Last night at the Greek Theater in Berkeley, California singer-songwriter Paul Simon paused his performance of “The Boxer” to announce Muhammad Ali’s death. News of the passing of the 74-year-old legendary former heavyweight boxing champion broke during Simon’s concert at the famed outdoor venue.

Simon was nearing the final verse of the Simon & Garfunkel original when he paused to address the audience. “I’m sorry to tell you this in this way, but Muhammad Ali passed away,” Simon said and then launched into the ending of the song composed of these poignant lyrics:

In the clearing stands a boxer

And a fighter by his trade

And he carries the reminders

Of ev’ry glove that laid him down

And cut him till he cried out

In his anger and his shame

“I am leaving, I am leaving”

But the fighter still remains

Paul’s tribute to Ali was captured and posted to YouTube by Bad Goalie and Up3rd, watch their respective videos below:

[Hat Tip – Deadheadland]