Paul Simon’s brutal verdict on Elvis Presley: ‘I lost interest’

Paul Simon has taken a swipe at Elvis Presley, claiming the late rock icon “wasted” his extraordinary talent after 1957.

The 84-year-old music legend admitted he was once completely captivated by Elvis during the early years of rock and roll, crediting him as one of his biggest inspirations growing up. 

Speaking on Alchemy with Anthony Mason, Paul revealed that classics like That’s All Right Mama, Mystery Train and Blue Moon of Kentucky shaped the sound he still chases today.

But according to the Bridge Over Troubled Water hitmaker, things changed dramatically once Elvis entered the army.

He explained that Elvis’ raw Sun Records era felt authentic and timeless, while the later years became overly commercial and focused on teenage audiences. 

He confessed he “lost interest” in the King by 1957, saying the films, song choices and polished pop direction were “an incredible waste of a great talent”.

Despite the criticism, Paul made it clear he still holds deep admiration for Elvis’ early work, placing him alongside fellow legends including Little Richard, Fats Domino and Chuck Berry as the artists who defined his youth.

Meanwhile, Priscilla Presley recently opened up about her complicated marriage to Elvis, insisting he remained “a good husband” despite his affairs during their six-year marriage.

Priscilla admitted she was hurt after discovering details about his’ double life, with women allegedly visiting him while he was away. 

Still, she said he always returned home “great and wonderful”, even as the cracks in their relationship became impossible to ignore.

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