Paul Simon shares health update after back surgery: 'It went well, as expected'

Legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon is on the mend after undergoing a surgical procedure to alleviate severe back pain. The 83-year-old musician, currently on his ‘A Quiet Celebration’ tour, had to cancel two shows in Philadelphia due to what his team described as “chronic and intense back pain.

” On July 3, Simon’s official social media account shared a statement confirming the surgery was successful and that he is recovering well.

“Thanks to a great team of doctors…”

The statement began by reassuring fans reading, “Paul Simon underwent a surgical procedure this week to alleviate severe back pain that he has been experiencing for some time. Thanks to a great team of doctors, the surgery went well, as expected.” However, the recovery process required a slight adjustment to his tour schedule, as “it has become clear he will need one additional day of rest and recuperation to insure he is able to perform at the top of his ability in Long Beach.

”As a result, Simon’s July 7 performance at ‘The Terrace Theatre’ in Long Beach, California, has been postponed to July 8. They shared, “We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, but Paul is looking forward to seeing everyone.”

“Today it became unmanageable and demands immediate attention”

The health update followed a previous statement issued on June 30, when Simon abruptly cancelled two shows at Philadelphia’s Academy of Music. “Paul has been struggling with chronic and intense back pain,” the statement read.

Adding, “Today it became unmanageable and demands immediate attention.”At the time, his team explained that the shows could not be rescheduled, saying, “Unfortunately, we have to cancel these shows at this time, as we don’t have the ability to reschedule them.” Still, they remained optimistic about his recovery with “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.

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Looking ahead

Simon’s ‘A Quiet Celebration’ tour marks his return to live performance after retiring from touring in 2018 due to hearing loss. The current tour features music from his 2023 album ‘Seven Psalms’ and select hits from his solo career and the Simon & Garfunkel catalogue. With the surgery behind him, fans are hopeful that Simon will continue the tour as planned and possibly revisit the cancelled Philadelphia dates.