Does Len use an autocue?

[Rodin]

If so, does it matter?
Also why, when I ask this question, does it get removed?
This is a fan's forum not AEG ltd.

[lizzytysh]

My guess is that it's probably because people tire of your throwaway remarks, Rodin.

[Rodin]

A throwaway remark about an essential part of a Leonard Cohen gig?
Maybe I should post a cute baby video?

[Maarten]

Rodin

Mr Cohen does not use an autocue as far as I know, although lately he seems to have two pages of paper with the lyrics of "Take This Waltz" with him on stage...
Maarten

[Rodin]

Springsteen uses one, why not Len?

[lizzytysh]

For the most part, his memory suffices.
My guess is if he penned some lyrics he wanted to hold to, though, he would do as Maarten has indicated.
Why do you consider it an "essential" part of Leonard's performance.
For me, it couldn't possibly be more minor or irrelevant.

[Rodin]

Rolling Stone

The man may be older than Jerry Lee Lewis and John McCain, but other than the times he sang verses while awkwardly squinting at the ground (presumably at a teleprompter) that was very easy to forget.

[lizzytysh]

Who cares what spin Rolling Stone puts on it.
Leonard cannot help but use his body for emphasis.
It's one of the ways he powerfully emotes.

[Rodin]

Can anyone translate that please?

[HelenOE]

We have seen videos taken from the side, high up, and there's nothing there in front of Leonard but the huge clock. I think Lizzy was referring to the way he often curls/ bends forward and then straightens up as he sings... I would mention that he often seems to do that with his eyes closed, too. And the changes in lyrics we hear sometimes are not the sort you get when someone's forgetting the words, but the sort that happen when someone... the author of those words, say... is thinking about the meaning and making slight changes to fit his emotion at the time. Not using a prompter and not "phoning it in" or singing by rote is my take on the matter.

[lightasabreeze]

As he wrote just about everything himself and he has been performing the songs for so long, I expect he knows it all in his sleep.
Anyway if he forgets something we would all forgive him, wouldn't we. Of course we would.

[Rodin]

It's not about forgiveness. It's about understanding the logistics of a 78 year old guy performing 3 hour shows.

[musicmania]

I think this video is evidence enough that Leonard doesn't use autocue:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqNHCkAhy8Q

I think the reason Springsteen uses it is because he doesn't have a planned setlist and takes requests from the audience and sometimes performs songs that he hasn't sang in years and therefore would find it hard to immediately remember all the lyrics.

It wouldn't bother me if Leonard used it and I think it is very impressive he seldom makes mistakes and when he does he is usually very good at covering it up! What happened is Louisville made for a great unique concert moment, handled brilliantly by Leonard!

[lizzytysh]

Ah, logistics, snowgistics, Rodin.
Leonard is a genius.
Leonard is highly motivated.
Leonard is in terrific shape/condition/health.
Leonard practices yoga/meditation.
Leonard eats well.
Leonard exercises.
Leonard is nourished by his interactions with his band.
Leonard is nourished by his interactions with and the open devotion and admiration of his audiences.
Leonard is deeply inspired.

What more does a great man at 78 need?

[Zimmy66]

I agree with Musicmania. Leonard doesn't use an autocue. Springsteen uses one for the reason Gwen states. Fairly obvious given the length and depth of his gigs.

Dylan ordinarily doesn't use one, unless he has planned 'guests' on stage. Even then it's for their use -not his. That said, he can be seen fumbling with paper notes in the videos I've posted recently on here during his Americana tour. But only when he is singing other people's songs. (Suzie Baby for example)

Neil Young & Crazy Horse used IPads attached to their mike stands on this year's tour.

So, there you have it. In short, no - Leonard doesn't use one.
Robert