Art Garfunkel recalls emotional reunion with Paul Simon ‘to make amends’

CNN
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Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon build a bridge over the difficult situation of their broken relationship.

The first step was taken during a recent lunch meeting between the former legendary musical duo, according to Art Garfunkel, who told the Sunday Times in a new interview that the meeting was the first time he and Simon had “been together” in many years.

Garfunkel further shared that he asked his former music partner why they hadn’t seen each other in so long, and Simon said it was because of “an old interview” in which Garfunkel made comments that hurt him.

“I cried when he told me how much I had hurt him,” Garfunkel recalled, without specifying which interview Simon was referring to. “Looking back, I think I wanted to shake up Simon & Garfunkel’s nice guy image. You know what? I was an idiot!”

The musicians, known in their heyday as Simon & Garfunkel, were among the most prolific music acts of the 1960s, with songs like “America,” “Mrs. Robinson” and “The Sound of Silence” among many others.

They grew up together in Queens and released several best-selling albums and won nine Grammy Awards along the way.

After artistic differences, they separated in 1970 and have not made any new music together since.

The last time the duo performed live together was in 2010, when they attended the AFI tribute to “The Graduate” director Mike Nichols, who helped them become superstars by having their music featured in the classic presented in 1967.

Garfunkel said their recent reunion went so well that they have made plans to meet again, whether or not that involves playing music together.

“For me it was about wanting to make amends before it was too late. “It felt like we were in a wonderful place again,” he said. “When I think about it now, tears roll down my cheeks. I can still feel his embrace.”