Dino Soldo not in the tour band

[IMM]

I know not the reasons behind the change - but I am reminded of occasional artistic 'differences' The Story of "C"

[Greg Ross]

Whilst I’m sad to hear that Dino (and Bob) are not playing the new concerts, I’m really pleased and excited at the reality of a new sound – perhaps a new direction to Leonard’s wonderful poetry and music. Art and literature are about so many things, but at centre stage, will always be creativity. Personally, I miss Perla’s magnificent voice, but who would have thought Leonard would go in the directions he’s taken these last few years.

As somebody who thought all he had left, was the precious memories of a show in Perth, Western Australia, so many, many years ago, I cannot believe how fortunate I am, to once again being treated to seeing and hearing the world’s greatest troubadour / poet, weaving his life and magic on stage. Keep on ringing the bells Mr Cohen, I shall be there with Ann in awe at Berlin and Dublin.

[mirka]

No Dino and no wind instruments ? strange...
Hopefully the energy and joy of playing music won't disappear with him as well. I really liked his solos.

[Vicomte]

Of course it might feel "strange" to those persons who have only seen LC on the 2008-10 tour, to some others who have been to LC concerts over a much longer time, Dino Soldo was a very strange addition. That is not to take away his undoubted talent but there had been until then, generally a violinist in the band and I may be wrong here, didn't Dino step in to take the place of a violinist (whose name escapes me for the moment) but I may be wrong but that seems to be what I recall.

There is certainly more to this than the majority of us know, or perhaps will ever know but to me personally and perhaps some others, Dino seemed to change the way I had previously viewed LC concerts. It didn't sit too good with me, at times I felt there was too much emphasis on the "instrument of wind" and I for one preferred the band to be a little more subtle, although individual pieces by Javier Mas, I really enjoy and I do prefer "If it be they will" to be sung by LC himself but that is of course my own opinion, Vicomtesse likes it fine by the Webb Sisters.

Bands do change line ups of course, some of us feel that Julie Christensen and Perla Batalla were his best backing singers, some say Jennifer Warnes and of course there is Sharon Robinson, some who have only been to see LC on his last tour, may well prefer the Webb Sisters. No one is right or wrong, it is all about the individuals preference but no one will be disappointed about any changes made on this tour. We have seen several changes over the years and we might have our own best choices but at the end of the day, try and forget what was and look to the future, all will be OK on the night, of that you can be sure.

[somewhat_nifty]

Thanks for sharing Leonard's response, Jarkko. I've enjoyed Dino's contribution to the previous tour, and I bet it was a tough decision not to use him again, but I'm sure not a hasty one. And I did wonder how there'd be room for him and a violin, so it makes sense in a way. I'm keen to hear the new sound - as Tinderella says, maybe it might recapture those magnificent 70s concerts! I've been and thanked Dino for the memories on Facebook, and I'm now adjusting my expectations for the new tour. Roll on Ghent!

[Mabeanie1]

I have been a little taken back to the reaction to the news of Dino's absence from the tour, both here and on Facebook. There seems to be a bit of a "cult of Dino" going on and, G*d forbid, at times it almost feels as if Dino has passed on to another world with all the emotion. accolades and tributes which have been pouring out. However, at the end of the day we are just talking about one member of Leonard's touring band. As other people have said, there have been lots of different musicians and singers involved with Leonard's tours over the years. In some ways the 2008-10 tours were unusual for the fact that there were so few changes in the band (and crew) over that time. Over the years, people will have rated some musicians above others, everyone will have their own opinion on who was "best" for them and Dino is/ was clearly a very popular contributor to the overall sound of the 2008-10 tour but the point is that things change, move on. The cast list for Old Ideas makes it clear that Leonard still retains strong musical links with many people who have contributed to his sound in the past - and will no doubt continue to do so in the future.

It is up to Leonard to decide what the sound of his 2012 touring band will be. Why would we have any reason to doubt Leonard's artistic judgement? I can understand that he might want to try something different if that is what he is doing. Maybe Dino will rejoin the band at some stage in the near future - who knows. Meanwhile I think we just need to keep calm and have faith that Leonard knows what he's doing. After all, he has had quite a bit of practice over the years.

Wendy

[Kiwi56]

Awwwww, very, very sad news

[sbreen]

Well said Wendy.

Artistic differences happen all the time.

Leonard clearly knows the sound he is wanting.

At full pay without touring - it looks as if Leonard still respects Dino and is looking to keep things open for the future.

[Mabeanie1]

Well said Wendy.

Artistic differences happen all the time.

Leonard clearly knows the sound he is wanting.

At full pay without touring - it looks as if Leonard still respects him and looking to keep things open.

Thanks sbreen but, just to be clear, I said nothing about "artistic differences" - maybe more like "different artists".

Wendy

[Winnaar58]

I was looking forward to see and hear Dino play live for the first time in my life.
I am very sorry for him that he is no longer involved in the show, I am sorry for all the fans who would have loved to see and hear him do his fabulous solo's and I happend to be one of them.
But I am still looking forward to see and hear Leonard Cohen in Gent, on august 14th.

[John K.]

Dino Soldo has amazing talent, and while I will miss hearing his fine work I trust Mr. Cohen and his team of world-class musicians that the 2012 concerts will be of the highest level. Mr. Cohen is not just a great lyricist and writer, he is a remarkable songwriter and performer, and I trust that his decisions are to make the performances match what he "hears" in his head and heart.

I am also reminded how much Mr. Cohen cares about his fans and our little community, taking the time when things are so hectic to communicate through Jarkko to make sure we know his feelings. Thank you Mr. Cohen.

[oblivion]

thank you john, you expressed exactly what i was thinking.....
looking forward to great concerts and beeing greatful
ute

[holydove]

I am also reminded how much Mr. Cohen cares about his fans and our little community, taking the time when things are so hectic to communicate through Jarkko to make sure we know his feelings. Thank you Mr. Cohen.

Thank you from me too, John K. I was just about to post a similar comment when I saw your post; because I think it is incredibly kind of Leonard to send such a message, as he is not obligated, at all, to explain anything to any of us. We know very well how much intense care & thought & passion & energy Leonard puts into every aspect & every moment of his art & his performances, & personally, I would never presume to question any decision he might make in this regard. The upcoming tour is obviously a huge, incredibly demanding venture, & we are so fortunate that Mr. Cohen is willing to embark on such a journey yet again, & regarding his choice of band members/instruments/etc. - I'm sure Leonard has good reasons for his decisions, & whatever makes him happy makes me happy too. And I am quite sure that the concerts will be way, way beyond "acceptable"!

And all I really want to say is: Thank you, Leonard Cohen, for coming back to us!!

[annmarie]

I hope I'm not posting this twice. I tried it earlier and it didn't come up.

Anyhow, I think the way I'm feeling is a BIG part of simply being SHOCKED by this news. I have heard (over my 41 years of being a Leonard Cohen fan) lots of versions of his songs, and all of them were lovely.

I will be seeing Leonard in Boston on December 15th. This will be the FIRST time for me. I have been upset that I won't get to see Bob Metzger (he is so fabulous). And now this???? I'm wondering why we were not told earlier.

I realize with Bob Metzger it's a health issue, and I wish him well.

To suddenly "scrap" Dino Soldo is shocking to me.

I do know, however, that I WILL love the concert. I just hope there won't be any more "surprises".

Robin

I think you sum up my own feelings Robin (and I've been a fan for even longer........43 years!!).
I was in total shock last night, but I agree, it will still be fantastic.
I also thought no one could replace Jennifer Warnes, then along came Sharon Robinson and blew me away!
To those hoping to recreate the concert feelings of the 70s tho............wishful thinking!!

[basecamp]

thank you john, you expressed exactly what i was thinking.....
looking forward to great concerts and beeing greatful
ute

I second this Ute!
I really liked Dinos performance on stage and that's why we've almost always chosen the "Dino side" at Leonard's concerts.
But now I'm keen to seeing Leonard with his "new" band!
Can't wait!!!
-Hans