Simon & Garfunkel - start of their world tour. A review

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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 8:25 am

We Kiwis have been lucky to have Simon and Garfunkel start their 'old friends' world tour here in Auckland. And this particular Kiwi was lucky enough to be able to get tickets to their second concert (the first concert sold out, 12,000 seats, in 19 minutes). I remember buying their "Sounds of Silence" album in 1967 when I was at university, so I'm a long time fan.

So, what were they like? Definitely well worth the hundreds of dollars spent on tickets. Time has not been kind to Art Garfunkel's vocal chords, gone are those crystal clear notes he was capable of. But then, Louis Armstrong with swine flu would sound fantastic singing Paul Simon's lyrics. And the great band they had behind them rocked up a couple of numbers. And the slight re-arrangements of many of the numbers well suited their capabilities.

On the first night, right in the middle of "Bridge over troubled waters", the sound system went fritz. After about 5 seconds the audience picked up the song and sang it back to Simon and Garfunkel - Paul Simon described that as one of the most unforgettable audience experiences he's ever had.

Paul Simon still has it though, especially when he sang "Diamonds on the soles of her shoes" and "Me and Julio down in the school yard" on his own. But this was a wonderful experience, the audience gave them 4 standing ovations and they came back 3 times and did 5 songs as encores. They were on stage for over 2 hours without a break.

Considering that I probably won't get the chance to see them again down here in New Zealand, I think I was lucky to be there for the swan song of one of the greatest duos of all time. Art Garfunkel may have been a little weak, though there were hints of that marvellous voice for a line or two in a couple of songs, but Paul Simon carried his old friend and the result was just an incredible experience.

Mind, it helps to be as old as Simon and Garfunkel are to appreciate their music. Their songs were anthems of my youth, "Bridge over troubled waters' defined an era.

Would I go to see them again if I had the chance? Yes, I'd crawl over broken glass to be there.

*** BANNED *** Joined: 18 Jul 2004 Posts: 2049

^^^ You are one lucky bastard - I'm so jealous. Crying or Very sad

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 2:49 pm

Here is a great Scott Simon interview done just before their Philly show and European tour.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1951161

When I was 16, I was sitting on a living room floor with a guy that I thought I knew pretty well. Everyone was talking about where they were going the next year. This guy was the only one not accepted into an Ivy League school. In fact, he had not even bothered to apply to any schools. He told me he was going on to New York and to do TV. I asked if he made any contacts or knew anyone. Nope. Any training? Nope. A few years later, I start seeing his name on credits. In 1982, HBO released the S+G NY concert attended by 500,000. He was the director.

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 7:16 pm

"I'd rather be a hammer than a nail. Yes I would..."

*** BANNED *** Joined: 18 Jul 2004 Posts: 2049

"Lincoln Duncan is my name and here's my song"

Baiting Guru Joined: 31 Jan 2007 Posts: 12237

Nelsonsbattle wrote:

I remember buying their "Sounds of Silence" album in 1967 when I was at university

1967? Sweet Jesus! I was just a grumpy little pastor back then.

That must have really cool, I am jealous.

Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:18 am

Tickets of the Perth concert where selling on E-bay for around three grand each
I don't think Art Garfunkel, has worked since his last tour way back when, While Paul Simon, had a lot of success with his Lady Smith Black Mombasa, tour, and the huge spin off that generated.

Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 10:15 am

I was still wet behind the ears. Smile

But, also jealous!

Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 11:41 am

I think for years they wouldn't speak to each other.

However, like the Eagles with their 'Hell Freezes Over' tour,they have found that time and the taxman are great healers.

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