Simon and Garfunkel: Have They Still Got It?

Simon and Garfunkel have a lot of hits with which to impress fans, but are they still good live? The verdict is in.

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Editorial Review

On Wednesday, 17 June Simon and Garfunkel opened their Australian Old Friends tour to a sell-out audience at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Playing to fans of all ages (who either grew up listening to the group first-hand or discovered their seminal '60s and '70s-shaping tunes in their parents' record collection), Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel delivered on expectations.

With the history of Simon and Garfunkel on display as a slideshow behind them, the duo opened with Old Friends followed by Hazy Shade of Winter, I am a Rock and America. The opening set easily explained why people had waited a long time for this opportunity: backed up by an impressive 10-piece band, Simon and Garfunkel simply made magic together. Following with Mrs Robinson and BeBop a Lula was all it took for just about every person in the building to start singing along; because that's what you want to do with these songs - sing them. The crowd even had a go at Scarborough Fair, before a rousing version of Slip Sliding Away.

This concert was always going to be a laundry list of one unforgettable hit after another, and for two hours that's what happened. Simon and Garfunkel also showed genuine appreciation for being invited to play in Brisbane; the crowd was particularly touched by Garfunkel's sincerity when he placed his hand on his heart and thanked the audience for such a positive reception. He also shared the story of how he and Simon meet (during grade school when both were 11), and how they have been best friends ever since. This further endeared them to an absolutely enchanted audience.

The solo talents of Simon and Garfunkel also found time to shine. Art Garfunkel ensured there wasn't a dry eye in the house with Bright Eyes, while Paul Simon delivered with Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes.

Without an interval, the show flowed beautifully. The iconic Bridge over Troubled Waters closed the show, while Cecilia and The Boxer, Sounds of Silence and Feelin' Groovy formed a much appreciated encore.

Any fears that Simon and Garfunkel's voices had, unlike their music, not stood the test of time were quashed by a performance that was every bit as unforgettable as promised. As they say, a once in a lifetime experience.

See here for Simon and Garfunkel tour dates.

Nicole Walker, Citysearch, June 2009
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