Simon and Garfunkel Wembley Stadium 19th June 1982
I never thought I’d get the chance to see Simon and Garfunkel in concert. I’d seen Paul Simon once at a concert in the London Palladium in the 1970s, but felt that the chance of a reunion with Art Garfunkel was slim. However, Simon and Garfunkel did reunite for a free concert in New York City’s Central Park on September 19, 1981. The Central Park concert was attended by over 500,000 people, a recording of it was released as a live album, and the duo then went on to go on a world tour in 1982–83, including a performance at London in June 1982. This was a great concert, with Paul and Art singing all their classic hits, along with a couple of Paul Simon solo songs, Art Garfunkel’s “Bright Eyes” and a nod to their influences in the form of a couple of Everly Brothers’ songs. At the time I thought it strange going to see a folk-based act in a vast stadium, and wondered if the songs would get lost in such a vast venue. 
I needn’t have worried. The beauty and power of those simple songs transfixed the crowd of 72,000 people. The stage set was similar to the Central Park concert, and as far as I recall, there was no support act.
Setlist: Mrs. Robinson; Homeward Bound; America; Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard; Scarborough Fair; My Little Town; Wake Up Little Susie; Still Crazy After All These Years; Bright Eyes; Late In The Evening; Slip, Sliding Away; El Condor Pasa; American Tune; The Late Great Johnny Ace; Kodachrome/Mabellene; Bridge Over Troubled Water; The Boxer; Old Friends/Bookends; 59th Street Bridge Song; Cecilia; Sounds Of Silence; All I Have To Do Is Dream
29 Jul
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by Bridget osborne on February 24, 2016 at 11:19 pm
I was there too it was brilliant. Just been to see a tribute band. They were excellent.
Posted by vintagerock on February 24, 2016 at 11:58 pm
Happy days Bridget Best wishes Peter
Posted by Les on August 8, 2016 at 12:43 am
I was at this great concert in 1982. I have been a fan since the early ’70s and had moved to London in December 1981. I couldn’t believe my luck when the reunion concerts were announced on the BBC TV ‘Nationwide’ programme in April of ’82. I arrived early at the concert and heard the sound check from outside the stadium. The concert itself was amazing and more than made up for me missing previous solo tours.
I was alone at Wembley but chatted to two girls near the stage – one of which sat on my shoulders during one of the songs. I have seen audience photos of this and heard a recording of the show online but the one regret I have is not taking my camera – does anyone have any more audience photos of this day? I still have my ticket stub, concert programme and sweatshirt.
I have since seen many solo shows, including the 1987 Graceland concerts and S&G again in 2004. Wembley though, was the best!
Posted by Les on August 1, 2016 at 1:48 am
I was at the Wembley concert. Great concert but I regret not taking a camera. Do you have any snaps of the concert?
I have also been to many Paul and Art’s solo concerts and the S&G 2004 reunions in Manchester and London, but Wembley was the best! I still have a concert programme and sweatshirt from 1982.
Posted by Les on August 1, 2016 at 10:06 pm
I was at this great concert in 1982. I had been a fan since the early ’70s and had moved to London in December 1981. I couldn’t believe my luck when the reunion concerts were announced on the BBC TV ‘Nationwide’ programme in April of ’82. I arrived early at the concert and heard the sound check from outside the stadium. The concert itself was amazing and more than made up for me missing previous solo tours.
I was alone at this one but chatted to two girls near the stage – one of which sat on my shoulders during one of the songs. I have seen audience photos of this and heard a recording of the show online but the one regret I have is not taking my camera – does anyone have any more photos of this day? I still have my concert programme and sweatshirt.
I have since seen many solo shows, including the 1987 Graceland concerts and S&G again in 2004. Wembley though, was the best!
Posted by Les on August 1, 2016 at 10:17 pm
I was at this great concert in 1982. I had been a fan since the early ’70s and had moved to London in December 1981. I couldn’t believe my luck when the reunion concerts were announced on the BBC TV ‘Nationwide’ programme in April of ’82. I arrived early at the concert and heard the sound check from outside the stadium. The concert itself was amazing and more than made up for me missing previous solo tours.
I was alone at this one but chatted to two girls near the stage – one of which sat on my shoulders during one of the songs. I have seen audience photos of this and heard a recording of the show online but the one regret I have is not taking my camera – does anyone have any more photos of this day? I still have my ticket stub, concert programme and sweatshirt.
I have since seen many solo shows, including the 1987 Graceland concerts and S&G again in 2004. Wembley though, was the best!
Posted by David on October 26, 2019 at 8:27 pm
Hey.
It was a great day. But how can you not remember Kid Creole And The Coconuts supporting? Great Blog 🙂
Posted by Les on June 8, 2020 at 9:25 pm
No support act on the day. I do however recall Kid Creole’s ‘I’m a Wonderful Thing’ and Brian Ferry’s ‘Avalon’ playing repeatedly over the sound system before S&G appeared on stage – to the annoyance of the people standing around me!
Posted by vintagerock on June 9, 2020 at 11:13 am
Thanks Les for solving the mystery Best wishes Peter
Posted by steve altria on March 8, 2020 at 3:35 pm
I went but sadly no photos either. Just a fantastic concert
Posted by Vaughan Llewelyn on April 27, 2021 at 1:50 pm
My mate’s German Shepherd dog barked in one of the archways for twenty minutes solid. I often wondered if that’s why it never was a released recording like the Central Park gig.
Posted by vintagerock on April 27, 2021 at 1:57 pm
Hi Vaughan great story. Happy days cheers Peter