Paul Simon Announces Spring Tour in Support of 'So Beautiful or So What'

With his first album in five years finally dropping on April 12, Paul Simon is returning to the theater of music, both figuratively and literally -- on Friday, the legendary singer-songwriter announced a spring tour which will kick off on April 15 in Seattle, Wash. and wrap its way across North America before wrapping in Boston, Mass. on June 1.

Technically in support of the new release, 'So Beautiful or So What,' a press release for the tour states that the "set list will draw from his iconic career, including several songs that haven't been performed live in many years." If you read between the lines there, it means requests will not be honored -- there's going to be a game plan, he's going to stick to it, and it's going to be great.

Talking of all things great, early reviews for 'So Beautiful or So What' are in, and the verdict seems to be that this is Simon's greatest release in years -- and not just in the five years since his last one. Reviews are name-checking 'Graceland' and 'Rhythm of the Saints' as reference points. So, um... yeah.

Simon's eight-piece band for this tour will feature multiple guitarists, keyboardists, percussionists and, of course, multi-instrumentalists. Tickets go on sale beginning March 11. Check out his official website for deets, dates and additional info. And while you're there, preview several tracks from the new disc, why don't you?