CONCERT REPORTS: Sligo, Ireland, July 31 & August 1, 2010

[squaw]

New to this forum. My first post does not seem to have registered so typing again. If original appears - apologies for repeating myself.

I live beside Lissadell, looking over at it now from my window, and I cannot believe how far and wide people have travelled to see LC and how lucky we were to have him come to us.

For those that have been to many concerts, can I ask were the concerts in Lissadell different in terms of atmosphere, the crowd singing along etc? Just wondering, cause, if they were really special for him, and the band, perhaps they will return. I know he mentioned that "he did not know if he would be passing this way again" but perhaps he might.

All is quiet around here now but somehow his spirit and the music still lingers. I am so pleased that so many people enjoyed their visit here also. I feel privileged that he visited us here in the corner of North west Ireland.

[FanForLife]

Anyway, the point worth making was on both nights when I sprinted for the toilets, on the way back, I tried both times to crouch at a spot where I wouldn't interfere with people's views so that I could return to my seat inbetween songs and minimise disruption. The staff were having none of it though and insisted that I return to my seat straight away. I pointed out the reasoning but it fell on entirely deaf ears. I wonder did others find that?

EXACTLY the same experience on Saturday night. Late back because of the queue in the toilet area, crouched down at the end of the row I was seated in (Block A, mid stage), steward was right on me, showed her my ticked and explained, got a "get into your seat NOW or get out of the grounds look with a pretty similar verbal response" and had to bash my way through the row mid song. Mind you, I can see the point because if there was even the beginnings of a congregation in the aisles at the start of the second half, it could have got out of hand very quickly.

[Gregor]

Anyway, the point worth making was on both nights when I sprinted for the toilets, on the way back, I tried both times to crouch at a spot where I wouldn't interfere with people's views so that I could return to my seat inbetween songs and minimise disruption. The staff were having none of it though and insisted that I return to my seat straight away. I pointed out the reasoning but it fell on entirely deaf ears. I wonder did others find that?

EXACTLY the same experience on Saturday night. Late back because of the queue in the toilet area, crouched down at the end of the row I was seated in (Block A, mid stage), steward was right on me, showed her my ticked and explained, got a "get into your seat NOW or get out of the grounds look with a pretty similar verbal response" and had to bash my way through the row mid song. Mind you, I can see the point because if there was even the beginnings of a congregation in the aisles at the start of the second half, it could have got out of hand very quickly.

My experience was that as well and the aggression of the bouncers was to say the least not what we are used to .Just a little observation some of the personnel were imported and not local could they not keep amoungst us
I am not a negative guy but I could go on about our bnb when we agreed a price some months ago it was inflated on sunday when we went to pay the balance

G.

[burningviolin]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV6mtZyJp3A

A small snippet of Heart with no Companion, was enjoying it so much forgot to take out the camera until nearer the end.

[Katrina21]

Didn't mean to cause such offense Katrina!!!! I was only saying in response to complaints about people leaving that in my opinion while there are fans who like to watch the whole show and not miss one tiny detail there are others who while enjoying the show like to move around the venue meeting people and soaking up the atmosphere(especilly at an outdoor event). And I was actually speaking to a group of people from Sligo who told me that while they loved the concert they were not big fans + didn't know most of the songs so I had to warn them that was how I started out(taking my mum to the 1st Dublin shows) and 3 concerts later Im more obsessed than her! I certainly am not on any high horse and again didn't mean to offend anybody.

Fair enough Karen No offence taken - (I have now also speedily jumped down off my own high horse!) Glad to hear you enjoyed it all - it was fantastic, whether you were moving or stationary

[Gercav]

Hello Squaw

" can I ask were the concerts in Lissadell different in terms of atmosphere, the crowd singing along etc? Just wondering, cause, if they were really special for him, and the band, perhaps they will return. I know he mentioned that "he did not know if he would be passing this way again" but perhaps he might."

I was at the sunday concert, I used to be a regular visitor to Sligo going back to the 1970's- 1980's when we used to travel to the fleadh ceoil and tour up the coast throught Mayo, Sligo, and up to Donegal.

The hospitality and genuine warmth of the people of sligo was one of the main factors in the success of the concert.

I was not expecting much from LC's concert, as I have , like others, seen him many times over the years.

I cannot explain what made the concert such a success, but the atmosphere in the town, and at the concert matched to beauty of its surroundings.

Well done, and thank you and the people of Sligo for such a genuine and warm welcome.

Ger

[FanForLife]

Added:

Anthem - Lissadell 2010 07 31
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGcEZqTFsJg

It starts with the spoken words:

"We’re indeed privileged to gather in such an elegant and privileged place when so much of the world is plunged in chaos and suffering,
so…….
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
that’s how the light gets in"

and from 5.45 onwards the introduction to the band members (long unhurried version !)

and at the end

"Thank you friends so much for your kind attention, we’ll take a short break, and if you can take the inclement weather we’ll be back for the second half of the concert."

For some reason, this one makes the hair on the back of my neck stand on end.

[TipperaryAnn]

For yourself and all the people so astonished at people leaving their seats - get over yourselves! Did you seriously expect 10,000 people to remain seated for 3 and a half hours? So jump down off your high horse there, and stop being so condescending.

It was NOT 3 and a half hours, it was 1 and a half, with an interval, and I don't think we need to apologise for objecting to the inconsiderate people who pushed past others in the middle of a song. Most of those near me stayed put even at the interval, enjoying some refreshments they had brought, and a chat. I know the toilet queues were a problem, especially for the women, as usual, but I don't think it's expecting too much of adults to control their bladder intake and output so that they can stay in one place for an hour and a half, as Leonard and the band have to do on stage !

[musicmania]

Added:

Anthem - Lissadell 2010 07 31
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGcEZqTFsJg

It starts with the spoken words:

"We’re indeed privileged to gather in such an elegant and privileged place when so much of the world is plunged in chaos and suffering,
so…….
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
that’s how the light gets in"

and from 5.45 onwards the introduction to the band members (long unhurried version !)

and at the end

"Thank you friends so much for your kind attention, we’ll take a short break, and if you can take the inclement weather we’ll be back for the second half of the concert."

For some reason, this one makes the hair on the back of my neck stand on end.

Thanks for posting this! Just waiting for youtube to process so I can watch!!!

As requested by Carlowmike here is the group photo from the tree planting



Has anyone come back down to earth yet? I was at a Beatles tribute last night and within seconds of leaving found myself humming So Long Marianne!!!!

Woke up to the total amazement this morning that Sharon Robinson has posted MY REVIEW to her Facebook page! Read it in it's published form here

http://www.drop-d.ie/leonard-cohen-liss ... ouse/10013

Even though I was shattered but felt I was waking on air in work today! BTW glad everyone is home safe and sound! Finally Welcome to the Forum Ken!

[TipperaryAnn]

Pretty tree planting picture - grand for those who knew where and when it was happening; those of us who are not surgically attached to our laptops when away for a few days didn't know, especially as the Garavogue was deserted! Some kind person might reveal where the tree is , so that we can visit it if ever in Sligo again.

[musicmania]

Pretty tree planting picture - grand for those who knew where and when it was happening; those of us who are not surgically attached to our laptops when away for a few days didn't know, especially as the Garavogue was deserted! Some kind person might reveal where the tree is , so that we can visit it if ever in Sligo again.

It is halfway between Shenanigans and The Garavogue along by the river. I found out at the last minute and nearly missed it due to the massive traffic jam that kept a representitive of the band away!

Here watching videos for the umpteenth time and still getting goosebumps! Roll on Katowice!

[amcgee]

Hi

re all the fush about people leaving during songs
That is normal in concerts, provided the person or persons are considerate to those sitting then there are no problems, most polite people would leave at the end of a song and comeback before the start of another song. The ques for toilets were poor so people would have being inclined to run for the toilets during the show, as otherwise they could be queing for a long time. I was in block b and luckily for me, most were considerate and moved in between songs, my wife left for a toilet break in between songs, this idea that we should all site down like school kids is a bit of a joke. The problem people are all the drinkers who go to these concerts and drink and don't give a damn about the rest. To be honest nothing can be done on that. I had a few people behind me who were chatting at various times and another was tapping his legs,out of synch to the songs, which drove me bonkers, but you can't really say anything as it would cause offence, as they were just enjoying themselves.
Non of this took away from a great concert, great location and even the dreadful organisation of busses and taxi's after didn't affect my opinion on the concert

amcgee

[JudasPriest]

Just saw this, the official lissadell house site- don't think anyone has posted a link yet. Some excellent photos

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source ... tDaTFjkFzw

[IrishAL]

Sligo Saturday

Feels so good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfQ91vCMjNA

A.

[musicmania]

Thanks Albert! Love your videos. You didn't by any chance get the Leonard quoting Anthem after the Yeats quote did you? Are you going to the Katowice gig?