July 16, 2012 11:28

Paul Simon brings 'Graceland' to Hyde Park

The folk legend celebrates 25 years of his classic album at Hard Rock Calling

Photo: PA

Paul Simon brought Hard Rock Calling to a close last night (July 15) celebrating 25 years of his classic album 'Graceland'.

The folk veteran rounded off another weekend of live music on London's Hyde Park with an epic three-hour set that included the tracks from his 1986 masterpiece, alongside other solo hits, and Simon And Garfunkel classics.

Simon was joined for the anniversary show by South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo for tracks including 'Homeless' and 'Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes'. The choir rose to global prominence after featuring on 'Graceland'. However, at the time, Simon attracted criticism for breaking a cultural boycott of apartheid-era South Africa.

A new documentary, Under African Skies tells the story of the controversy. You can watch a trailer below.

Earlier in the show, Jimmy Cliff joined Simon onstage, where he performed his classics 'The Harder They Come', 'Many Rivers To Cross' and 'Vietnam' before a reggae-infused version of 'Mother And Child Reunion'.

Later on in the show, Simon was joined by legendary South African musician Hugh Masakela. As the show rose to a climax with celebratory renditions of the title track from 'Graceland' and 'You Can Call Me Al', Simon returned to the stage alone to round off the show with a series of Simon And Garfunkel classics. Watch a clip of 'The Sound Of Silence' below. The show eventually ended with a sentimental 'Still Crazy After All These Years'.

25 reasons to love 'Graceland'

Paul Simon played:

'Kodachrome'
'Gone At Last'
'Dazzling Blue'
'50 Ways To Leave Your Lover'
'The Harder They Come'
'Many Rivers To Cross'
'Vietnam'
'Mother And Child Reunion'
'That Was Your Mother'
'Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard'
'Slip Slidin' Away'
'The Obvious Child'
'Hello My Baby'
'Nomathemba'
'Homeless'
'Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes'
'I Know What I Know'
'Crazy Love Vol II'
'African Sunset'
'Under African Skies'
'Gumboots'
'Graceland'
'You Can Call Me Al'
'The Sound Of Silence'
'The Boxer'
'Late In The Evening'
'Still Crazy After All These Years'

Video: Paul Simon - 'Under African Skies' Trailer

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