‘Unsettling, exhilarating, relief’: Why Paul Simon will soon retire from touring

For music fans who want to see Paul Simon perform live, time is running out.

The American singer-songwriter who has won numerous Grammy Awards announced on his website Monday that his next tour will be his last, joining Neil Diamond and Elton John as musicians who have recently announced that they will retire from touring.

Simon’s Homeward Bound – The Farewell Tour kicks off May 16 in Vancouver, British Columbia, and ends July 15 in London.

Simon will not play in Sacramento, but has three California dates: May 22-23 in Los Angeles and May 25 in Oakland.

“I’ve often wondered what it would feel like to reach the point where I’d consider bringing my performing career to a natural end. Now I know: it feels a little unsettling, a touch exhilarating, and something of a relief,” Simon wrote in a statement.

He mentioned the death of Vincent N’guini, who played lead guitar in Simon’s band, as part of the reason he’s retiring.

“Mostly, though, I feel the travel and time away from my wife and family takes a toll that detracts from the joy of playing,” Simon added before thanking his fans.

“I am very grateful for a fulfilling career and, of course, most of all to the audiences who heard something in my music that touched their hearts.”

Simon, 76, joins two other septuagenarians who will no longer tour.

Diamond, 77, announced an immediate retirement on Jan. 22 due to being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

As for John, the 70-year-old will retire after his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour – which includes a show at Golden 1 Center on Jan. 16, 2019 – to “dedicate more time to raising my children.”

This story was originally published February 5, 2018 at 8:49 PM with the headline "‘Unsettling, exhilarating, relief’: Why Paul Simon will soon retire from touring."