Paul Simon Bribed To Play “Kodachrome” Again Since 2019

On July 16, Paul Simon delighted fans at Los Angeles’ Walt Disney Concert Hall by performing his 1973 hit “Kodachrome” for the first time since 2019. The revival came after a fan shouted, “Play ‘Kodachrome’!” Simon responded with a playful grin, “I don’t do requests… unless you got $20,” then accepted the bill and treated listeners to a heartfelt chorus.

Blending New Material and Fan Favorites

As part of his A Quiet Celebration tour, Simon’s evening consisted of two distinct segments. He opened with an entire performance of his 2023 album Seven Psalms, delivered in a single, acoustic-driven set supported by immersive sound design. For the second act, Simon offered a string of hits from his extensive career, including “Graceland,” “Slip Slidin’ Away,” and “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard.” He returned for an encore featuring the bribe-funded “Kodachrome,” followed by “Father and Daughter,” “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” “The Boxer,” and closed with “The Sound of Silence.”

Triumph Over Health Challenges

This tour marks Simon’s first major run since 2018, made possible despite his significant hearing loss in one ear. To accommodate, he uses a stage setup with surround-sound technology. He has also battled back pain, which forced him to cancel or postpone a couple of dates, but he returned to the road and continues performing through early August.

Simon’s lighthearted acceptance of a “bribe” brought fresh energy to a well-curated evening that blended his latest work with fan-favorite hits. His resilience in the face of health setbacks—hearing loss and back pain—makes the tour a meaningful celebration of his enduring legacy.

You can watch the video here.