CONCERT REPORT: Helsinki, September 2

[sturgess66]

Some nice video uploaded by Hans-Erik Nyman - Thanks!

Going Home
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXhND3c3Iuk

Partisan
www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0s-Qk3Qy8w

Democracy
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkxDnfCmiW4

Editing to add more -

Heart With No Companion - Leonard in shades
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWljkPoBKQM

Alexandra Leaving
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1QMjUVztCk

[Maarten]

... and I see alexandra leaving on the set list!!! I've had this on my facebook page for ages and sharing with everyone but didn't think it was on the list... so so happy.. roll on Verona

Well, actually it was more like "Sandra Leaving"
Mr Cohen introduced the song and then announced it was going to be sung by "Sandra... Eeeuuh... Sharon Robinson!"

Maarten

[bridger15]

I wanted to write something but turns out there are no words for the many emotions that I feel But I'll try.

This was my first LC concert and I have to say I felt like a baby there, being 20 years old But the crowd was great, I really love coming to Helsinki to concerts because people are very polite and appreciative.
As for the show, it was fantastic. I can't believe it was 4 amazing hours, time flew by so quickly! It was overwhelming, just being there, in the moment. 'Hallelujah' literally had me in tears.

Thank you Leonard & thank you people for amazing experience!
First thing I did this morning was checking videos on my phone. I had to make sure I didn't just see everything in a cruel dream I'll try to upload them as soon as possible.

Such a lovely concert report. I really enjoyed your "first concert" excitement.
Thank you Ksenia for sharing your experience and thoughts on the forum.
---Arlene

[sturgess66]

Uploaded by Bimbomable - Thanks!

The Partisan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFbZQ7S_nsM

Famous Blue Raincoat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMoAPVnKN40

Suzanne
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QcuTy7aAVQ

Editing to add more -

Different Sides
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-H_jEOhb5o

Who By Fire
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ECOOESrXjQ

[sturgess66]

Uploaded by AreWe67 - Thanks!

Hallelujah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9v1WoxQa0I

[jarkko]

Some photos from Helsinki by Aarno Sundgren. A photo gallery with original size pix coming soon!

[antwerp guy]

Wow, great pictures. Mr Sundgren is the Master of Shadows!

In the video's it shows that Mitch did not join the standing troops in The Partisan. Was that the first time?

Thanks to all for posting these gems!

Guy

[DrHGuy]

Video: Leonard Cohen Thanks Jarkko (2012 Helsinki Concert)

At the September 2, 2012 Leonard Cohen Old Ideas World Tour concert in Helsinki, Finland, Leonard Cohen publicly thanked Jarkko Arjatsalo, creator of LeonardCohenFiles, declaring that because of his efforts ...

My work was kept alive for all these years

Maarten Massa's video of this event can now be viewed at http://youtu.be/wPHscnyyxok

Note: I also posted this in the "News" section. The information seems important enough to warrant this duplication, lest someone miss it.

[musicmania]

Hope to see field commander cohen in some of the next concerts!

We heard it in soundcheck in Ghent so hopefully it will make an appearence at some stage.

[Lazy-Bastard devotee]

I have been lucky to see the "Lazy bastard in a suit" (quoted, with the highest possible respect!) 5 times. My 4 previous times were all in London. Having just relocated to Helsinki, I am so happy to see that Mr Cohen's performance is always to the highest possible standard. He is a true example for many other artists, especially those who get on stage late showing no respect for fans, who play for 1 hour and 30 minutes looking bored, etc. The quality of his songs is unquestionable, as are his skills. After seing him live you cannot question his commitment, his respect for the audience and fellow musicians. A true "gentleman in a suit". Long live Mr Cohen. The world needs him.

Sincerely,
P.
"The-Lazy-Bastard devotee"

P.S: Having a beer sitting at my seat would have been nice! But I understand it is a Finnish thing to not allow it.......
P.S. 1: wonderful Sharon Robinson!
P.S. 2: sublime Webb Sisters from kent
P.S. 3: incredible musicians...........and the Violin from Moldova added something new to the previous tour....!!
P.S. 4: .... and well done Jarkko.. I have followed your site through the years, and you fully deserve Mr Cohen's public appreciation..

[Mabeanie1]

I am so happy to see that Mr Cohen's performance is always to the highest possible standard. He is a true example for many other artists, especially those who get on stage late showing no respect for fans, who play for 1 hour and 30 minutes looking bored, etc. The quality of his songs is unquestionable, as are his skills. After seing him live you cannot question his commitment, his respect for the audience and fellow musicians. A true "gentleman in a suit". Long live Mr Cohen. The world needs him.

Sincerely,
P.
"The-Lazy-Bastard devotee"

Well said Lazy-Bastard devotee.

Wendy

[jarkko]

Some pictures of the audience by Lorca Cohen (posted with her kind permission)
I will post 1 MB versions in the soon-to-come gallery.

[holydove]

I wanted to write something but turns out there are no words for the many emotions that I feel But I'll try.

This was my first LC concert and I have to say I felt like a baby there, being 20 years old But the crowd was great, I really love coming to Helsinki to concerts because people are very polite and appreciative.
As for the show, it was fantastic. I can't believe it was 4 amazing hours, time flew by so quickly! It was overwhelming, just being there, in the moment. 'Hallelujah' literally had me in tears.

Thank you Leonard & thank you people for amazing experience!
First thing I did this morning was checking videos on my phone. I had to make sure I didn't just see everything in a cruel dream I'll try to upload them as soon as possible.

Thank you, Ksenia. It's true - the experience is too huge for anyone's words to ever contain it, but your lovely, heartfelt report beautifully conveys so much of the emotion & atmosphere, & I really enjoyed reading it.

Editing: Thank you for posting the wonderful photos, Jarkko! Looks & sounds like the Helsinki event, as usual, was truly a Great Event! I hope I will have a chance to get there someday.

[coolfadda]

Maarten I have found out since I posted that it is indeed Sharon singing the song.... a slight pity as I was really looking forward to hearing Leonard singing it. I thought it was a great choice as the vocal range is right up his street at this stage of his life. So, if you are listening Leonard a duet with Sharon in Verona would go down a treat!!!. Either way, I know I will enjoy. Delighted you all had a great night though and really delighted Jarkko got a mention too.

[lizzytysh]

Thank you from me, too, for your lovely report, Ksenia. Our Leonard Cohen world so counts on people like you!

Lazy Bastard devotee ~ So pleased with your report and totally agree with you.

Thrilled to see such a fine group of deserving people seated in that front row in Helsinki... and thrilled no end to hear that Leonard spoke so lovingly of all of you regarding these many years of devotion. GREAT that Lorca captured and shared you with us!