March 19, 2012 12:20

Paul Simon to headline Hard Rock Calling 2012

Simon will play 'Graceland' in its entirety

Photo: PA

Paul Simon will play 'Graceland' in its entirety at this year's Hard Rock Calling in Hyde Park on July 15.

This April marks 25 years since Simon brought his original 'Graceland' tour to the UK, where he played six sold-out shows at London's Royal Albert Hall. The series of gigs were blighted with controversy as demonstrators, including Billy Bragg and The Specials' Jerry Dammers, protested Simon breaking the ANC's cultural boycott of apartheid-era South Africa while making the record.

Simon recorded the album in the troubled country in 1985 after being inspired by South African township music. In doing so, he was accused of breaching the cultural boycott against the ruling regime.

Despite this, 'Graceland' went on to sell 14 million copies worldwide and is often credited as Simon's finest album with hits such as 'You Can Call Me Al' and 'The Boy In The Bubble'.

For the Hyde Park gig, Simon will once again be joined on-stage by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the South African male choir who appeared on the original album recording.

The 25-year anniversary will also see the re-release of the record, as well as the release of Joe Berlinger's documentary film about Simon revisiting South Africa a quarter of a century later.

Scroll down and click to view the trailer for Under African Skies.

To check the availability of Hard Rock Calling tickets and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/TICKETS now, or call 0871 230 1094.

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