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Paul Simon Announces Retirement, Then Unretires
Music legend goes on farewell tour, then returns to the stage years later.
Published on Feb. 5, 2026
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On February 5, 2018, legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon announced his retirement from touring after more than 60 years in the music industry. However, his retirement was short-lived, as he returned to performing live in 2019 and has since launched new tours in 2025 and 2026.
Why it matters
Paul Simon's career spanned over six decades, and his decision to retire from touring was seen as the end of an era for one of the most influential musicians of his generation. However, his subsequent unretirement and return to the stage has surprised many fans and demonstrates his continued passion for performing live.
The details
In 2018, Simon cited time away from his family and the death of his longtime guitarist Vincent Nguini as factors in his decision to retire from touring. He launched a farewell tour called Homeward Bound – The Farewell Tour that year, which wrapped up in his hometown of Queens, New York. While Simon said he wasn't quitting the stage entirely, he did not perform live again until 2019 when he headlined the Outside Lands Festival in San Francisco. In 2025, Simon launched a new tour called A Quiet Celebration Tour, where he performed his 2023 album Seven Psalms as well as rearranged versions of his hit songs. He has now announced a new North American leg of this tour starting in June 2026.
- On February 5, 2018, Paul Simon announced his retirement from touring.
- In May 2018, Simon launched his Homeward Bound – The Farewell Tour.
- In August 2019, Simon performed at the Outside Lands Festival in San Francisco.
- In April 2025, Simon launched the A Quiet Celebration Tour.
- In June 2026, Simon will kick off a new North American leg of the A Quiet Celebration Tour.
The players
Paul Simon
A two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and legendary singer-songwriter who has been performing for over 60 years.
Vincent Nguini
Paul Simon's longtime guitarist who passed away, contributing to Simon's decision to retire from touring.
What they’re saying
“While the show marked the end of Simon's final tour, he said he wasn't quitting the stage and suggested he could perform live again.”
— Paul Simon (98online.com)
What’s next
Simon's new North American tour leg of the A Quiet Celebration Tour will kick off on June 4, 2026 in Palo Alto, California.
The takeaway
Paul Simon's career has been defined by his ability to evolve and adapt, even in retirement. His decision to return to the stage after initially announcing his farewell tour shows his enduring passion for performing and connecting with audiences, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time.
