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Wednesday February 10, 2010

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Simon and Garfunkel: Review

Posted by: By Ben Wise, at Rod Laver Arena | 26 June, 2009 - 12:35 AM
Simon and Garfunkel did not disappoint on Thursday night Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel brought their Australian reunion tour to Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Thursday night and left a stunned audience to ponder the genius of the music legends – both now 67.

After a short video montage was played which encapsulated the major world events coninciding with the musical timeline of the pair's collaborations, the duo opened the two-hour, 15-minute set with Old Friends.

Across the venue, people were overcome with emotion at seeing the superstars reconnect for the first time in Australia since 1983.

"If you had have told me when I was 11 years old I would be singing songs with my best friend all over the world for over 50 years, and then play to thousands of people in Australia,” said Simon early into the set, bringing the crowd to fever pitch. "I would have said 'so'," he then said shrugging with a wry smile, as if he were 11 again.

'"Who knew in the 60s this would last so long?'' Garfunkel asked. "What a charm you've made of our lives."

The pair captivated the audience with iconic songs such as; Homeward Bound, America, El Condor Pasa, Hazy Shade Of Winter, Scarborough Fair, I Am A Rock, The Boxer, Sound Of Silence, Bridge Over Troubled Water and Mrs Robinson – the latter preceded by another video montage with snippets from 1967 film, The Graduate.

Both men also completed mini solo sets, where Garfunkel sang his acclaimed track Bright Eyes and Simon pepped the crowd up after his partner's interlude with Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard, Boy In The Bubble and Diamonds On The Souls Of Her Shoes.

Highlighting Simon and Garfunkel's undoubted importance in history's musical landscape was the diversity of people in the packed crowd, with everyone from pensioners to members of Generation Y accounted for.

Although it was clear Garfunkel's voice had changed over the years – his singing was huskier in this show than on the duo's many studio releases – it was hard to really fault, especially when he and Simon harmonised.

Complementing Simon and Garfunkel's stellar execution was the performance of their band, which included African musicians Simon has been playing with since the famed Graceland album was completed over two decades ago.

For their part, Simon and Garfunkel were warm with each other all night, Simon's gentle rub on Garfunkel's shoulder during the latter stages of Bridge Over Troubled Water typifying their deep friendship more than words could.

Simon and Garfunkel perform at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Friday night en route to completing shows in Adelaide, Perth and Japan - after which they will be homeward bound.

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Blog comments Your Say

  • My wife and I traveled from the UK just to see the Adelaide concert, a round trip of nearly 23,000 miles in just over 100 hours and it was worth every mile and second.Thanks S&J for a once in a life time experience for us who missed you live the first time round.

    Chris Parr Thursday 2 July, 2009 - 11:34 PM

  • My friend and I are both huge S&G Fans and we were delighted to be able to see them for the first time in their Adelaide Concert.
    It was an unforgettable moment and one we'll never forget. Their music has helped me over many situations in life and their music was part of our lives since our teens.
    It was a magic night!!

    Birgit Thursday 2 July, 2009 - 1:46 AM

  • I also last night saw the concert in Adelaide... It.. was.. magical... The sound, the voices, the music… It sounded as when I heard them first time on the radio back in 60s as a teenage boy. The atmosphere, and their connection with the audience brought emotions high and so tears of joy. Thank you Paul and Art for the wonderful music you gave us! And that is not all… Few of us were determined to wait at the back gate in cold winter night. It was worth... Paul had stopped his car, walked out and gave us all his autograph and posed for the photos with us individually. To meet 40 years later in person, for me is like a dream… forever. Such warm, gentle and kind person he is. Thank you Paul, you are a Good Man and Real Gentleman.

    ILIJA MARINKOVIC in ADELAIDE Wednesday 1 July, 2009 - 2:27 PM

  • I saw Simon and Garfunkle lastnight at the Adelaide entertainment centre and had a wonderful night. Fabulous Musicians,wonderful harmonies and the emotional connection between the two of them reached and seem to include us. Thank you art and paul for everything

    Sue-Ellen Campbell Wednesday 1 July, 2009 - 11:12 AM

  • I saw Simon & Garfunkel in Melbourne on Thursday night, two words: Absolutely breathtaking

    Natalie Tuesday 30 June, 2009 - 9:19 AM

  • It was a magical concert. They're still passionate, skilled, professional, talented....a terrific concert. Anyone who has been a part of their journey from the beginning must have had an association with each and every song. And they 'played' the audience to perfection. Exquisite! You had us in your pockets, guys. Thank You!

    Vicki Saturday 27 June, 2009 - 11:29 PM

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