One year on the road

[jarkko]

Leonard & team have now been on the road for one full year - the first concert was last year on May 11 in Fredericton!

[mnkyface]

Hooray Leonard and Unified Heart! Thank you for ALL the great shows. Let me selfishly take this opportunity to ask you to come back to California Pleeeeeeaaaaase (sung like Roscoe Beck)

Hooray to Jarkko too for the tireless administration of this board, and for helping so many fans get tickets.

(Jarkko I notice your signature ends at 2/19 NY...are you not going to any concerts in Europe this summer or have you just not updated your sig?)

***Thanks for reminder! Updated - Eija and I plan and hope to take Berlin, Venice, and Barcelona. Meanwhile you may relax and... / Jarkko***

[A.Sukitu]

To Leonard and the Troubadours -
thank you and thank you for a very wonderful year. I wish you'd go on forever ("I've always been greedy that way"); I look forward to the next album/dvd/tour (please!)

Leonard: You are a Jewel. I hope that you are enjoying the love surrounding you.

Jarkko: please could this item be placed in the News section as well? I'm sure it is being missed by so many.

Again - thanks to everyone who came so far for beauty .... xx

[Mabeanie1]

Thank you for reminding us Jarkko. Tomorrow will be the one year anniversary of my own first show in Halifax NS on May 13, 2008. We go over to Canada, particularly Nova Scotia, 2 or 3 times a year. I was terrified that Leonard would not be able to take the pace of touring so the opportunity to fit in an extra trip to see friends, progress some research and catch one or more of the very first shows was too good to pass up. As we flew out from London Heathrow that morning on what felt like the longest 6 hours of my life, I was a bundle of nerves and excitement. I'd already seen the reviews from Moncton so I knew Leonard had returned on top form but I completely underestimated the power of the show or my feelings on that first night. The audience were warm, they were respectful and they were collectively totally overcome by the enormity of the opportunity they had been given. The economics of touring mean that the big names only rarely get as far as the East Coast and here was Leonard Cohen himself in their midst.

We went to two more shows that week and it was a sheer delight to see Leonard and the band's own growing enjoyment of the shared experience as the week wore on. I was there the night that A Thousand Kisses Deep became a part of the second half set - one of the many thrills this rollercoaster of a year has provided.

Thank you Leonard. Thank you Rob Hallet of AEG for getting him back on the road. Thank you each and every one of the band and crew for keeping the show on the road and helping to give us such a wonderful experience. And thank you to my long suffering husband - who knew little about Leonard Cohen before the Spring of 2008 other than that I have been a fan throughout the 38 years we've been together - who has put up with my obsession, helped me buy tickets, driven me to shows and provided a shoulder for me to sob on whenever it has all become too much for me.

One day it will all end and I will return to being a respectable 50-something accountant. Until then, I can't help myself - I am having far too much fun to stop now! My retirement fund is somewhat depleted but I am much richer for all the wonderful memories that Leonard and the new friends I have discovered through him have given me.

Wendy

[Mordy]

Absolutely! I agree with everything you've said, Wendy. Especially the bit about long-suffering partners I'm sure a year ago mine would never have believed he would be going to three LC concerts (never having been an LC fan up until now), and would be agreeing to go to Nimes in August this year for the summer holiday - mind you, I did stress the bit about the Roman Arena and wouldn't it be special to see a concert in a venue like that.

I just can't believe the energy that Leonard must possess for an intensive tour like this, with all the travelling and time changes etc, to say nothing of the three hour gigs themselves. All power to him - and, quite simply, thank you - what a treat it's all being.

[tomsakic]

Congratulations to Leonard, Sharon, Mr. Kory, all band members and all the team! May long you run...

[somewhat_nifty]

Thanks so much to Leonard and everyone else concerned for the supreme effort involved in all of this - it is so much appreciated. I've had so much fun seeing Leonard, and still more to come! Coudn't agree more with previous posters about long suffering partners - I don't think my boyfriend (not a fan previous to the live shows) anticipated a trip to NY to come out of all this Leonard has broadened his horizons in more ways than one!

[imaginary friend]

Dear Jarkko,
Dear Leonard,
Dear Sharon,
Dear Hattie, Dear Charley,
Dear Dino,
Dear Neil,
Dear Javier,
Dear Bob,
Dear Raphael,
Dear Roscoe,
Dear Leanne,
Dear Promoters,
Dear Technicians,
Dear Roadies,
Dear hat/clothing caretaker,
Dear Monkey Fred & plywood violin,
Dear Anyone I have missed, connected with this tour.

Thank you forever.

I've experienced the great pleasure of attending four concerts, in Montreal, New York, Vancouver and Victoria BC. My friends think I'm nuts. My daughter observed: 'Your outlook seems so much more optimistic since this time last year... for the Love of Leonard ?'

After every concert I attended, I witnessed it: Leonard brings out the best in us.

With much love, and much gratitude,

Sheila

[ladydi]

What a year this has been! Who would have thought at that first concert in Fredericton that a rolling stone (no connection to any other group ) was being formed that would gain in momentum each month, gathering us with it as it sped along....growing larger because of new fans, and becoming more refined and smooth each day!

I've been fortunate to have been to Copenhagen, New York, Phoenix, Detroit and soon Red Rocks! Hopefully there will be another 2 or 3 concerts in the future months. I know I'm a different person on a certain level than I was a year ago. It's difficult to put into words.

Thank you Leonard from my heart for all you have given me....the poetry, the music, but so much more! Thank you AEG and Rob Hallett for persuading Leonard to tour! Thank you Jarkko for all your work, sacrifices, and teaching us patience! Thank you everyone on stage and behind the stage for all your talent and sharing yourselves with us!

We all may express this is different ways. I just tend to put it out there and not worry about how it sounds. So...we love you Leonard! Thank you for giving us the music that we may keep it alive!

All the best,
Diana

[hydriot]

On 21 October 2007, I ended my report on Leonard's appearance at the Green Note Café the day before with these words:

"And, as a reward for those who have had the patience to read this review in its entirety, I have left the best bit to the end. During the question and answer session in the pre-concert talk, Leonard said: "I have some plans. God willing, I will be on tour next summer." Note this time he didn't say he hoped to be touring next summer. He said 'will'."

Wow! Do you remember when we didn't even dare hope that he might, just might, go on tour again ? When we considered we'd be blessed if Leonard performed at just a handful of concerts, if we were lucky? I mean, let's be realistic: what can you expect of a 73-year-old man?

We were living in a different world then. If we'd known then what we know now...

[ladydi]

It is indeed awesome! Who would have thought! Now there are sold out venues all over the world! Leonard...you are not only touching the hearts of all those who have loved you these many years, but there is an entire generation coming to know you! Personally I know several in their 30's, BUT, in Detroit I met one in his teens! And there is also another devoted fan in Jackson Melnick....14 years old...lives in Colorado! We may be gone (er, don't want to hurry this)....Leonard may be gone (don't want to hurry that either...I want another concert!) BUT...the music and the poetry will live on for centuries. Leonard is the Mozart of music...the Shakespeare of words....for this century.....and perhaps many more to come.

The words...the words...the words...they will live forever. Thank you Leonard!

With love and gratitude,
Diana

[lizzytysh]

Thanks for your individualized thank you's, Sheila... truly in Leonard style. If I may borrow them, I extend each one, as well. Thank you for taking the time .

I've held off in commenting on this thread because of all the emotions I've experienced as this tour has continued and been extended. I've wondered whether I should make individual comments related to each one, but have ultimately decided to just list a few of the relative words.

Gratitude
Shock
Amazement
Awe
Respect
Gratitude
Shock
Anger
Frustration
Confusion
Fear
Concern
Deep Concern
Fear
Astonishment
Wonderment
Wondering
Acceptance
Understanding
Excitement
Gratitude
Respect
Awe
Pride
Deep Concern
Comfort
Discomfort
Fear
Trust
Peace
Peace
Respect
Gratitude
Awe
Trust
Trust
Understanding
Pride
Gratitude
Awe
Gratitude
Respect
Gratitude


Thank you to Leonard... thank you to every single person who is a part of his grand endeavour and accomplishment for setting your personal lives aside, at least in some measure, and hanging in there in the fulfillment of Leonard's dream and commitment to his legions of fans everywhere in the world, as he does his utmost best to be there for every one of them. It is so clear that for those he cannot be in proximity to, he feels regret. I've never seen anyone do as much for so many, even to the point of extending and extending and extending, again. When anyone sees him perform, there is no question that this has nothing to do with the money. It simply is who he is and he's trying to be there for each and every one of us and is fulfilling his desire and efforts sublime. May this time for all of you directly involved be remembered and deeply appreciated all your days. How many of us would gladly adjust our lives to be in your place. Such a life gift you are receiving. Such a life gift we are receiving. Thank you, Leonard. Thank you.


Love to you, LEONARD, in so many ways,
Love to you, Jarkko, in so many ways,
Love to you, Marie, in so many ways,
Love to you, Anjani, in so many ways,
Love to you, Sharon, in so many ways,
Love to you, ROB HALLETT, [yes, it was worth the return and a second Edited line... of course, Rob's name cannot be capitalized without Leonard's own being done the same... and thank you, Hydriot, for the additional information on Rob... WoW... Rob ~ you knew you would win, yet still what a fine gesture of confidence giving... you knew, as we do, that Leonard is not Yesterday's or Last Year's Man... he is Today's Man... Tomorrow's Man... the, and our, Forever Man.]
Love to you, Robert Kory,
Love to you, Mike Scoble, [for the role you perform, and if you are or aren't the one who got Leonard back on the road... and if you're not, I'll gladly incur an Edited line, when I find your name, which I cannot remember... thank you, Paul Zagreb, for providing Rob's name for me]
Love to you, Charley and Hattie,
Love to you, Javier,
Love to you, Dino,
Love to you, Roscoe,
Love to you, Bob,
Love to you, Neil,
Love to you, Raphael,
Love to the Crew,
Love to you, Leanne,
Love to you, Adam and your wife,
Love to you, Lorca,
Love to you, Cassius...

On this side of the stage, thank you to Mary and her creative making of the Plywood Violin for her gift of Fred, the Monkey, to Leonard... thank you, Leonard, for your embracing of the gifts of your committed fans... and, thank you, all band members, who have given us so many moments of joy ever since, as we've followed Fred on the road... the same road all of you are on.

Love to all of you involved, named and unnamed... and even, in an odd sort of way, Kelley... in its irony, your honourable mention; as Leonard would seem to have been saying with slight adaptation of his lyrics, "I don't need to be forgiven for trusting you so much" ~ trust and love go together. Without your poor behaviour, we would never have experienced the gloriousness of this tour. Fate has its own way of exacting justice.

May you all find your well-deserved rest when this tour ends. May you all return to your personal lives with your incredible inspiration from Leonard intact... may all who encounter you, thereafter, be accordingly rewarded.

Thank you, Leonard, for being all that you are. As you live your life, it only continues to reveal more. You are blessed. We are blessed. Your gratitude shines brilliantly through wherever you go, with whomever you encounter. May your days, months, and years be lived exactly as you want. You've earned and deserve every one.



Love,
Lizzy

[Paul Zagreb]

Love to you, Mike Scoble, [for the role you perform, and if you are or aren't the one who got Leonard back on the road... and if you're not, I'll gladly incur an Edited line, when I find your name, which I cannot remember],

What wonderful thoughts - they bring tears to my eyes ... just for the sake of completeness .. I think Rob Hallett was the name you were searching for, Lizzy!

[mutti]

Lizzy that was absolutely beautiful...
thank you
and Thank you Leonard!

[hydriot]

just for the sake of completeness .. I think Rob Hallett was the name you were searching for, Lizzy!

Yes. Without Rob Hallett gently but repeatedly nagging Leonard to go on tour, reassuring him that he was not forgotten, was not Yesterday's Man, there wouldn't be anybody to thank here at all. And let's not forget that Rob Hallett actually offered to underwrite the opening concerts in Canada if they proved to be a flop, an incredibly generous gesture and a mark of his personal commitment to Leonard.

I think Rob Hallett's contribution is so significant, he deserves capitals:

"Love to you, ROB HALLETT"