Paul Simon Performs Rare 1973 Deep Cut for First Time in 33 Years

The folk-rock legend stopped by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert ahead of his upcoming world tour.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:22pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of glittering sequins and shattered disco glass, captured in high-contrast studio lighting to create a glamorous, high-fashion aesthetic that conceptually represents the energy and artistry of a legendary musician's surprise performance.The shimmering textures and dramatic lighting of Paul Simon's surprise performance on The Late Show evoke the timeless allure of a musical icon.Highland Park Today

Paul Simon made a surprise appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where he performed the 1973 deep cut "Something So Right" for the first time since 1993. During the interview, Simon also reflected on his early days as a folk singer in England in the 1960s and the breakthrough success of Simon and Garfunkel's "The Sounds of Silence."

Why it matters

Simon's performance of the rarely played "Something So Right" is a treat for longtime fans, offering a glimpse into the artist's deep catalog beyond his most well-known hits. The interview also provides insight into Simon's musical origins and the pivotal moment when "The Sounds of Silence" became a surprise hit, irrevocably changing the course of his career.

The details

Ahead of an extensive world tour kicking off in Prague, Paul Simon stopped by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to perform the 1973 deep cut "Something So Right," which he had not played live since 1993. During the interview, Simon reflected on his time as a folk singer in England in the 1960s, noting the profound influence of English and Celtic music on his sound. He also recounted the moment he discovered "The Sounds of Silence" had unexpectedly climbed the charts, a pivotal turning point in his career.

  • Simon last performed "Something So Right" in 1993 during his Concert of a Lifetime residency at the Paramount Theater in New York City.
  • Simon's upcoming world tour begins on June 4, 2026 in Palo Alto, California and runs through July 18, 2026 in Highland Park, Illinois.

The players

Paul Simon

A legendary folk-rock singer-songwriter, best known as one half of the duo Simon and Garfunkel. He has enjoyed a prolific solo career spanning over six decades.

Stephen Colbert

The host of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, a popular late-night talk show on CBS.

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What they’re saying

“That culture, the English/Celtic...I love that music, fell in love with that music. Here I would have heard it in the sounds of the Everly Brothers, but there you hear the origins of it.”

— Paul Simon, Musician

“I said, 'I just can't bear to look at it.' I knew if it came in anywhere between 100 and 80, you're not going to have a hit. I quickly go, 'Good, it's not there. Now, 80 to 70, not there. Okay, that could be good.' Now I go one at a time 70, 69. 68... And I go, 'Oh my God.' There it is at 59. I said, I'll never forget this, 'My Life is irrevocably changed.'”

— Paul Simon, Musician

What’s next

Simon's upcoming world tour will keep him on the road from June to July 2026, with stops in the United States, Europe, and beyond.

The takeaway

Paul Simon's surprise performance of the rarely played "Something So Right" on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert offers fans a unique glimpse into the legendary artist's deep catalog, while his reflections on his early days as a folk singer and the breakthrough success of "The Sounds of Silence" provide valuable insight into the formative years that shaped his iconic career.