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Leonard Cohen Hints at Retirement at Sold-Out New York Show

As Leonard Cohen's comeback tour chugs through its final phase of 2009, at Friday night's Madison Square Garden show the singer alluded to the fact that this could be it for him and New York -- and maybe elsewhere, too. He's already played New York a handful of times this year, starting off at the Beacon Theater in February, then graduating to Radio City Music Hall for two nights in May. So last night's sold-out show, which offered him numerous standing ovations, was something of a victory lap that most cities haven't witnessed this year.

Before starting up a slower than usual sounding version of "Bird on a Wire," he took time out of the evening's first set to welcome the crowd, but for fans, the words might have sounded a little ominous.

"I don't know if we'll pass this way again," Cohen said, "but it's our intention to give you the best."

Indeed, the nearly two-and-a-half-hour show was filled with Cohen classics such as "So Long, Marianne," "Everybody Knows," "Sisters Of Mercy," and a particularly soulful version of "Hallelujah," with Cohen purposefully falling to his knees several times to deliver his most famous lines in his deep, husky voice. New York centric songs "Chelsea Hotel #2" and "First We Take Manhattan" appropriately resonated, maybe more so after the realization that this could be the last time they're played in Gotham.

Even when he pulled out songs that were a bit more obscure, such as "A Thousand Kisses Deep" from 2001's 'Ten New Songs,' the crowd couldn't help being captivated with the opening line, "You came to me this morning and handled me like meat." Cohen's always been regarded as a master poet and storyteller, and this was just another example of how even in his later career, Cohen's words and delivery is still as engrossing as his four-decade-old songs.

Leonard Cohen's tour continues west through November 13, finishing at San Jose's HP Pavilion.

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Carly

I just discovered Leonard Cohen when his London Concert was on Public Broadcasting channel. My husband bought the CD that was offered. We both have been infected with his words and his music. I am so happy I found him. Love you Leonard.
Carly

November 14 2009 at 10:39 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Old1i

My vote for Album of the Year: 'Leonard Cohen: Live in London'! As close as most of us will get to the real thing...

October 27 2009 at 2:32 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dan K.


Mark and Dave,

Gee, I'm sorry. I too am 60, and have been listening to his albums since 1967. Go to Wikipedia to see what a literary and musical master you missed out on. There have been two thousand renditions of his songs recorded.

So, that makes it Leonard Cohen: 2000

You: Zero

October 26 2009 at 11:16 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Dan K.'s comment
Tim

Mark & Dave -

Why would you even post something like that? Don't you have better things to do than post comments for a discussion of a singer you've never heard of, just to insult his fans? Your only demonstrating your ignorance and meanness.

Leonard Cohen is one of the most gifted songwriters of our time.

October 26 2009 at 11:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dave

Who in the world is this old guy? I would have to say only a handful of old crusty people know who he is. These same people probably rock out to Richard Nimoy and William Shatners greatest hits too.

October 26 2009 at 10:11 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Dave's comment
Whoever you are

Actually, Dave, Leonard Cohen is very well known and admired internationally, and you are simply (and proudly) displaying your exceptional musical ignorance. But since you'll probably never get past rap, the chances of your ever learning anything about Cohen or music is very remote. I'm already sure that Cohen's music, writing, and poetry is much too sophisticated for you, so don't hurt your brain about it. (You're a Republican, aren't you?)
P.S. Who did you get to type your post for you?

October 27 2009 at 1:52 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Marcus

I'm 61 years old and never heard of Leonard Cohen. He can't be much of a "legendary singer" if I've never heard of him. Is he just famous in Israel or something? That could explain it.

October 26 2009 at 9:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Marcus's comment
Whoever you are

Mark: Actually, he CAN be that much of a legendary singer--worldwide. That you haven't heard of him says much more about you than it does about him. (You're a Republican, aren't you?)

October 27 2009 at 1:31 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Vanessa

If you like the lead-in song for "The Sopranos", then you have heard Leonard sing, and like his stuff. So chill, check out something new to expand your horizons, and don't forget to listen to the poetry of his words, as well as the wonderful compositions of his music.
And if this really is a final tour for him, then it is a sad day today.

October 26 2009 at 9:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Fran

Why would anyone bother with a "Greatest Hits/Best of" collection when there are so many more albums out there? I want every single song!

October 26 2009 at 9:26 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Fran

I wonder if his comment was just a realistic appraisal of the fact that he is in his mid-70s & contemplating his own mortality. At that age the lyric "Take one last look at this sacred heart/before it blows" takes on a whole new level of meaning! I hope he remains well & vigorous long enough for me to get a chance to hear him perform live (& then some!) - he is a true genius.

October 26 2009 at 9:22 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ron

Leonard Cohen, along with Dylan is one of the greatest musical influences of his era. I saw him for the first time in San Diego a coiple of months ago, maybe the best concert I have ever been to.

October 26 2009 at 7:53 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ELWOOD

I DARE any of you to go buy his greatest hits/best of collection at a record store tomorrow. His stuff sucks. Holy shit does his stuff suck.
PS Don't buy it if you're anywhere close to killing yourself because you might just go kill him first - I kid you not!

October 26 2009 at 7:39 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to ELWOOD's comment
Whoever you are

Tedzeplin: It would be more correct to say that YOU think his music isn't good. Since most of the music world doesn't agree with your statement, your comment is obviously only your opinion and not a truism. I suggest you read Cohens bio on his website to get a little perspective.

October 26 2009 at 8:21 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Todd LeBaron

Your stupid comment reminds me of a phonecall I once received at a radio station I worked at. I was halfway through a song someone had requested, saying it would mean a lot if I could play it, and I was more than happy to do that for this person....someone called me and asked me "What on earth is that piece of crap you're playing?" I replied, "It was a request that meant a lot to someone else who called me a few minutes ago. Is there a different piece of crap you'd like me to play as well?" The caller paused for a moment and asked me "What do you mean?" I explained to him that while radio has been one of my favorite occupations, I don't like everything I'm told to play, and that the first program director I ever worked for told me it wasn't good form to voice my opinion of a song I hated on the air, since we were in the business of promoting music and the artists who make it...and every song, regardless of how I felt about it, was someone's favorite out there somewhere. That said, your argument that a legendary musical figure like Leonard Cohen sucks, when he's been a highly regarded artists for several decades shows me that you're content to stay in your little corner of the world musically speaking. That's all well and good, but I kind of like what Chad Kroeger of Nickelback said on TV one night: "We don;t suck because some of you might not consier us your favorite. We've got millions of fans that'll take your place at one of our shows. If you don't like us, don't come to the show. But we don't suck just because YOU don't like us." I believe their last album went six times platinum. I respect both Mr. Cohen and Mr. Kroeger for their music. I suggest you get out of the house more often and open your mind a little bit.

October 26 2009 at 9:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply