgical procedure which has been scheduled in the next few days, Paul will be able to complete the tour as well as look into returning to make up these dates.'
The post went on to say that full refunds will be provided to those who purchased tickets in advance for the show.
Simon, who is currently on his 'A Quiet Celebration Tour,' performed at the Philadelphia venue only two days prior on Thursday. It was the first of three shows to take place in the city. After the stint on the East Coast, the tour heads to the Terrace Theater at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center on July 7.
Especially considering the surgery, it is unclear how Simon's health will affect the rest of the tour. After stopping in Long Beach, Calif., Simon is set to do a five-night stint at Los Angeles' Disney Hall.
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Iconic Performer, 83, Cancels Two Shows Due to 'Unmanageable' Pain originally appeared on Parade. Paul Simon is going through a rough patch. The legendary singer, 83, was forced to cancel two shows from his A Quiet Celebration Tour in Philadelphia this weekend as a result of "unmanageable" back pain, he shared on his Instagram page. He will also undergo a "minor surgical procedure." "Regretfully, Paul must cancel two shows tonight, June 28, and tomorrow night, June 29, at Philadelphia's Academy of Music," the statement read. "Paul has been struggling with chronic and intense back pain. Today, it has become unmanageable and demands immediate attention. Unfortunately, we have to cancel these shows at this time, as we don't have the ability to reschedule them." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Paul Simon (@paulsimonofficial) The statement continued, noting that they were not yet able to reschedule the concerts for later dates. "Unfortunately, we have to cancel these shows at this time, as we don't have the ability to reschedule them. However, we are hopeful after this minor surgical procedure which has been scheduled in the next few days, Paul will be able to complete the tour as well as look into returning to make up these dates," the statement continued. "In the meantime, please go to your point of purchase or local ticket provider for a full refund." 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 Being back on tour was likely a triumph for Simon, who has dealt with significant hearing loss that's kept him off the road in recent years. Hopefully, he'll be back Performer, 83, Cancels Two Shows Due to 'Unmanageable' Pain first appeared on Parade on Jun 29, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
