WASHINGTON — In the 62 years Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon have been partners, friends and antagonists, the beauty of their musical harmonies has often seemed at odds with their personal discord.
Now Garfunkel has told The Telegraph he believes Simon has a Napoleon complex and was “an idiot” to walk away from their success, yet is open to the possibility of another tour with Simon.
Simon and Garfunkel broke up in 1970, but have reunited for shows and tours, with their most recent performance together in 2010.
Garfunkel described himself to the interviewer as “a misanthrope” — a person who hates or distrusts humankind — and has never bought a computer or cellphone.
While Garfunkel’s voice has been described as angelic and haunting, Simon is regarded by many as a songwriting genius and hit-maker.
Garfunkel described a discussion with Beatle George Harrision, in which each shared feeling suppressed by a band member named Paul — McCartney, in Harrison’s case: “The Pauls sidelined us,” said Garfunkel.
Simon and Garfunkel disbanded shortly after releasing what was, at the time, the biggest-selling album in history, “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
Asked why they split up, Garfunkel says it wasn’t his decision.
“It was very strange. Nothing I would have done. I want to open up about this. I don’t want to say any anti-Paul Simon things, but it seems very perverse to not enjoy the glory and walk away from it instead. Crazy.”
Garfunkel acknowledged he would have preferred a year away from Simon, “because he was getting on my nerves.”
Seemingly speaking to Simon, Garfunkel wondered aloud to the interviewer for The Telegraph: “How can you walk away from this lucky place on top of the world, Paul? What’s going on with you, you idiot? How could you let that go, jerk?”
The two attended the same schools in the Forest Hills section of Queens, New York. Garfunkel said he felt sorry for Simon because of his height.
Garfunkel said he offered love and friendship as a compensation to his diminutive friend, “and that compensation gesture has created a monster.”
Despite their complicated and frequently rocky relationship, Garfunkel would be willing to tour with Simon.
“That’s quite do-able. When we get together, with his guitar, it’s a delight to both of our ears. A little bubble comes over us and it seems effortless. We blend. So, as far as this half is concerned, I would say ‘Why not, while we’re still alive?'”
