leonardcohenforum.com

lizzytysh wrote:My belief is that Leonard ought to do what Leonard wants to do, regardless... whether it's to travel with Anjani when she performs; stay at home to record or write; tour to sing or read; or simply stay at home and do nothing.
So far as Leonard's being pressured, however; no matter what may be going on behind the scenes, I don't see Leonard as someone to be pressured into touring or anything else that he doesn't want to or isn't willing to try to do on his own volition. It seems to me that he has a pretty good sense of his own physicality and stamina, and he certainly has resolve. He chose to not perform with Anjani in Oslo, when it was clear people were expecting him. He's the pinnacle of tact and has a mind and will of his own, save his willingness to defer to those of G~d. ~ Lizzy

I agree with your first paragraph. It states that he does what he wants to do. Yes. I have no problem in that regard.

I have no idea what is happening in the background. None of us do. However, pressure can be manifest in so many different ways. Often without our knowing it. We all have pressures upon us every day of our lives. Some are clearly evident, some are not so obvious. Absence of any evidence of pressure, is not evidence of its absence.

Yes, I agree that he knows his own strength, he has resolve, and also he will have a fairly good idea of his own stamina. That's what most heart attack victims believed before they had their first heart attack.

I don't know why he didn't perform with Anjani in Oslo. The fact is, he didn't perform. It could be said that he was conspicuous by his absence.

He has boundless tact, is a humble man and a gentleman. Like the rest of us, he also believes that like us, he has a mind and will of his own. Therein lies the nub of my concern.

93 years ago, strong, fit, young men went to war in Flanders' Fields believing that they were embarking on doing the right thing. Whole countries believed they were doing the right thing. They all believed they were doing it with God's blessing. If millions of young, strong, clear minded people can be persuaded to go to war, whose to say that a 73 year old man can't be persuaded to go on a concert tour? Yes, it is an extreme example, but the processes involved are much the same.

My concern is for very selfish reasons. I want to go and see Leonard in the comfort of a quiet theatre, while sitting in my seat which will be equally comfortable, surrounded by his fans, listening to his voice, as he reads his own words for me. I'd be honouring the time and work he had put into creating his prose. Compared with the 'concert' concept, a frenzy of clapping, whistling and cheering, after a 6 minute song, would not be doing justice to the man and his work.

It's a matter of personal choices. Leonard's, yours, mine, his management team's... The choice does not mean either or. He could do separate performances for readings and/or music. I'd be at the readings. I'd like to think that I would get more from them.

According to the reports, Leonard and Anjani both had colds/flu/whatever [could be the rigours of jet lag manifesting in whatever ways it did] and Leonard opted out of joining her onstage because he simply wasn't feeling up to it. Kudos to him for that decision.

My concern is for very selfish reasons. I want to go and see Leonard in the comfort of a quiet theatre, while sitting in my seat which will be equally comfortable, surrounded by his fans, listening to his voice, as he reads his own words for me. I'd be honouring the time and work he had put into creating his prose. Compared with the 'concert' concept, a frenzy of clapping, whistling and cheering, after a 6 minute song, would not be doing justice to the man and his work.

I disagree with your foregone conclusion of this being selfish reasons. From my perspective, this is the very kind of giving that someone whose vision for himself was as a poet and writer would most appreciate. I agree with everything beyond your first sentence. Secondarily, for me, come the selfish reasons.


~ Lizzy

Welcome, Len . I like the balance in your reasoning.

Interviews on TV, interspersed with song... no travel, except to a studio. Something I hadn't considered... if it be his will . No matter what he chooses to do, there'll be no complaints from me.


~ Lizzy

Unfortunately my husband is not a fan (doesnt know what he is missing), I would willingly sell his golfclubs and cop the fall out to see a live performance.

One ticket sold and one marriage down the tubes. Mhmm. How do we weigh this?

That's a cute avatar, by the way. How did you discover Leonard's music and how much exposure has your husband had to it? There may still be hope, as we do have some converts here.


~ Lizzy

I have only just discoverd Leonard Cohen, I was briefly introduced to his work in the 70's , but didnt really get into it much , but now several years later and more mellow in my music choices I can't get enough of his music, his voice evokes such pleasure.
My husband is not as I said a fan and most unlikely to ever be one as he is tone deaf and doesnt appreciate music at all of any sort.He bought me an mp3 player so I can listen to whatever I like when ever I like, so he does appreciate the fact that I couldnt live without my music, he just doesnt share in my enthusiasm.You should hear it when he's out, the neighbours do

Given that Leonard is not coming to Oz on his 2008 tour, I will (and am quite happy to) shell out up to A$3,000 or so to see him perform once (and perhaps twice/thrice) wherever I know Blonde Madonna is in the same boat, as are any other Aussie/NZ fans who plan to see him whatever the cost!

Cheers
Andrew (Darby)

I guess I can stretch myself upto £100...But since I cant pay for it myself and have to rely on my parents, I wouldnt want them to spend more than that on it. Please dont let it be so expensive Leonard, anything more than £50 and my chances of coming to see you will reduce drastically!

Since it appears you're not burdened with the predictable and unpredicted living expenses, how about a part-time job between now and summer, Undertow? Maybe even some extra work around the house or in your neighbourhood? It would remain a lifetime regret if you didn't go. This I can assure you.

[You could even stretch the notion and have it be something you do to help out your parents. .]


~ Lizzy

lizzytysh wrote:Since it appears you're not burdened with the predictable and unpredicted living expenses, how about a part-time job between now and summer, Undertow? Maybe even some extra work around the house or in your neighbourhood? It would remain a lifetime regret if you didn't go. This I can assure you.

[You could even stretch the notion and have it be something you do to help out your parents. .]


~ Lizzy

I actually wanted to get a job, but my parents told me to forget about money for the time being and concentrate on my studies. Im applying to medicine, so I need my grades to get pushed up a fair bit

However I do have about a fiver every week after travel expenses etc, so from now on, thats going to the Cohen fund And oh yes, it would definitely be a lifetime regret, I had resigned myself to the fact that Leonard wasnt touring anymore before I heard of this tour. If I miss it now, I will be so incredibly disappointed. For that reason, I really really hope he doesn't come to the UK during June since thats when my exams are!

Study real real real hard... then take a few hours break by going to see Leonard. Best suggestion I can give you. Not that medical school ought not be a priority; yet, your description of your grades sounds as though one night won't make the big-picture difference. I could be wrong on that, of course... but they say [that infamous "they"] that relaxing the night before an exam is the BEST thing. So, relax with Leonard. If it's NOT the night before an exam, well, you still have other nights to study, yes ? Some way, I hope you do find a way. Your parents are right on the money not being as important as your studies. It's great that they're supportive of you in that way. Still that repeated fiver will sure nuff be going to a great cause!


~ Lizzy

lizzytysh wrote:Study real real real hard... then take a few hours break by going to see Leonard. Best suggestion I can give you. Not that medical school ought not be a priority; yet, your description of your grades sounds as though one night won't make the big-picture difference. I could be wrong on that, of course... but they say [that infamous "they"] that relaxing the night before an exam is the BEST thing. So, relax with Leonard. If it's NOT the night before an exam, well, you still have other nights to study, yes ? Some way, I hope you do find a way. Your parents are right on the money not being as important as your studies. It's great that they're supportive of you in that way. Still that repeated fiver will sure nuff be going to a great cause!


~ Lizzy

When my parents begin to complain about attending a concert when I could be doing last minute revision, I will show them this post and hopefully you will sway them

I think they understand how important this is to me. Without exaggerating, I can imagine this concert to be one memory that will remain with me forever. My inspiration and idol in life coming out of semi retirement to perform. It almost feels like its just for me, but Im sure there are many others who are feeling exactly the same