leonardcohenforum.com

Does Leonard do a sound-check before every concert?
If so what time does he do it?
I have tickets for the Bournemouth show and thought I might get there early and maybe try to get a sneak preview.

I think it would be a bit overwhelming being the only spectator in an enormous arena filled with Leonard's voice

not to say that I'm not gonna try and use a few contacts to get into the Brighton one like

I saw the soundcheck in Loerrach where the stage was on a public town square. But if the concerts are in closed building like a concert hall/stadium/theatre, I doubt that you can just walk in.

Apologies for asking the question again, but does Mr Cohen always do a sound-check?

jerryk wrote:Apologies for asking the question again, but does Mr Cohen always do a sound-check?

I would assume so he'd be foolish not to every venue is different.

He did not do a sound check at the Big Chill in August. My guess (and it is only a guess) is that this is the exception and that, generally, he does a sound check.

There is always a sound check in the afternoon... and usually quite long.

But is this a public thing? I would think the individual venues won't just let people walk in.

The sound checks are not open to public at all. The venues have security people who will make sure that no outsiders will get through the gates. Only staff with a valid pass are able to enter the hall.
The sound check is for fine-tuning the audio and lightning systems (and do some rehearsal, too), so it is natural that it's closed.

Musicians would always be very upset if anyone crept into sound checks.
One wants to look and sound the BEST possible when performing, and at sound checks one stops and starts, getting the sound and lighting as good as possible.

Unless it is positioned as a 'public' sound check (very rare) these are private events - one often even tries new ideas etc at such - some of which may not work. Going into rehearsals is even inappropriate at high school band rehearsals where parents coming to collect children sometimes think they can go straight in and catch the end of a rehearsal. This is NEVER acceptable, unless specifically invited. Any performer (parent or fan) would understand never to do this.
Respectfully - it is not courteous to try and 'sneak in' to a sound check even through 'contacts, and if you are a genuine fan of Leonard and the band, you wouldn't even try. Best to save your enthusiasm for the WONDERFUL concert. Asta.

Sound check in Lucca, July 27, was filmed - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zZ0isKztUY

It was accessible as it was on town's square (open air show later in the night).

Whilst I never for one minute thought it would be possible to get into any soundcheck, there is something rather exciting about hearing odd sections of songs (all be it muffled sounds) outside the venue before the actual show.

Yes, you are right... For instance, the Amsterdam concert at the Westergasfabriek: As we were really early, we went to a restaurant nearby; and once you stepped outside, you would hear Leonard's voice very clearly, which - with the light being really beutiful that afternoon - really made for a truly magical atmosphere! Almost as impressive as the concert itself; at least, I will never forget it...