May 26, 2006 11:34

Paul Simon premieres new album at secret London show

And there's a host of old classics too

Paul Simon wowed fans including Billy Bragg with a secret show before delighted fans in London last night (May 25).

The star premiered his new album ‘Surprise’ at The Bloomsbury Theatre in the West End.

He played four tracks from the Brian Eno-produced record – ‘Outrageous’, ‘How Can You Live In The Northeast?’, ‘Father And Daughter’ and set closer ‘Wartime Prayers’.

And Simon, backed by a four-piece band, treated the lucky punters to a host of hits from his entire career, including two Simon And Garfunkel classics – ‘The Boxer’ and ‘Cecilia’. There were also three cuts from his Grammy-winning 1986 album ‘Graceland’ – set opener ‘Diamonds On The Soles Of her Shoes’, ‘The Boy In The Bubble’ and the title track.

The show was recorded for future broadcast on BBC Radio 2. It will be aired at 9pm on Saturday June 3.

The set was:

‘Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes’
‘Outrageous’
‘Slip Slidin’ Away’
‘You’re The One’
‘Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard’
‘How Can You Live In The Northeast?’
‘The Boxer’
‘The Boy In The Bubble’
‘Loves Me Like A Rock’
‘Graceland’
‘Father And Daughter’
‘Cecilia’
‘Wartime Prayers’

‘Surprise’ is released on June 5.