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Leonard Cohen is a real birthday treat

30th November, Manchester Evening News Arena: Leonard Cohen in concert. A good way to spend a birthday. I thought so, and thankfully Tina and Dave thought so too, plotting in secret to organise a ticket for me, the wonderful present from Tina.

The journey to Manchester from my parents’ wasn’t ideal, motorway traffic jams and alterations to Manchester city centre had me arriving at a dubious “car park only” 15 minutes before the show was to start. Dave, having made his way from Leeds by bus, was already in his seat. But it was well worth the travel chaos and the worry that the car might be missing a few windows on our return.

Leonard Cohen has established a wonderful group of superb musicians, experts in a collection of beautiful instruments. On vocals Cohen was backed by the sublime Webb Sisters, and co-writer and collaborator, Sharon Robinson whose voice was warm and soulful. All suited and wearing trilby hats, the ensemble treated a huge crowd to all the favourites. My night was made by “The Partisan” and “Famous blue raincoat”. At 74 years of age Cohen’s voice is still tremendous, as is his energy. The performance involved two hour long sets with a short break in between, but the encore lasted around a further thirty minutes. My words can’t do it justice so until the official DVD comes out, here’s a sample of the tour footage I’ve found that’s decent quality.


Leonard Cohen 2008 Tour “Dance me to the end of love” – Helsingborg Sweden, July


Leonard Cohen 2008 Tour “The Partisan” – Prague


Leonard Cohen 2008 Tour: The Webb Sisters “If It Be Your Will” – Royal Albert Hall Nov 17 2008

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