Paul Simon Pulls Out of Tour at the Last Minute Due to Illness

The 83-year-old musician had to pull out of two weekend shows after suffering from "chronic and intense back pain." The concerts were part of a tour he came out of retirement to deliver.

Paul Simon's "A Quiet Celebration" tour has come to an indefinite pause after the decorated singer had to cancel two shows scheduled for Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29, at the Philadelphia Academy of Music.

He announced the cancellation shortly before his concert on Saturday via a statement on Instagram. "Paul has been struggling with chronic and intense back pain. Today it became unmanageable and demands immediate attention," the statement revealed.

"Unfortunately we have to cancel these shows at this time as we don't have the ability to reschedule them," it continued.

"However, we are hopeful after this minor surgical procedure which has been scheduled in the next few days, Paul will be able to complete the tour as well as look into returning to make up these dates," it read.

At the end, ticket holders were advised to visit their point of purchase or local ticket provider for a full refund. Meanwhile, fans flooded the comments section with well wishes and messages of support.

Simon announced his tour in February this year, shortly after sharing the stage with Sabrina Carpenter for their duet of "Homeward Bound" during "SNL50: The Anniversary." During the intimate shows, which began in April, he performed his latest album, "Seven Psalms," and a selection of his classics.