CONCERT REPORT: Barcelona, September 21 (Leonard's birthday)

[sturgess66]

Video on YouTube from "xdreus" -

Nice - captures everyone "full figure" - including legs and feet -

"Hallelujah"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yri8_apDGxY

[Evie B]

I noticed on this clip on YouTube that Leonard waves behind his back at about 46-47. I would like to think Marianne is backstage and that he is waving to her, we know she was at the concert!! I expect it was just something to do with sound levels. Does anyone have any idea what he is saying, is it some kind of standard signal?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4Woc15Oq8o

I am SO envious of all of you who were able to be there, what a wonderful experience. I hope Leonard had a great party afterwards with his close friends.

Evie B

[Evie B]

Hi Sturgess 66, that "xdreus" video is really clear and steady, the person had a great seat. Thanks for posting the link.
Evie B

[sturgess66]

"0MusicIsMyEverything" posted on YouTube -

"First We Take Manhattan" - the video is not great as she says - but the audio is there - and inher notes

"Original lyrics are slightly different -
...
(*)...as you can see I was in the middle of the crowd so it was quite difficult to hold the camera still...plus I just wanted to enjoy one of my favourite songs so I kinda forgot I was filming...

..and YES! WE ALL SANG HAPPY B-DAY TO HIM !!!...^_^"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSbexo-8ExQ

[ohgollygolly]

It was a stunning evening, with an amazing atmosphere within the Palau Sant Jordi, an atmosphere that I had not thought possible in such a large. grey sports hall. It was quite a contrast with the evening at Cap Roig, back in August, which was so lacking "energy" from the crowd. It is an honour to be present and share any concert with Leonard Cohen, but last nights was a rare gem among gem's. Thank you Leonard for all that you gave to make last night so memorable and special, and especially for allowing us the privilege of sharing your 75th birthday with you.

[sturgess66]

"TallMan3rdRow" on YouTube

Final words at Barcelona -

"May your life be sweet as apples dipped in honey".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J10bR_IuJuE

[zodkavombie]

Hi
Just back from Barcelona, what a FABULOUS concert. Watching some of the clips on youtube (already ) and having goose pimples.
I had been to 3 concerts previously and I have to say that the audience last night was amazing and I think it was a combination of factors. His birthday, his malaise at the Valencia concert and the people who came from all over the world to see this unforgettable event.
This concert was a lot more melodious (not sure if this is the right word).
Also I would like to thank all the organizers and how nice it was to meet them all. Sorry that I did not get a chance to say aurevoir to any of them so am doing it now.

[sturgess66]

Thanks to DrHGuy's - posted on his blog -
http://1heckofaguy.com/

"gronager" on YouTube -

Famous Blue Raincoat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTOHeHmbgWI

And thanks to "gronager"

Is this here already? I've lost track.

[Rodin]

I believe the shouting was done by ex Barcelona player, Mark Hughes shouting "Referee, where did you get 7 mins from?".
A great three days.
Daughter's birthday
United beat City
Leonard is 75.

[burningviolin]

Ok here are my you tube contributions...not great quality but we'll take a leaf out of Jarkko's book and be patient for IrishAl to upload!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5ySBwWqwpc Waiting for the Miracle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ogex7hAoz4 Palau Sant Jordi before the concert.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jesYeHNmH8o Hey That's No Way to Say goodbye
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-Ievp2xU60 Gypsy Wife
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB2LKIzsK0Y I tried to leave you...just some of it...

Sorry there was not texting or twittering last night, for me it was an unbelieveably intense concert and it didn't end til after 1am! Then there was a lot of trying to decide how to get to somewhere with liquid refreshments etc etc!

Wonderful concert, will write a bit more tomorrow probably. Shattered tired still.

[sirp2000]

I noticed on this clip on YouTube that Leonard waves behind his back at about 46-47. I would like to think Marianne is backstage and that he is waving to her, we know she was at the concert!! I expect it was just something to do with sound levels. Does anyone have any idea what he is saying, is it some kind of standard signal?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4Woc15Oq8o

I am SO envious of all of you who were able to be there, what a wonderful experience. I hope Leonard had a great party afterwards with his close friends.

Evie B

Hi Evie. My guess is he's having a joke with Bob. He's waving his palm behind his back as he's singing "I'd like to try to read your palm."! Any other ideas........?

[somewhat_nifty]

Wow! Have arrived back safe and sound from an enjoyable but exhausting experience in Barcelona What a fantastic concert! And how nice to finally meet forum members at last That fact that it was Leonard's birthday made it such a special experience, and the birthday candles were a really nice touch - I managed to record Suzanne and will post it on YouTube, I got a couple of panorama shots of the stadium with everyone's candles Stunning. Will post more when I am a bit more compos mentis.

@womanfromaroom - I brought the cover to the concert and forgot to give it to you, so sorry! PM me if you want me to post it

[somewhat_nifty]

Ok here are my you tube contributions...not great quality but we'll take a leaf out of Jarkko's book and be patient for IrishAl to upload!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5ySBwWqwpc Waiting for the Miracle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ogex7hAoz4 Palau Sant Jordi before the concert.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jesYeHNmH8o Hey That's No Way to Say goodbye
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-Ievp2xU60 Gypsy Wife
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB2LKIzsK0Y I tried to leave you...just some of it...

Sorry there was not texting or twittering last night, for me it was an unbelieveably intense concert and it didn't end til after 1am! Then there was a lot of trying to decide how to get to somewhere with liquid refreshments etc etc!

Wonderful concert, will write a bit more tomorrow probably. Shattered tired still.

That was quick work burningviolin! And a very familiar camera angle...will probably look identical to mine!

[abeggarleaning]

An old man sitting in my row appeared to be in floods of tears throughout the second half of the concert. I looked again carefully and noticed that the man was me.

Leonard, thanks for the trouble you took.



Manchester, Glastonbury, O2, Big Chill, Cardiff, Barcelona.

[Christopher B]

Just back from Barcelona. What a triumph. The area around the Palau St. Jordi is magnificent, as was what followed. This was the first concert I had seen since last year and my first reaction was that the sound was diffrent but that was probably the venue. Leonards reception was very moving reflecting not only his birthday but that we were grateful that he had recovered from his illness. After what I thought was a slighty tentative start (although perhaps that was my anxiety) the second half, with encores, was simply amazing. It's difficult to pick highlights but "Hallelujah" has never sounded better and "Famous Blue Raincoat" captured the last 40 years. The Barcelona audience were very warm towards and knowledgable about Leonard but what was very heartening was that, compared with the UK concerts I went to last year, a large proportion were very young helping Leonard and his music to live on. The best concert since Manchester.