Concert Memories:London and Birmingham

[Parsifal]

A couple of older friends of mine gave me some interesting concert anecdotes that date back to the seventies/eighties.

The location of the first was a concert at London's Victoria Theatre (have checked that it would have been about '76, though there is not set-list): LC was called back for repeated encores, finishing up with a rendition of 'You Are My Sunshine' - 'because we've run out of songs!'

The second was at the Birmingham NEC, early '85 on the Various Positions tour. LC came onstage, began the first number, then suddenly stopped and announced that he 'didn't feel right', as he 'hadn't had a shave'. He announced that he was going off to remedy this, then returned and resumed from where he left off.

Any other witnesses to these occasions?

[John Etherington]

Hi Parsifal,

I went to all three of the New Victoria Theatre concerts, which took place on 6th, 7th, 8th July 1976 (the theatre is now called the Apollo, and the show "Wicked" is on there). At the time, I was working in a shop called Recordsville, which was a few minutes walk away in Wilton Road. When the tickets went onsale, I was able to stroll down the road, and casually buy seats in the front three rows dead centre for each night! The tickets cost £5.00 each. Of all the early shows that I saw, I remember these having the most perfect and clear renditions of Leonard's songs that I had heard. I don't remember the band being particularly large, but the two female backing vocalists were there (including I believe Jennifer Warnes). The audience remained totally silent and respectful throughout every concert. Strangely, I have no recollection whatsoever of Leonard performing "You Are My Sunshine" , though he may well have done so. I do however remember him playing "Do I Have to Dance All Night" (sometimes twice) and I believe "Storeroom", too. In those days not many people risked taking portable tape machines into concerts, but I can remember thinking at the time what excellent recordings might have been made . Unfortunately not one recording has ever come to light from any of the three nights. The second night was very special for me, as it was my 25th birthday. My friend Johnny Rogan (now a well-known music writer) who was working with me in the record store, came to the concert that night. After the show, we were walking past a door at the back of the building, when a limousine suddenly pulled-up. I said "hey - it looks like Leonard's coming out"! Seconds later, the side-door opened and out walked Leonard looking just like he did on the cover of "Death of a Ladies Man". There were two people with him (I believe a man and a woman). I extended my hand to Leonard and thanked him for the concert. He held my hand firmly and looked at me intensely as if he was looking into the depths of my soul. I said "Mr Cohen, would you please be so kind as to sign my programme". "Sure, man!" he said, and he then signed his name slowly and clearly, before he was driven off into the night. Six years later, I met Marvin Gaye coming out of the same theatre, on the opposite side.

All the best, John E

[Parsifal]

Thanks for those memories, John. Although I've been fortunate in having near-the- front seats for Leonard's recent concerts, I would have loved to have seen him years ago in a more intimate venue.

[John Etherington]

Hi Parsifal,

Thanks for your message. I was lucky enough to see all of Leonard's London concerts in the Seventies. A few other memories have resurfaced regarding the New Victoria concerts. I think I remember Leonard telling the Chelsea Hotel story for the first time at these, and I believe that he also included "Die Gedanken Sind Frei". After my brief meeting him in Vauxhall Bridge Road, I remember regretting not mentioning my idea for "Live Songs 2". I had compiled a possible sequence of songs, which included "Chelsea Hotel" (with the Janis Joplin rap"), "Sisters of Mercy" and the aforementioned new songs that he was singing.

All the best, John E

P.S. I'll reply to your other message, later today.