leonardcohenforum.com

I think Dylan is 62. Still approx. 500 concerts in under 5 years is quite astounding to me. Ah well, each get their kick in something or other......

Why doesn't Mr. Cohen do like The Bee Gees did some years ago.

"A Night to Remember".

Do one concert in a large place where fans can congregate in one locale.

JRBACCT

If Brian Wilson can tour in 2002, in several continents, to critical acclaim, then Leonard Cohen would achieve a similar response (full houses guaranteed) in 2003 or 2004....
Leonard is only 8 years older than Brian, and both can command , expect, the very best backing musicians. I've been privileged to see Brian Wilson twice this year, and would love the prospect of seeing Leonard live in concert again. Come on, Leonard; make my day, make my year..just name it and I'll be there.
Andrew.

"only 8 years older...."

Isn't he too old for tour?
What do you think about Michale Jordan? He was the best. He was GOD of baketball. He became a legend.
And what? He's back. Plays bad. Cannot hit. He is just too old. And legend falls.
Do we want to see Cohen? Do we know what we could see? Do we want legend or just another gig?

I have never had the opportunity to hear LC in concert and it's something I really regret. However, I have to agree with Fiji. I don't think it would be a good idea. I never was a fan of Rod Stewart's but I recently watched a little of his recent concert on A&E.

It was embarassing and almost painful to watch. Rod was gyrating and sweating all over the stage. His black shirt was tucked outside his trousers and despite his trying to hold it in his old-aged paunch rebelled and insisted on freedom. After schreeching out his hits he switched gears and (after changing into a tuxedo) began croaking a selection of old standards from his latest album. I never thought anyone could ruin "They Can't Take That Away From Me". But he managed it.

Of course, Rod Stewart never was and isn't in the same league as LC. But, age takes it's toll on everybody especially in public performance. If Leonard were to have a concert I would rather not be thinking, "poor thing"

I will now go and listen to my bootlegs.


Miranda

Rod Steward
Mick Jagger
Ozzy Osbourne
Ian Gillan
and many many more....

yes. good old bootleg rulez...

I don't agree with few last messages... People always said: Leonard became a crooner in late year... An the crooners are best when they're older, just listen to Ten New Songs. I think he would be something like Sinatra in old days: give him his band, let the band plays, and he will do great job. We will feel like we're meditating... He will do better than ever... Just hear recordings from 1993 tour.
I'm really surprised you have such opinion about Leonard Cohen... And all those people you mentioned, they're really far under his level... As for Rod Stewart, I think he wasn't good when he was at best age, whenever that was... I never cared about someone like him or Elton John.
t.

And I never heard Leonard live - of course, I'm born in 1979, so I discovered him while he was in monastery. I never thought he will be back.
Only I have are good bootlegs, really... Old? Just 10 years or so...

I have seem Rod Stewart live in his prime the Rolling Stones Eric Clapton Bob Dylan Four Tops Stevie Wonder when he was little. The Beatles Roy Orbison the Byrds James Taylor David Bowie I could go on. Noone but noone outperformed Leonard. He is unique

It is a shame you haven't heard him live Tom but my daughter was born in 1979 and she came to a couple of concerts with me.

Leonard doesn't need to perform I would pay just to sit in the same room with him reading a book and he needn't even read it out loud.

He should be like the Queen of England or Daniel O'Donnell the Queen of Ireland (sorry Georges) and have tea parties and we can all just come and breathe the same air

why not preform in a concert hall somewhere, sitting in a chair with a book of poems in a hand. reading a poem or two, then singing one. it needn't be a pop concert, more of a poetry event. he might even have a filharmony behind him preforming his songs, if he hasn't got a voice to sing them any more (but i doubt that).

JURICA

I'd certainly go to an event like that. Some poetry with the odd song, and a small group of musicians to do the backing. Sounds wonderful, and not such a strain on the vocal chords. Leonards speaking voice is as good if not better than his singing voice.

I agree with you both, Margaret and Jurica... Recently I bought Nick Cave's The Secret Life Of The Love Song: he reads his lecture and performs 5 songs on piano, with small band (not Bad Seeds)... I thought, isn't that great, imagine Leonard in some radio studio, like KCRW in LA, where he was few times, readings his poems, talking, and then he, Sharon and some friends/little band performs few songs, I hope from Ten New Songs...
And about just sitting with Leonard in the room, I recently read that Perla Batalla visit sometimes "her boss" in his home in LA, and just sitting with him few hours, in silence, without speaking!!! That's my Leonard, I wasn't surprised actually... I think you catch his style, Margaret!:-)
t.

Or how about cohen sitting on a chair with just his guitar. He could then perfom guitar-versions of all his songs. When you listen to some of the later boot-leg versions of for example Avalance they really are overwhelming. I think this arrangement would put his hypnotic blend of simple chords and deeps voice of wisdom right in the center of our hearts.

I suspect that Cohens deep sense of modesty is the reason for him not doing a thing like that. But its sad, because unlike some of the performing artist he has become older with dignity.

Peter

Yes, it seems that what some longtime performers presume their audiences want ~ and what their audiences really want ~ are markedly different.

I laughed when I read yours, Paula, thinking, "Aha ~ Caughtcha! I'm off for a couple days and there you are sounding just like me. I wonder why another certain someone didn't point that out ." I really related to what you said, as that's always been one of my "acid" tests with relationships ~ "Yes, but can we read together? [each with their own material, sharing things from time to time.....a very calming and peaceful activity....and by no means possible with just anyone]." When I read [long time ago] about Perla going to Leonard's home as Tom has described, it was my thought then, too. It was easy to imagine them.

Any of the staid scenarios described here sound worthwhile. One day he just may.

he better hurry. he aint gonna get any younger.