43. Simon & Garfunkel, ‘The Concert in Central Park’ (1981)

Simon & Garfunkel – The Concert in Central Park (1981)

Released in 1982, Simon & Garfunkel’s The Concert in Central Park is one of the most memorable and iconic live performances in folk music history. The concert itself took place on September 19, 1981, at Central Park in New York City, and it marked a powerful reunion for the legendary folk duo, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, who had not performed together publicly for more than a decade.

The concert, which was attended by over 500,000 people, was a remarkable event not just for the massive crowd it attracted, but also because it represented the long-awaited reconciliation and return of Simon & Garfunkel to the stage together.

Their partnership had been strained since their breakup in 1970, but this reunion symbolized a coming full circle, and it was a gift for fans who had cherished their harmonious sound.

The Context of the Reunion

Simon & Garfunkel had been one of the most successful and influential folk duos of the 1960s, known for their timeless hits such as "The Sound of Silence," "Bridge Over Troubled Water," "The Boxer," and "Mrs. Robinson". Their breakup in 1970 was marked by both personal and professional differences, with Paul Simon pursuing a successful solo career while Art Garfunkel focused on acting and other musical projects.

However, after years of sporadic communication and a growing sense of nostalgia, the duo decided to reunite in 1981 for a one-off concert in Central Park. The performance was conceived as a charity event, with proceeds going to fund the restoration of the park, which had fallen into disrepair over the years. Despite the long hiatus, Simon & Garfunkel’s reunion was a massive success, with a legendary performance that captured the essence of their partnership.

The Performance

The concert was a celebration of their iconic hits and showcased their signature blend of harmonious vocals, poetic lyrics, and the fusion of folk, pop, and acoustic rock. The performance was recorded and later released as The Concert in Central Park album, which became a huge success. The concert included many of their greatest hits, and the duo performed in front of a vast, appreciative audience.

Some key highlights from the concert include:

• "The Sound of Silence": Opening the concert with this iconic song was a perfect choice. The crowd responded with rapturous applause as the familiar, gentle acoustic guitar lines and Garfunkel’s soaring vocals filled the air. It was a fitting way to start their return to the stage after years apart, and the audience’s reaction was electric.

• "Bridge Over Troubled Water": One of the duo’s most famous and emotionally charged songs, "Bridge Over Troubled Water" was performed with all the heart and sincerity that fans had come to expect. Garfunkel’s vocal performance on this track is especially powerful, and the song resonated deeply with the crowd, evoking a sense of unity and healing.

• "The Boxer": Another staple of Simon & Garfunkel’s catalog, this song was met with strong applause from the crowd as it captured the essence of both the duo’s storytelling and musical prowess. The song’s evocative lyrics and acoustic instrumentation were as moving live as they had been in the studio.

• "Scarborough Fair/Canticle": This classic folk song, performed in the unique Simon & Garfunkel style, showed off the duo’s vocal chemistry at its best. The intricate harmonies, combined with the lilting melody, showcased their ability to blend folk traditions with modern sensibilities.

• "America": This poignant and reflective song was another fan favorite, evoking themes of journey, nostalgia, and the search for identity. Its inclusion in the setlist spoke to the deep connection the duo had with their audience and their ability to convey a shared sense of longing and wonder.

• "Homeward Bound": This upbeat, introspective song about the desire to return home became an anthem for many fans, and hearing it performed live gave it a renewed sense of urgency and emotion.

The Sound and Atmosphere

The Central Park concert was an extraordinary event, not only because of the music but also because of the unique atmosphere that surrounded it. With a half-million people gathered in the park, there was a sense of collective joy and camaraderie that enhanced the magic of Simon & Garfunkel’s performance. The relaxed, almost intimate feeling of the park itself juxtaposed with the enormity of the crowd created an atmosphere of shared experience.

The live recording captures the natural acoustics of the park, and the duo’s voices soar above the vast crowd. It’s clear that the performances were deeply meaningful for both Simon & Garfunkel and their audience. The live recording emphasizes the remarkable harmonies between the two vocalists, their complementary guitar playing, and the strength of the material, all of which had aged like fine wine, remaining timeless despite the years.

Legacy and Impact

The Concert in Central Park solidified Simon & Garfunkel’s place as one of the most important musical acts in history, proving that their music had not only stood the test of time but had also gained an even deeper emotional resonance with their fans. The concert showed that their relationship—both as performers and as friends—had matured, and the reunion provided a sense of closure for both the duo and their audience.

The performance also marked the beginning of the duo’s reunion tours and further performances, though they would eventually drift apart again after a few more reunions. Nevertheless, The Concert in Central Park remains a touchstone of their shared history, their musical brilliance, and the lasting impact they had on the folk music landscape.

The album continues to resonate with listeners who cherish their harmonies and lyrical storytelling. It is often cited as one of the most famous and beloved live albums, capturing the spirit of a time when Simon & Garfunkel brought their beautiful, enduring music back to life.