Simon & Garfunkel’s 1981 Central Park concert marked a significant moment in the duo's history. It was their first full show together since the release of their final album, Bridge Over Troubled Water, in 1970. The concert, initially intended as a small benefit event, unexpectedly drew half a million people to the Great Lawn in Central Park.
During the performance, a concertgoer rushed the stage while Paul Simon was singing “The Late Great Johnny Ace.” Despite the interruption, Simon continued singing, while Art Garfunkel remained on the sidelines, observing the incident without intervening.
The success of the Central Park concert led to a brief revival for Simon & Garfunkel. The overwhelming response prompted them to consider reuniting for a tour. Despite their past conflicts, Simon decided to set aside grievances and embark on a successful reunited tour with Garfunkel.
However, their collaboration on the album Hearts and Bones faced challenges. Garfunkel's approach to working on the harmonies differed from their previous dynamic. Simon found it difficult to reconcile their new working style with the traditional Simon & Garfunkel sound. Ultimately, he made the tough decision to halt the project as a Simon & Garfunkel album.
Reflecting on the Central Park concert, Simon acknowledged that while it appeared to be a turning point for the duo, it was merely a temporary fix. The underlying issues that led to their initial breakup after Catch-22 remained unresolved. The concert served as a symbolic but temporary reunion, overshadowing the reality that their partnership had reached its end.
Despite the challenges faced post-concert, the Central Park event remains a significant chapter in the history of Simon & Garfunkel, showcasing both the enduring appeal of their music and the complexities of their partnership.
