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Concert - O'Keefe Centre - Toronto 197?)

Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2008 4:28 pm
by barrycull
I saw LC in Toronto, but I can't remember what year. I do remember the impact of that evening though.

Leonard was dressed in a light blue suit, he was flanked by three women in white gowns, whom he referred to as his "angels". During the intermission, in the front foyer, was his mentor and former professor, Irving Layton holding audience with a small enclave of people who happened to recognize him. I can't remember the entire conversation, but I do remember Layton saying in response to a question about how he was enjoying the concert, "Leonard has always been a wonderful lyrical poet". Those of us who were familiar with Layton's work knew this not to be a compliment, rather it was Layton's way of suggesting that LC's poetry was not
"political" enough for his tastes.

Can anyone tell me what year this concert would have been? I have forgotten.


Barry Cull

Re: Concert - O'Keefe Centre - Toronto 197?)

Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2008 5:13 pm
by Davido
Barry,
Are you sure it was o'Keefe Centre & 1970s?
The known appearances according to http://www.leonardcohenlive.com/concerts.htm
December 1970 - Massey Hall
or
31 January 1975 - Massey Hall
or
11 May 1985 - Massey Hall
or
9,10 Nov 1988 - Massey Hall
16,17,18 June 1993 - O'Keefe Centre.
20 July 1993 - O'Keefe Centre
Hope this helps
Dave

Re: Concert - O'Keefe Centre - Toronto 197?)

Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 3:07 pm
by barrycull
I'm absolutely sure it was the O'Keefe Centre. The reason I am asking, in fact, is that it is missing from the "official" list of tours on the website and I would like to correct the e-record - which appears inaccurate on at least one front.

What makes the concert memorable for me was the impromptu literary criticism given by his former mentor, Canadian poet, Irving Layton. And the lobby was the glass-fronted, street level foyer that was the O'Keefe.

Barry

Re: Concert - O'Keefe Centre - Toronto 197?)

Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 4:11 pm
by Davido
This is interesting,Barry and I have sent you a PM.
I wonder if anyone else has any recollections of the show?