Announcement of the Nov 27 concert in Phnom Penh

[garden of eden]

I think we ALL had better just chill, and put an end to this thread...
(please jarkko... put an end to this...)

money is lost... some hearts are broken....
but there is ENOUGH negativity in this world we live in... our daily existence is filled with negative, nutty, impatient, and agressive people... why allow it to sip into this forum...

I say we all take a deep breath, take a hot bath, (punch a punching-bag if you must), and chill...

[kikilala]

The comments of the holier than thou make it very clear that for some people here Leonard (and even Kory) are like gods, and one will be set upon and persecuted if a word of doubt or criticism dares pass our lips...what blasphemy that is to them

You know I do adore the man and his music, but it doesn't stop me from questioning why he/his management may be doing things somewhat unprofessionally. I think we certainly have the right given what has happened to us. It's only fair and does not imply a desire to be "hurtful" to the man we all clearly respect and love.

[Gala]

absolutely, how can those with their holier than thou attitudes sit in front of their computer screen and judge when they are not even in our predicament. It is so easy for all of you to be up in arms about our ranting when u are not the ones who are majorly inconvenienced and disappointed as a result of the concert cancellation. this is afterall a forum pertaining to the Phnom Penh concert which was cancelled, so I dont know why those of you who werent even going are now giving your two cents worth about how we are supposed to feel. also, Harriet why do you take it so personally when we are airing our grievances?? if you are so 'hurt' by it, why are u trawling this forum in the first place? i dont believe u bought the ticket, air fare and hotel right? u even claim to have seen a couple of his concerts previously! unlike the majority of us for whom this would have been a once in a lifetime event. if you are so easily 'hurt' by the griping of fellow users on the forum (which by the way, is not even directed at you), i really wonder how u function in real life situations. your dramatizations and histrionics are absolutely tragic.

[GaryP27]

Some people thought that this would be a place they could air their disappointment and anger (whether or not misplaced) and where others who loved Leonard Cohen's work would understand.

They reckoned without the doctrine of infallibility.

[kikilala]

INTEGRITY comes from a long line of pedigree breeding, and one can witness it anytime, anywhere, at any concert or interaction. Robert Kory's INTEGRITY is unassailable. If any of us were to attempt even one hour of Robert Kory's job, we would immediately realize the overwhelming and daunting complexities he must deal with and resolve daily in the 360-degree sphere that he functions in as Leonard's management. Leonard's INTEGRITY in all of this isn't even up for consideration, yet if it is to be, it is unassailable, as well. It's there, it's solid, it's pure. He would NEVER involve himself in any scheme or plan to deceive or rip off fans. Robert Kory has consistently demonstrated his good will and good faith with Leonard and Leonard's fans, at every turn.


~ Lizzy

PSST..lizzytysh...are you Robert Kory incognito?? HAHAHAHA

[guest]

Some people thought that this would be a place they could air their disappointment and anger (whether or not misplaced) and where others who loved Leonard Cohen's work would understand.

Well, there has certainly been a lot of disappointment and anger voiced so IT IS a place where you can do that. Just don't expect everyone to agree with it - some people react differently. They are just trying to say that we still don't know the reason that the concert was canceled and it may be better to reserve judgment for a while instead of blaming everyone involved now. Expressing disappointment and anger is different from assigning blame without knowing the full facts.

I say we all take a deep breath, take a hot bath, (punch a punching-bag if you must), and chill...

Right - this discussion isn't going anywhere. This situation is what it is and none of this will change anything.

[Gala]

Here is Robert Kory's mass email reply:

First please accept my personal apologies for my failure to foresee the disasters that led to cancellation of the Cambodian concert. Second, I am planning to make a statement on the forum, but I am waiting to sort out all the damage.

In the interim, here is the simple explanation. The local promoter is inexperienced, and failed to account properly for the cost in presenting the concert in such a remote location. The technical hallmark of a Leonard Cohen concert on this tour is its sound; we do not compromise the standards, and we have a very detailed technical rider that we send to every promoter prior to signing a contract as to the technical requirements. Many less advanced countries do not have the equipment which must be shipped in by freight. Even in the famous Israel concert last year, we had to ship in truckloads of equipment from Germany. In the case of Phnom Penh, we verified, through an independent European tour manager living in Thailand, that the required equipment existed in SE Asia and could be shipped in. Over the course of the last few months, I relied on AEGLive in London to monitor progress along with our our crew. AEGLive is responsible for all promotion contracts and for verifying the financial integrity of all local promoters. About four weeks ago, I became concerned that our crew was not getting answers from the local promoter about equipment arrivals, load in schedules, etc, Ticket sales were not great, but were adequate. When I finally pressed the issue on equipment, however, it became clear that the local promoter had not anticipated either the full cost of renting equipment and not any cost of freight. Equipment production costs alone rose to over $500,000. That cost is not feasible for a 2,000 person concert, The venue only holds 3,500. In addition to the equipment production costs, you have to add air charter, security, hotels, etc for 40 people. Total show costs would reach over $800,000. In short the concert would have been a financial disaster even if every ticket were sold; there would not only be no money for charity, but the local promoter would be bankrupt and we would no doubt have incurred great travel and hotel expense for which we would not be reimbursed.

What took so long for me to discover these matters? The local promoter was less than forthcoming, and AEGLive became so emotionally committed to seeing the historic concert happen that they failed in their oversight duties. This is a very rare error of judgment. I was the final line of defense in unearthing the facts, and when I smelled a problem, I pushed until I got answers, as I am not just a manager, but a lawyer. So my due diligence efforts included personally calling the local promoter every hour for several days while I was in New Zealand and sending increasingly forceful and compelling emails demanding the truth whatever the truth might be. In AEG's defense, the local promoter stopped returning AEG's calls, probably as panic set in as the local promoter realized that the concert meeting our technical standards was not financially feasible.

The success of our tour over the past two and one-half years may lead some fans to believe that the whole enterprise is or has been easy to manage and coordinate. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Managing and promoting a tour of this magnitude and quality is extraordinarily difficult because we absolutely never compromise quality. Some artists would say, "go ahead, rent the cheap local equipment, too bad if the audience can't hear, they can't hear in most concerts anyway." That approach is anathema to us. Leonard has given me the honor and the privilege to manage a tour of unprecedented quality. Between ourselves, we call it "the no compromise tour." That has been our premise from day one, and I take some satisfaction that the whole crew has adopted a standard of excellence. That means we turn down many offers. In retrospect, we should have declined the Phnom Penh offer.

I deeply regret the inconvenience our "no compromise" attitude has had on your plans. I can only console myself with the knowledge that I would have been even more horrified to walk the stadium and hear muddled sound that made it impossible to hear the music and lyrics.

We remain committed to playing Asia; I have explored many avenues; our technical rider is a deterrent to many Asian promoters who know their business; nevertheless, Leonard plans to tour next year after the release of his new record. I will continue to try to organize a tour in Asia.

Please let us know if there is any way we can assist you in seeing one of the remaining concerts in Australia or North America. Tickets will be our gift.

By the way, we are making a donation to charity in Cambodia from revenues earned in Australia because we told the Cambodian public that a charitable donation would be made. That donation will come directly from my pocket and from Leonard's.

Kind regards,
Robert


Robert Kory
RK Management, LLC
9300 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 200
Beverly Hills,CA 90212

[GaryP27]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Robert Kory (and "Gala") for this information.

I did not receive this, despite writing to him a good while ago.

I must confess it's pretty much as I'd expected.

It is what we were hoping for in terms of an explanation (although not as much as we were hoping to see Leonard Cohen).

I appreciate the honesty even though I remain deeply, deeply disappointed.

The PR we were fed was just too insulting.

If Leonard does tour Asia, and there is a weekend concert I can get to (my work doesn't allow me a longer break) I will be there, but not if Mekong Sessions has anything whatsoever to do with it.

Thanks again.

[davidrichards]

Robert Kory's email does rather go to prove my earlier posts. The local promoter wasn't up to the job and the email I received from Mekong Sessions was their way of trying to get out of accepting responsibility for the mess. Hopefully other acts will hear of their incompetence and avoid them at all costs. If they were not aware of the requirements for promoting any concert, yet alone one of this magnitude, then they shouldn't be in the business and one would think/hope that AEG Live would be aware of that fact. Any students' union who promotes college dances with live bands would be better equipped than Mekong Sessions appear to be.

Maybe the one good thing to come out of this is the acknowledgement by Robert Kory that there will indeed be another tour.

As always our thoughts should be with those people who will not now have the opportunity to see the most incredible group of musicians ever to grace a stage.

[casterbridgecohen]

I have just read this thread right through with great interest.

I have a great deal of sympathy with those who feel let down and can fully understand their frustrations - as much as anything because of the lack of communication or acknowledgement from Leonard or Robert Kory. Robert has organised a magnificent tour that deserves to go down in the history of popular music as one of the most successful tours of all time and I have told him to commission a writer to write an insiders history - it will be riveting and deserves to be chronicled. Most of us can only guess at perhaps 10% of the arrangements that need to be made for a successful concert let alone 250 concerts.

Leonard has performed at a level that has had critics and fans alike paying tributes of the highest calibre and he has touched the hearts and formed a bond with millions.

But ............................that does not mean they are faultless or should go through life immune from criticism! And I do believe that one can point out concerns and criticisms and direct them at whoever one feels responsible - even Leonard and Robert.

And at the end of the day it is Leonard who is the ultimate guardian of the brand Cohen and he has appointed Robert to select promoters etc. But as someone wrote they did not buy the ticket because the Mekong Sessions was the name of the tcket but the name Cohen and at the end of the day it is the person at the very top who is ultimately responsible. Now as it happens Leonard has been very fortunate in having Robert represent him and if he wishes not to comment then that is disappointing but it is Leonard's right if he chooses not to comment. Personally I think a simple statement saying Leonard 'deeply regretted the cancellation and a full explanation would be coming in due course' would have gone a long way to placating people')

However it is also his fan's right to express criticism in response if Leonard does not comment. Leonard is my idol and icon - I revere him and his music but does that mean I cannot say he might have screwed up? - of course not!

As it is I think Roberts statement is remarkable for its candour and honesty and is very welcome - I am surprised that he did not move a lot quicker to get something out to counter the statement put out by the Mekong Sessions which had a different slant on the cancellation and purported to be on behalf of Leonard and Robert. Reading Roberts statement one would not expect any future Asian concert to be in Cambodia nor with the Mekong Sessions but the earlier statement phrased to be on behalf of Robert and Leonard has a different twist.

In truth many people expressed a lot of concerns regarding this concert from Day 1 and although I am one of those described as 'collecting concerts like postcards' I could not come close to justifying the absurd ticket prices. Singapore or Bangkok Yes - PP for those of us familiar with Cambodia and SE Asia just never seemed either right or logical. And if I can fathom that out I think those representing Leonard should have been able to also.

However once the concert was agreed I do think Leonard had a moral obligation to deliver - I read and totally understand what Robert has written about the No Compromises Tour and without a shadow of doubt the quality of sound on these concerts have been unparalleled - whatever the venue. However if 600 or 200 or 1000 people had bought tickets for PP surely they could have been given refunds and Leonard, Rosco, Sharron Bob and Rafael and could have flown in and done an acoustic set in a smaller venue and ticket sales at $150 would have covered most of the basics. It could have been a Public Relations Coup of the decade (Singer Leonard Cohen flies to Cambodia at his own expense to keep faith with disappointed fans) and those present would not have felt short changed - they would have been at a truly unique event.

As I have written above the buck stops at the top and the decisions are made at the top and if the will was there I think this could have been made to happen. If Leonard says Jump there is only one answer - and that is 'How high'.

My one criticism of this tour is one that can be fairly levelled at most organisations and companies and that is ....................communication.

There have now been three occasions when concerts have been cancelled on this tour - France and Europe in February, Honolulu and PP and on each occasion I think the communication could have been better handled whatever reasons lay behind the cancellations.

And on this occasion Robert's explanation is detailed and honest and welcomed and Yes in retrospect they should have done more due diligence to perform in such a difficult location but once that decision was made I do believe Leonard, having sanctioned the concert, had a moral responsibility to get there in some shape or form.

As it happens I am a Tour Operator and I sell dreams to people - and I am legally and more importantly morally contracted to deliver. If I sell a tour based on 20 people travelling then I either make it quite clear that the tour is based on a minimum number of participants or there is a higher price for fewer participants but if we do not insert those conditions and only 4 sign up then I have to make it happen. Whatever.

So I end as I began - I sympathise with those who have lost out but I think Robert's statement has certainly provided a logical explanation of why the concert as planned could not proceed. I just happen to beliebve something else should have been arranged.

And I think I will pass on that concert planned in Patagonia to support reforestation in Chile!



PS Lizzy - there is no King in Cambodia!

[guest]

Leonard plans to tour next year after the release of his new record. I will continue to try to organize a tour in Asia.

Well, that's great news for everyone that there is still a hope for an Asian concert. Now we can look to the future.

[guest]

PS Lizzy - there is no King in Cambodia!

Apart from this one.... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norodom_Sihamoni

[tomsakic]

Well, Asian tour is obviously hard nut. Japan plans were also cancelled, the whole Pacific Ring tour came down to NZ, Australia and the Pacific Coast. South African concert was also two times rumoured and then it never came further then plans. South America (Brazil) also... although it was even announced in local newspapers. This detailed and honest letter shows how big job is to organise the tour, especially with Tel Aviv show as proof (equipment coming from Germany with trucks!).

Now, about LC's feelings. I think that donation is his best way to act. he doesn't need to comment - there's somebody (AEG Live) who gets good share of profit to organise the venues, while performers are travelling light. And LC always gives himself fully from the stage, he doesn't need to feel to comment or one or another cancelled or delayed show.

[Gala]

Not wanting to sound pessimistic or skeptical but I really doubt there would be another tour for some time, at least not in SE Asia. I asked Robert if the postponement was indefinite and he didnt reply, so I wouldnt be holding my breath. Having said that I am very grateful to have seen him in concert in LA almost 2 years ago. best concert of my life, blew my mind away. I agree with casterbridgecohen 100%. I think that he has presented a very fair and accurate picture with no finger pointing or blame. It is disappointing that Leonard has not taken this opportunity to comment. As for the moral obligation to deliver, I cannot agree enough. What does it matter if it is 2000 fans or 200? If there was really any regard for the fans who have gone the distance to attend this concert, the obligation is still there - the show must go on. Notice that the reason the concert was cancelled was due to the lack of communication between management and local organisers, as well as the requisite equipment which apparently was unavailable at the last minute. It was not as a result of illness etc. If the fans have shelled out so much time, money and effort to fly to another country to catch Leonard live in person, surely he could return the favor by doing an acoustic set for the small number of hard core fans who flew in specially to see him- it doesnt necessarily have to be in the original big venue (hence no issue of equipment). And just incase these zealots (I am talking about you, Harriet and LIzzie) jump on me for my frank comments, I am not apportioning blame nor am I turning against your God LC. As someone who has purchased the concert tickets and am still a steadfast fan, I am just disappointed at the turn of events. I am not about to burn his CDS or posters as (Harriet likend it to the Beatles saga in the 60's). I am just a fan who has felt let down. Those of you who are not in this predicament cannot stand on your pedastal and judge. That's all i am saying.

[Harriet175]

... an acoustic set for the small number of hard core fans who flew in specially to see him- it doesnt necessarily have to be in the original big venue (hence no issue of equipment).

There was never any doubt that a lot of people would have loved that!!!
But unfortunately, i feel, it is not up to you or us to decide...

And just incase these zealots (I am talking about you, Harriet and LIzzie) jump on me for my frank comments

You clearly misunderstood me there, too. I never jumped on you. I would never do that.

I am not apportioning blame nor am I turning against your God LC.

While you state that Robert Kory explained himself with "no finger pointing or blame" - it seems to me that it is too difficult for you to comment without.
Edit: replace the name Robert Kory by name "casterbridgecohen"

As someone who has purchased the concert tickets and am still a steadfast fan, I am just disappointed at the turn of events. I am not about to burn his CDS or posters as (Harriet likend it to the Beatles saga in the 60's). I am just a fan who has felt let down.

That you are "still a steadfast fan" is fine. You just had your own unusual way of phrasing that, before:

Leonard could have personally issued a heartfelt apology but he didnt bother as well... What I'm sure I WONT be doing is ever listening again to any music by Mr Cohen. They can take their free CD and shove it where the sun dont shine.

People did sympathize with the disappointment of those involved and let down. Some people did not sympathize with some accusing finger pointing and reactions - when not knowing what happened.

I think LC himself is to blame for this fiasco. I believe it was his idea to play in Phnom Penh as he probably hasn't been there and thought this location a novel idea at the time. I cannot believe that AEG alone would have come up with this location in Asia. Worse still is that he has chosen not to offer a proper apology to his loyal fans.

Quotes: How can you have faith in someone who royally screwed so many of your fans? Yeah I am pissed and depressed. But it was not the promoters' name that persuaded me to book. I know Leonard is an old man now and needs rest etc, but this lack of communication really does make him seem out of touch with the fans...I feel that the handling of the whole situation shows a blatant disregard for the fans who have shelled out enormous time and money for what was supposed to be the concert of their lives.
Leonard has been with me through all the ups and downs of life and this feels like a huge betrayal somehow..why is he not saying anything to us?
How can he not know how much people like us really love him and what he means to us?? What is even worse..I can't seem to listen to his songs anymore so even that is lost.."
Leonard could have personally issued a heartfelt apology but he didnt bother as well... What I'm sure I WONT be doing is ever listening again to any music by Mr Cohen. They can take their free CD and shove it where the sun dont shine.

No-one ever applauded the cancellation nor the handling of it. Everyone in the forum - my impression - thought that an honest explanation, apology...was needed.
But not accusing people for something they have not done – when not knowing what happened or how the organisers feel about the cancellation - is not the same as seeing them as “infallible or beyond criticism”.

When the management/performer is not issuing a 2nd statement, at this time,
in my mind, it does not necessarily mean that the respectice people do not bother or do not care.

I had always thought it would be rather the contrary:
possibly it is because the management and the performer do care, and because they do feel bad about letting fans down – that they may be at a loss for words, and are cautious and hesitating regarding what they can say at all to those fans who were let down. Which words or actions would be appropriate?
Hence one can imagine that the silence may also have a different meaning other than “not caring”, “not bothering” “not caring for the fans”.

I had always thought that the management/performer would feel bad already about the letting down of fans, because mistakes were made, hence the loss for words and actions...(at the same time i also thought that an honest explanation would have been needed earlier, owed to the fans!)

I am not about to burn his CDS or posters as (Harriet likend it to the Beatles saga in the 60's). I am just a fan who has felt let down.

... the turning of declared sympathy into speculative accusing anger in some forum comments, "reminded" me of that.

Those of you who are not in this predicament cannot stand on your pedastal and judge. That's all i am saying.
And just incase these zealots (I am talking about you, Harriet and LIzzie)

Well, it seems to me that you are judging others a lot, easily.

**** ****
This forum thread should be renamed, adding: "For actively venting and angry members only - those not venting or angry will not be tolerated or welcome"
**** ****
The "not working out of the concert" was no evil plan. The failure was not caused deliberately by the parties involved. Following disappointment of fans is very understandable.

As for the moral obligation to deliver, I cannot agree enough. What does it matter if it is 2000 fans or 200? If there was really any regard for the fans who have gone the distance to attend this concert, the obligation is still there - the show must go on...If the fans have shelled out so much time, money and effort to fly to another country to catch Leonard live in person, surely he could return the favor by doing an acoustic set for the small number of hard core fans who flew in specially to see him- it doesnt necessarily have to be in the original big venue (hence no issue of equipment). And just incase these zealots (I am talking about you, Harriet and LIzzie) jump on me for my frank comments, I am not apportioning blame nor am I turning against your God LC.

Is this a “demand”? Is this "wishful thinking"? A “moral obligation” to perform - after the concert contract was cancelled?

I am reading the above (sorry) as an – albeit indirect - form of blaming the performer: accusing him of failing his “moral obligation”, assuming or indicating he really may not have regard for the fans ("If there was really any regard for the fans - the obligation is still there - the show must go on"). The show doesn’t go on in Cambodia...but yes i do give the management/ performer the benefit of the doubt. I know you do not mean to blame, you are just upset. I agree that "returning the favour" is a nice idea.

With respect to the format of the 3 years long World tour, it seems very understandable - and forgivable - why a provisional concert would not take place (you do not need to be a “zealot” for seeing this point, thank you Gala for your kind words). While some fans may be perfectly happy just to look at Mr. Cohen, other fans may have complained about a provisional setting afterwards (the sound wasn’t good...whatever):

Quite a few people i had chatted to in the recent shows – who had also attended concerts in the 1970s – told me that they had actually not liked those old concerts so much, they had not found them very good – nowhere near as good as the current professional W. Tour. The reasons they gave me: they had mentioned “bad sound”, “bad accoustics”, “bad setting”, “Leonard Cohen just singing and standing on stage with a guitar”!

While i would have loved the more spontaneous settings of 1972.., less professional, less perfect, L. Cohen on stage just with a guitar... unfortunately i wasn’t born at the time yet ....a lot of people obviously had a different opinion about that than myself. And those who had told me were from different countries, different nationalities.

So this may be one reason why a provisional concert in Cambodia would not take place – although Kory and Cohen do care. I watched Tony Palmers concert film DVD “Bird on a Wire” on the tour in 1972, and i loved it. But one can imagine and understand that the management/performer may not want to repeat something similar in the context of this 2.5 year long World Tour. The fans have lost money, time... and they have lost the concert – but the other side (the management/Mr. Cohen) did not win.
...I doubt that one can convince the management to fligh the performers in, without equipment, just with a guitar. These are nice thoughts, though.
Nicole