Legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon brought his A Quiet Celebration Tour to Toronto's RBC Amphitheatre on Thursday night, delivering a triumphant performance that showcased his enduring spirit and timeless music.
The 84-year-old icon, accompanied by his wife and singing partner Edie Brickell, 60, and an impressive 11-piece band, treated the cheering crowd to a diverse setlist that spanned his solo and Simon & Garfunkel work.
The show opened with somber and serious songs from Simon's 2023 conceptual musical work, Seven Psalms, each preceded by its title on a black video screen. However, it was the Brickell-backed songs that stole the spotlight, with Simon swinging into action with Graceland and delivering a rousing performance of Under African Skies and Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes.
The crowd was also treated to Simon & Garfunkel classics like Homeward Bound, The Boxer, and The Sound of Silence, which featured Simon solo on acoustic guitar. Other standout performances included solo songs Rewrite, The Cool, Cool River, and the hit single 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.
Simon's latest trek has been marked by a redesigned stage setup, designed to accommodate his severe hearing loss. While the system worked better in the intimate confines of Massey Hall, it was still a testament to his determination to continue performing.
The concert also featured standout performances by guitarist Mark Stewart and Gyan Riley, who shared the stage with Simon. The evening came to a close with a rousing performance of The Sound of Silence, leaving the crowd in awe of Simon's enduring talent and spirit.
Simon's setlist for the evening included The Lord, Love Is Like a Braid, My Professional Opinion, Your Forgiveness, Trail of Volcanoes, The Sacred Harp (with Edie Brickell), Wait (with Edie Brickell), Graceland, Slip Slidin' Away, Train in the Distance, Homeward Bound, The Late Great Johnny Ace, Father and Daughter, Under African Skies (with Edie Brickell), Rene and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After the War, Rewrite, The Cool, Cool River, Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard (with Edie Brickell), 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover, Something So Right, The Boxer, and The Sound of Silence.
