Images By Jake Edwards
When I was 15 years old, my Papa asked me if I’d ever heard of Simon & Garfunkel. I told him no, which resulted in me being excitedly pulled into the living room to watch The Concert in Central Park, 1981, on Sky Arts. A few hits in, Paul Simon came out by himself to sing Still Crazy After All These Years. I was transfixed, completely enamoured with what I was seeing and hearing. I fell in love with his music then and there, and 4 years later, I’ve been lucky enough to hear it live.
As someone who has all Simon’s records and has watched just about every interview, I felt weirdly calm on the way to the concert, buying a t-shirt, then sitting down. But as the lights dimmed, the band walked out, and it suddenly all sank in. When Mr Simon himself appeared in my sight, I burst into tears. His presence filled the entirety of Glasgow Armadillo; I’ve never been to a concert where the artist received such a long standing ovation, or one that was so deserved.
The show was split into two halves; Simon opened by playing his most recent album Seven Psalms, in full, which lasted around 35 minutes. From the start, it was hypnotic; the calm, moving lyrics with the dimmed lights made me feel like there was no one else in the room. What a class act you must be to make such a capacious hall filled with over a thousand people feel small and intimate.
For the last two songs of the album, The Sacred Harp and Wait, Simon was joined by his wife, and fabulous artist in her own right, Edie Brickell. She glided onto the stage ethereally, dressed head to toe in white like an angel, proceeding to sing like one, too. I like a few of Brickell’s songs, such as Good Times, but her performance convinced me to attend a concert of her own, should she perform in Scotland.
I’ve seen some complaints about the Seven Psalms half of the show, but I truly believe people just haven’t given the album a chance. Sure, it’s different from the rest of Simon’s catalogue. It’s profound, haunting, spiritual, though mesmerising, and tranquil. Of course, everyone can analyse the songs in their own way, but those outright complaining should’ve listened before showing up instead of just coming for the hits. Let yourself get lost in the melodies, and it’s moving. You’re seeing a legend who has come out of retirement; embrace it. That’s my advice anyway.
After a short break, Simon came back on and opened with Graceland. It was the only song in the entire set where I noticed his age. But this was overshadowed by the fact that I was hearing one of the best songs ever written, live, by the man who wrote it. I didn’t go in expecting it to sound the same as in the studio, too; it’s been 40 years since the album was released, and the man has hearing difficulties. The performance was stellar for someone competing against these odds.
After that, I couldn’t fault a single song. Homeward Bound, Slip Slidin’ Away, The Cool, Cool River…each one was executed perfectly by Simon and his band. Mark Stewart, a kilt-wearing guitarist with the white ponytail, was fascinating to watch. He was really getting into it; it was fantastic to see someone so passionate. Overall, the star of the show for me was Under African Skies.
“Here to join me and vastly improve my performance is Edie Brickell.”
This is how Simon introduced the song, followed by a short anecdote of its origins, which he did throughout the show and which I found remarkably interesting. This is why I feel bad saying it was his best vocal performance of the night, but it’s true. His harmonies with Brickell were heavenly to the ears, adding to the already bodacious tune. The cherry on top was bassist Bakithi Kumalo, the last member surviving member of the core Graceland musicians, whose playing is just sublime. I wasn’t even aware he still toured with Simon, leaving me doubly starstruck that night.
The big hits were saved for the end; Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard, 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover, The Boxer. Let me tell you, if the rest of the show didn’t move you, thousands of people singing “la-la-li” to and alongside Paul Simon will get you right in the heart. The atmosphere was soul-stirring.
The show ended with The Sound of Silence. One man, one guitar, one spotlight, and one song which changed his life forever. I believe that on May 9th, in seat S27 of the Armadillo, my life was changed forever, too. If I remember little of my life, when I’m old and grey, the night I saw my hero will live on in my heart and brain for the rest of my days.
Paul Simon was worth every single (expensive) penny I spent on a ticket. I’ve never felt more content than I did leaving that venue, and the awestruck buzz around the place was palpable. I think I only got an hour’s sleep that night, because I was just so high on adrenaline. Usually, I leave a gig thinking ‘that was good, but they didn’t play…’ and sure, there are a few songs I would’ve loved to have heard live. I love Boy in the Bubble, and How the Heart Approaches What It Yearns…but I wouldn’t have traded the world for the set he played.
Will Simon make a return to Europe? One can hope, but who knows? I’d snag some tickets if you still can. One thing I do know is that on the drive home, and forever more, I’ll have my radio tuned to the voice of a star.
19🏴
Studying JMC & Politics in year 2
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