Legendary musician Paul Simon kicked off his highly anticipated first tour since 2018-2019 with an extraordinary 19-song acoustic performance on Friday night, April 4, at the historic Saenger Theater in New Orleans. He expressed his excitement to the audience, saying, “I’m as excited as you are,” adding a personal touch by admitting, “and you’re probably not as nervous as I am.” This heartfelt connection set the tone for an unforgettable evening.

In remarkable vocal form, Simon dedicated the opening segment of this aptly named Quiet Celebration Tour to his 2023 album, Seven Psalms. This album features a breathtaking 33-minute uninterrupted meditation that delves into the complexities of faith and personal struggles, making its live debut in full for the first time. Following a brief intermission, he returned to captivate the audience with a vibrant second set that alternated between his most beloved classics and some intriguing deep cuts, showcasing his extensive repertoire.

At the age of 83, Simon undoubtedly delighted the audience at the ’20s-era Emile Weil-designed theater by performing timeless favorites like “Slip Slidin’ Away” and “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard.” However, he also took the opportunity to explore deeper tracks such as “Train in the Distance” from the 1983 album Hearts and Bones, “Under African Skies” from the 1986 classic Graceland, and “Spirit Voices” from 1990’s Rhythm of the Saints, among other hidden gems that resonated with die-hard fans.

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Previously, Simon had embarked on the Homeward Bound: The Final Tour, which included a September 2018 concert at a nearby professional basketball arena in New Orleans. This latest tour is more intimate in scale, featuring 50 concerts across multiple nights at midsized venues, allowing for a closer connection with his audience.

During the sold-out concert at the 4,000-seat Saenger, Simon spoke in a near-confidential manner, sharing personal anecdotes about songs like “St. Judy’s Comet” from the 1973 album There Goes Rhymin’ Simon, as well as “The Late Great Johnny Ace” and “Rene and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After the War,” both from Hearts and Bones. As he performed alongside a talented group of musicians, sometimes numbering nearly a dozen, Simon seemed to effortlessly guide them and the music with just a wave of his hand.

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Edie Brickell, who achieved a Top 10 hit in 1988 with “What I Am,” joined her husband on stage for three songs. Among the six tracks from Seven Psalms that made their live debuts, “The Sacred Harp” and “Wait” stood out. (Simon had previously performed “Your Forgiveness” in March 2024 on the Late Show With Stephen Colbert.) Brickell also took Linda Ronstadt’s place for a soaring duet on “Under African Skies,” cleverly changing the lyric from Ronstadt’s hometown of “Tucson, Arizona” to her own, “Dallas / Fort Worth.”

Simon made only rare nods to his foundational work with Simon and Garfunkel. He featured “Homeward Bound” early in the second set, before beginning a two-song encore with “The Boxer,” which turned into a heartfelt singalong among the audience in New Orleans. He then concluded the night standing alone to perform the iconic “The Sound of Silence,” leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

The Quiet Celebration Tour continues tonight, April 5, at the Saenger Theater, with future performances scheduled in Denver, Kansas City, Dallas, Nashville, Milwaukee, Toronto, and more locations, promising even more unforgettable moments for fans.

Paul Simon Set List for April 4, 2025, New Orleans
Set 1: Seven Psalms
“The Lord”
“Love Is Like a Braid”
“My Professional Opinion”
“Your Forgiveness”
“Trail of Volcanoes”
“The Sacred Harp”
“Wait”

Set 2:
“Graceland”
“Slip Slidin’ Away”
“Train in the Distance”
“Homeward Bound”
“St. Judy’s Comet”
“The Late Great Johnny Ace”
“Spirit Voices”
“Rene and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After the War”
“Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard”
“Under African Skies”

Encore:
“The Boxer”
“The Sound of Silence”

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