Leonard collapsed in Valencia - but everything's OK now!

[goldstei]

Have been looking for news agency reports but hadn't found any before this Reuters dispatch.

"Detached romance" and "half sung" ballads? As a former reporter, I know it's hard to get everything right, but I'm afraid this otherwise accurate report was written by someone who must have somehow been half asleep while listening to LC!

[ladydi]

I think what we all need now is a "time out". We need to focus on Leonard however we can. Whether it be through prayers, or visualization, or meditating, or simply holding him in our hearts. Let's all come together, IN POWER, and send him all the healing energy possible. As for me, if I never see another concert (and I have 3 more in line), the most important thing is Leonard's health. I will gladly forfeit those 3 concerts to know that Leonard is resting and recovering.

Diana

[mwaldman]

Distressing news, but Dino's tweet is reassuring. You're in my thoughts and prayers, Leonard. Feel the healing energy being sent to you by all of us who care for you.

Mike

[MarieM]

Hi all,

I wrote Robert Kory and got an immediate response:

A slight bit of food poisoning. Leonard went to the hospital for precautionary purposes, protesting all the way. He was checked and released after confirmation of food poisoning and a bit of re-hydration. Now back at hotel feeling fine.

I told Robert to give Leonard our love and good wishes.

Marie

[ladydi]

Got to watch those tapas! Thanks SO much Marie for getting in touch with Robert. What a moment for all of us!

Diana

[MaryB]

Dear Mr. Cohen,

We are travelling to Barcelona to be able to be at your 75th birthday concert. If you do not feel up to performing, please don't. We and everyone else will understand.

Warmest regards,
George and Mary

[lizzytysh]

Or never listened to him at all, Goldstein. Actually, the "half sung" would refer to his speak-singing voice, though it gives the impression he stops somewhere in the middle. "Detached romance" is a reflection of the old "ladies man" reputation outsiders have given him.

Thank you for those articles, Marie. I want to put the best face on this, but I'm worried. Exhaustion, the flu, please slow down some, Leonard, so you can continue to do well.


Love,
Lizzy


Added note: I had begun this posting, after reading Goldstein's; then, had to leave. Posted it when I returned and will leave it, but have now read Marie's note and feel very reassured. Thank you, again, Marie... and Robert. Be well, Leonard.

[MarieM]

From ThinkSpain
http://www.thinkspain.com/news-spain/17 ... n-valencia

Leonard Cohen faints on stage in Valencia
By: thinkSPAIN , Saturday, September 19, 2009


LEONARD Cohen has been forced to cancel his concert in Valencia on medical grounds, his organisers have informed.

The Canadian singer-songwriter was in the middle of his performance at the Lluís Puig stadium in the city last night when he fainted on stage.

He was found to be suffering from food poisoning.

Even though he insisted on carrying on with the concert, Cohen’s team overruled him and called off the rest of the performance for the sake of his health.

Anyone who purchased tickets for the aborted concert may claim a refund by calling 902 15 00 25 or by visiting http://www.ticketmaster.es.

Those who bought their entries from an official point of sale should return to where they made their purchase to claim their money back.

Cohen’s illness is said to be relatively mild and is not expected to affect his concert on Monday in Barcelona’s Palau Sant Jordi, which will coincide with the Montréal-born rocker’s 75th birthday.

He has been touring Spain since July 31 to critical acclaim, having returned to the limelight after a 15-year self-imposed exile.

[ispellit]

Dear Leonard,

I believe none of us can imagine from where you've been gaining the strengh to perform all those concerts to date for it's an incredible long tour you're doing. The strength must be coming from love and meditation, I guess.

Of course, I can just talk for myself but I'm sure that none of us would want the Barcelona concert to take place at the cost of your health. If it needs to be cancelled, it shall be.

I'm one of many who are sending good thoughts, love and strength your way. Please take good care of yourself

Kerstin

[AnthonyR]

I was a few feet away, front row. It was deeply deeply upsetting to witness it. It felt plain wrong. I did think LC looked a bit tired but when he faltered...its hard to describe how shocking and wrong it felt.

[tomsakic]

Thank you, AnthonyR.
Despite the news it's nothing serious and that he's fine and ready for Barcelona, I can't imagine how I would bear with the sight of him fainting down. It's just wrong.

We were sat centre front at Valencia tonight and saw events unfold before our eyes. This is what I wrote on another thread.

The concert in Valencia started on time but Leonard did not seem on top of his game. He was missing lines & words out. We thought he must be very tired after a heavy week with lots of travelling and several concerts. Then, at the start of Bird on a Wire, he put the microphone back on its stand and went off stage. I have never seen Leonard do that before in umpteen concerts. Meanwhile the band improvised. Then in the instrumental break he took off his hat and sat down on the drum risers. I have never seen him do that before. Then - horror of horrors - he quietly crumpled to the floor. The band stopped playing immediately. Everyone rushed to him and they started to escort him from the stage but he collapsed at least once more on the way. They asked us to wait for a while and suggested that the concert would restart after a short pause. However, almost an hour later, Javier and Roscoe came out. Javier made an announcement in Spanish which I struggled to understand (I got most of the words but couldn't be sure I understood what the sentences meant). I was at the front so I yelled out in Spanish that we were English and did not understood. Roscoe either recognised me or recognised my words because he nodded and stepped up to the microphone to say - for those who did not understand Spanish - that Leonard was OK. It was nothing serious, just a digestive problem but that he could not go on with the concert and that they would try and rearrange it. I hope he is OK. To be honest we are still in a state of shock after our 4 hour drive back to Barcelona from Valencia.

Wendy

[Paula]

I will be glad when he is in some downtime. The schedule is grueling. Glad he is OK.

[digurere]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3upf6BdRXk

[tomsakic]

I have flagged it as "distasteful contents".

[Pete]

I have flagged it as "distasteful contents".

I have also flagged it as 'shocking' (I couldn't find the 'distasteful option')