Lter with Jools Holland

Paul Simon singin Wrisband and The Sound Of Silence

Democratic Ntional Convention

The Axe Files with David Axelrod, July 28, 2016

Here’s a more detailed English summary of the 2016 interview between Paul Simon and David Axelrod on The Axe Files (recorded around the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, released July 28, 2016). Note: this summary is based on the episode’s published descriptions and contemporaneous coverage of what they discussed, not a verbatim transcript.

Context and tone

Axelrod frames the conversation in the context of the 2016 political moment and the DNC atmosphere. The tone is reflective rather than promotional: Simon comes across as thoughtful, measured, and focused on meaning—both in public life and in the long arc of a creative career.

1) Looking back on Simon & Garfunkel and the 1970 breakup

A substantial portion revisits Simon & Garfunkel, especially the end of the partnership in 1970. Axelrod prompts Simon to reflect on:

• how intense creative collaboration can become both productive and constraining,

• the interpersonal pressures that build when success accelerates faster than a relationship can adapt,

• and the lasting public fascination with the duo versus the private reality of sustaining it.
  Rather than turning it into a “feud story,” the discussion emphasizes complexity: creative chemistry, differing needs, and the difficulty of keeping a partnership healthy under constant expectations.

2) Politics and the 2016 election

They then pivot to the broader political climate. Axelrod uses the 2016 race as a lens to talk about:

• heightened polarization and anxiety in public life,

• what leadership and civic responsibility look like in a tense moment,

• and how culture (including music) intersects with politics—not necessarily by “endorsing,” but by shaping shared language, empathy, and perspective.
  Simon’s comments are presented as reflective observations on the mood of the country rather than partisan talking points.

3) The “retirement” question: what he means (and what he doesn’t)

Axelrod asks directly about retirement, and Simon clarifies that “retirement” isn’t a simple on/off switch for him. The conversation explores:

• the difference between stepping away from touring/public cycles versus stopping creative work entirely,

• how aging changes the relationship to writing, performing, and the need for validation,

• and the idea that an artist’s drive can persist even when the lifestyle around it becomes less appealing.
  A recurring theme is that Simon is considering his future pace and priorities, but not declaring a definitive end to making music.

4) Legacy, purpose, and what remains “worth doing”

Throughout, Axelrod steers toward legacy questions: what Simon wants his work to represent, how he thinks about longevity, and how he evaluates what’s meaningful to put into the world now. Simon’s answers (as presented in the episode descriptions/coverage) lean toward craft, honesty, and the discipline of continuing to learn—even late in a career.

ACL live at the Moody Theater

recorded 12 may 2016

Paul Simon talks with Terry Lickona about his latest musical endeavors, including an exploration of poly-rhythms and the influence and inspiration of Harry Partsch's work with multi-tonal instrumentation.