Another second poster here, first one was a very delayed review of sorts of the Auckland, New Zealand show of January 2009.
I'm Cullen, I'm 18 and I love Leonard Cohen. I was practically raised with Leonard Cohen by my dad but really started to appreciate his music when I was about 15. I was born in London, England, but moved to Holland when I was 5. I lived there for 7 years until my family and I moved to Auckland, New Zealand. I have since moved a little south and am now attending University and living with friends in Hamilton.
I was very lucky to get the opportunity to see Leonard last year, when he came to Auckland. It was truly amazing and I would love to go to the scheduled Auckland show, but I cannot afford a ticket due to being a University student. It's a hard life!
Leonard is one of two musical acts that will always stay with me, the other being R.E.M. I've grown up with them, and they both seem to be able to make the good, and bad times, better.
It's hard for me to pick a favourite song or album, as they change as frequently as the New Zealand weather! However, I do believe in what Diana, or ladydi, wrote earlier in this thread and that "[Leonard's] music and poetry will touch you when the time is right, and it will forever find a place within your heart." I had this recently with First We Take Manhattan. I had just left home permanently after having trouble with my mother my whole life, and the song just seemed to speak to me. Touched me. I'll never forget that moment. It made me realise that I have potential as a human being, and am capable of great things no matter what anybody else says. That may not be what the song is about, but that's what it communicated me at that time.
Funnily enough, I realised right now that R.E.M. actually covered First We Take Manhattan! Funny how things work out!
Anyway, I hope to enjoy the fruits this forum has to offer, and indulge in many Cohen-centric discussions with fellow Leonard-lovers
Cullen
Looking forward to seeing both of you again in Vegas!