Fans of Art Garfunkel should be on the look-out for a man in a “goofy hat” wandering the streets of London singing loudly to himself.
The star, 75, will perform at the London Palladium next month — and he likes to exercise his voice while walking. Garfunkel will be singing hits from his career as well as reading poetry from his growing collection.
He said: “I am not the social animal I used to be. I’m quiet these days. I walk a lot. I put my iPod on and walk the streets. I will sing to James Taylor, Stephen Bishop and then I might sing me. I wear a goofy hat and will sing louder and louder...”
Seven years ago he suffered vocal fold paresis, and has had to work hard to regain his voice. He added: “When I lost my voice in 2010, I had to sketch out a less-is-more approach to my live show. My voice was vulnerable, but I’ve built it up now.”
Garfunkel, who has had a fractious relationship with his former singing partner Paul Simon,refused to talk about the current state of their relationship. But asked to identify his career highlight, he named their 1981 performance in Central Park, in front of more than 500,000 people.
He said: “The audience was huge, and it was such a happy, happy memory.” He is expected to share more in his memoirs — titled What Is It All But Luminous — which are due in September.
Art Garfunkel In Close-Up at the London Palladium on July 23, aegpresents.co.uk
