Paul Simon Performs Rare 1973 Song on Late Show

Paul Simon made a rare live return to a 1973 solo track during his appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on April 2, 2026, performing "Something So Right" for the first time in 33 years. The 84-year-old singer-songwriter delivered the song from his album There Goes Rhymin' Simon while seated on a stool, accompanied by his touring band featuring drummer Steve Gadd, guitarists Gyan Riley and Mark Stewart, bassist Bakithi Kumalo, viola player Caleb Burhans, cellist Eugene Friesen, and flutist Nancy Stagnitta.

The performance capped an extended interview in which Simon reflected on pivotal moments in his career. He recounted his time as a folk singer in England during the 1960s, crediting the English-Celtic music scene with shaping his style. "It had a tremendous effect on my music," Simon told Colbert. "That culture, the English-Celtic—I love that music, fell in love with that music." He described moving to London in 1964 and busking in Paris, sharing a lighthearted tip from those days: wait until a third row of spectators gathers before passing a hat for donations, ideally with an attractive assistant to encourage contributions.

Simon also vividly recalled learning of...