The last few years were extraordinary.

[Unspoken Words]

The last few year have been extraordinary in many ways with LC outselling many 'major' well known acts. The public response has been to say the least unbelievable. At the concerts I was amazed by the number of people I met who did not know much about LC but had made the effort to buy a ticket, attend and appeared to enjoy it thoroughly. I personally through contacts persuaded some people that it was something they should not miss (some who had never even heard of LC before) and they all said it was an incredible experience that they will cherish.

Prior to the recent tours I would have thought that a tour would fill some medium sized theatres (2000 capacity range) in major cities but not major arenas for several nights (and then fill them agsin a short while later on a return tour!).

I am intrigued on why this is the case. First of of course there is the man himself and his music that we have always known about and the fantastic show that has been put together. Previous tours, although successful, have not however engendered such widespread adulation. Why now? There is an element of the 'last chance' to see the great man but is there also something to do with the economic climate and spiritual need in the world?

[John Etherington]

Hi Unspoken Words,

The same thing has crossed my mind, and what you say here is totally on track. What amazes me most is the way that interest in Leonard has escalated in the way that it has. Even at his initial peak in the Seventies, Leonard never played anywhere larger than the Albert Hall and it was relatively easy to get tickets. There was never the huge rush that there was for his contemporaries such as Dylan and Simon and Garfunkel. Leonard then fell out of favour for many years, but even when he made his comeback with "I'm Your Man" he still played similar venues, even though others from his era were playing huge stadiums.

The amazing thing is that Leonard had never had a hit single, and his songs were rarely played on the radio. He's also never had much exposure on television. It's true that Leonard developed a certain cult status following "I'm Your Fan", but I would have thought much of that interest would have subsided with his six years in the monastery. The past decade has seen some amazing comebacks...Brian Wilson for instance, but even he has never played an indoor concert in anywhere larger than the Royal Festival Hall or Royal Albert Hall. The same with Athur Lee, whose "Forever Changes" was also a cult classic.

So where have the huge numbers of people who have come to see Leonard in recent years emerged from? I'm curious as to what exactly sparked their interest and why they're prepared to pay such relatively high prices for tickets. I could understand it, if there had only been a couple of concerts but the ongoing interest is phenomenal. Recently Cat Stevens has made a similar comeback and filled the Royal Albert. However, even though he was a much more popular artist than Leonard in the Seventies and is still a fine performer, I would be amazed if he continues to generate the same amount of interest that Leonard is doing.

All good things, John E

[LisaLCFan]

I don't know the answer to your question (or even if there is a definitive answer, which I suspect there is not), but I can say that I am very happy to have been a part of this past extraordinary year (2009), when I was able to experience Leonard's amazing concert. It changed me in ways that I cannot fully explain or even comprehend (and I am certainly not new to Leonard's work, and yet, I was blown away by his show this year). Perhaps that's the (partial) answer: Leonard's concert takes us to places (within ourselves, and perhaps outside of ourselves) that we didn't know existed, and changes us in ways that we didn't know were possible. And it feels really good! And when other people hear these things, when they hear the ecstatic reviews of Leonard's show, then, even if they may not have a lot of experience with Leonard's work, they may be intrigued enough to buy a ticket, to see what all the fuss is about, and then they themselves experience the transcendental bliss that is Leonard's concert! Word spreads in our small world, and everyone wants a piece of this wonderful pie, thus leading to the World Tour 2010...

To paraphrase Lou Reed (from his introduction of LC at the R & R Hall of Fame): we are lucky to be alive at the same time as Leonard Cohen!

So, as to your question of Why now? Maybe we're just lucky, with luck being a series of random elements that all fall into place in a complex and extraordinary way at a particular time and place, the result being something magnificent.

[remote1]

Now correct me if I've got the wrong end of the stick here, but did Leonard's Hallelujah not feature in a big Hollywood blockbuster in the early 2000s, Shrek, or something like that? I think that alone would have been sufficient to create a renewed interest in Leonard Cohen's music and a significant new generation of fans (amongst the children watching the film and their parents). I have actually come across a couple of people who only know Hallelujah... Leonard's voice has ripened, mellowed, and his songs have now aquired a type of lullaby-for-adults quality which makes them cathartic, which I think broadens their appeal. To those who discovered him in the last decade, Leonard does not come across as the rebel, the anti-conformist, the troubling and troubled character that we knew, but as the friendly, safe, comforting, wise man. Well, that's my humble attempt at an answer to "why now?"... What do I know?

[John Etherington]

Hi remote1,

It was John Cale's version of "Hallelujah" that was featured in the "Shrek" move, and Rufus Wainwright's version that was featured in the album soundtrack. However, you've got a point in mentioning "Hallelujah" because Jeff Buckley's version could have pulled-in a huge fan base to the Leonard camp. Even so, it's still hard to imagine that this would have resulted in the dedication that had people with fingers on the button and prepared to pay top prices to see Leonard.

All the best, John E

[VELOVERMONT]

While I agree with all of the above quoted reasons for Leonard's tour huge success, I think two other factors were more important :

1) Leonard's financial difficulties and his courageous decision to take back the pilgrim stick deeply touched the emotional fiber in every fan and created a wave of sympathy and tickets buying , as if to say : You gave us so much Leonard during your whole career, now that you are in trouble it is our turn to give to you.

2) Internet and the instantaneous spreading of shows ' pictures, videos, reviews, fans appréciations etc...which created a tsunami like snowball effect.

[holydove]

UnspokenWord, I think you hit on something when you mentioned the spiritual need in the world at this time. I have been thinking along those lines for a while, and I feel that, for whatever reason, the spiritual evolution of humanity in general (not for all, but for many) has been speeding up, and therefore more peopole than ever not only need, but are ready to receive what Leonard so generously gives through his sublime art. And given the fact that Leonard's unfortunate financial loss has, I would think, long since been compensated for by even the first leg of the tour, I think it's very likely that Leonard is continuing to tour as a result of his great compassion for those who are experiencing that spiritual need, and are longing and ready to receive his infinite wisdom. Maybe I'm a bit idealistic, but I do see this as a possibility. . .

[MaryB]

I don't think it is merely the excellence of these concerts. The forum that Jarkko started here also definitely has an effect on the number of people attending the concerts, willing to pay the big bucks for primo seats, and then doing it all over again for many more concerts.

We have gotten to know each other somewhat through this forum. The opportunity to meet face-to-face with these forum members is an integral part of this whole LC concert experience. The meetups, whether it is with one member or a hundred, are such vibrant, dynamic and totally fun affairs, where we get together and learn more about each other, talk LC, and sometimes say things we would never post on the forum. The connection becomes finalized.

Most of us have brought family members, friends to the concerts with us. They in turn have spread the news. It's that old saw, 'Word of mouth is the best advertising'. Granted this does not account for the incredible amount of attendees in these vast stadium/arenas, and we have all run into 'Leonard who?', but yet, look at all the people that join the forum just to get into the presales never to post again after they get the info they need. Where have they been? Why don't they stay on as forum members? We've met people at these concerts (and elsewhere) that are just as passionate about LC as many of us here are (many of them going back to the 70's) and they are not even aware that this forum or website exists. Look at all the longtime lurkers here (I was one for many years) that finally reveal when they do post how intimidated they were by all the members here (for various reasons). How many are out there still that pop in here to see the latest news but never become members. They can't begin to see the benefits of forum membership - I know I didn't until I joined and saw how much easier it became to navigate around here - topics highlighted that take you to posts that you have not read....... I know I used to find myself reading the same things over and over again and missing many other things. These people are out there.

I know that the overwhelming use and reuse of 'Hallelujah' brought a whole new audience to LC. They took the time to find the origins of that song which led them deeper into LC. That and so many of the other factors mentioned in this topic and other topics.

I thought I was done with the concerts. Then concert withdrawal set in. I also want to meet up again with forum members I have already met, spend more time with them, go to concerts that I know other forum members that I want to meet will be at (all of you here on this topic, especially JohnE). Will I be picky? In 93, it was one concert only. I had more time coming to me and so did LC. Now many of us are heading into our 'winter' years and realize 'things' aren't important, experiences and people are. So, yes, I will be at more concerts. Me and the tens of thousands like-minded individuals out there.

Warmest regards,
Mary

[lizzytysh]

This I believe.

Ever faithful to the better man, Leonard has stayed true to himself. Leonard is a writer as well as a performer. He has written and continued to write and revise and refine in his relentless pursuit of precision and excellence in all facets of his trade. He has held fast to his vision. Imagination and visualization equal manifestation. The Universe has brought Leonard all that he has dreamed of and deserves. He has sung of his Secret Life... and now the Secret that has been the path for so many through the years has brought Leonard his own, long overdue rewards that are, paradoxically, exactly right on time. The truth that I am grateful to have lived during the same time as Leonard Cohen imparts the historical gravitas I feel regarding Leonard in the worlds of music and wisdom. What has happened is what it is and was meant to be. The Universe has forged, formed, sculpted, arranged itself in whatever ways necessary for it to be thus.

First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin.


~ Lizzy

[hydriot]

A few other points.

I sensed a tsunami was coming on 10 October 2007. When Leonard agreed quite late to take part in a pre-concert talk before the Philip Glass 'Book of Longing' concert in London, that concert suddenly sold-out. It was like the sea going out, leaving the beach eerily dry ... a portent of things to come.

One of the things about Leonard's work is that it is so intimate that we generally enjoy him in isolation, or in the company of a few close friends. For example, I was amazed to discover last year that a neighbour I have known for eight years is an admirer of Leonard's. He had just never been a subject of conversation. Neither of us was aware that the other was similarly addicted.

I think he has always had a far larger fan-base than any of us realised, but a silent fan-base because of the intimacy of his work.

Secondly, it is often said that artists are ahead of their time. I think that Leonard's far-sightedness thirty or forty years ago washed over the heads of many. Now their eyes have been opened. For example, it is chilling to think that 'The Future' was written many years before 9/11. How frighteningly prescient that song has proved to be.

I think it's very likely that Leonard is continuing to tour as a result of his great compassion for those who are experiencing that spiritual need, and are longing and ready to receive his infinite wisdom. Maybe I'm a bit idealistic, but I do see this as a possibility. . .

It's simpler than that. A band-member has said that the reason Leonard is continuing the tour is because he is enjoying himself so much. Isn't that lovely?

[holydove]

Hydriot, yes, that is absolutely lovely! In fact, the reason I could accept the possibility of his actions having some connection to compassion, was because I have heard that he loves touring. If he wasn't enjoying it, I wouldn't want the compassion. The MOST important thing here, is for Leonard to be having a really great time, and it so wonderful to witness his joy!

[LisaLCFan]

Hydriot is right on, I think, that Leonard seems to be enjoying these concerts as much as the rest of us! Obviously he's getting something wonderful out of performing for us, just as we're getting something wonderful out of being there. I mean, the way Leonard's face lights up when he runs (or skips) out on stage as the cheers and applause wash over him, he's totally feeling the love and all the positive energy that everyone has for him, and then he gives it right back. How can one not want to be a part of something like that, when performer and audience have that intense chemistry and energy, like a big, cosmic group hug? It's makes me happy just thinking about it, and that may be (yet another) explanation as to why Leonard's show are so popular, namely, the sheer happiness that is generated from them.

Of course, as is becoming obvious from this thread, there are going to be many answers to the initial question (all of which are probably right), just as there are many reasons why each of us love Leonard's work, and many different ways that we all came to discover Leonard, and many different ways that Leonard's work touches us. Some people's responses here will resonate more or less with different people, since experience, enjoyment, and all that stuff is so subjective. It is certainly interesting to read what people have to say, though, because (I think) their answers reveal more about them than about the question.

[B4real]

Everything that has been said here is all so very true - we each have our own personal reasons for how we have come to this place to pay homage to Leonard. For me the last few years have indeed be extraordinary too. I have finally got to see in person this unique figure I had only contact with as songs and books. I think the last few years for Leonard have also been quite extraordinary. It's an ill wind............. After many years of a limited but loyal fan base, he now has a much broader and almost mainstream audience. He is truly enjoying the so well deserved recognition. It is a giving and taking at his concerts which guides us on a spiritual journey with him. I think this is the reason for his "sudden" recognition. It is "word of mouth" and addictive.

I say we are all spiritual beings having a human experience.

I am reminded of Adrianne Clarkson's address to Leonard at his induction into the CSHF 2006:-

Before Leonard Cohen there were songs; and after hearing Leonard Cohen there were no songs quite like his. He has changed all our lives with the complexity of his sadness and the breadth of his love. He gets inside your brain, your heart, and your lungs. You remember him, you feel him, and you breathe him. He is our connection to the meaning of ecstasy – our access to another world we suspected existed but which he puts into song.

Standing alone the poetry of Leonard Cohen is perhaps the most precisely crafted observation of the human experience. Set to music the songs of Leonard Cohen have become the standard to which other songwriters aspire.

For any one with a broken heart or any one with a heart for that matter, we’ve been able to turn to the combination of vintage wine and vintage Leonard Cohen to begin to heal. The grocer of pain, as he called himself, has come to the rescue with his wonderful words and his timeless body of work.

We love you Leonard but in that love is some fear, fear that you are telling us the truth and that the truth will let us know ourselves through unbearable beauty in painful remorse.

In one of your first published poems you wrote:

“I heard of a man
who says words so beautifully that if he only speaks their name
women give themselves to him.”

We have heard those words and we have all ‘given’ ourselves to him. You are our Leonard Cohen.

[Mollydog]

So many people in this thread have written such eloquent words about Leonard. All I can say on this eve of a new year is that the last eighteen months have changed my life. I have been a fan of Leonard for close to forty years but this tour has brought me to a place that I was afraid to go to before. I am so grateful that I have found this forum and the community of like minded and beautiful people that I have met. For the only time in my life I feel that I can openly shout out loud my love for Leonard.

Happy New Year to my fellow Cohenites and to you, Leonard, if you happen to be passing this way.

Mary

[lizzytysh]

Seeing Leonard's gratitude and joy is addictive for us, as it surely must be for him to feel them... and to see ours returning in equal measure. I agree with those who have noted this, and I love reading all these many reasons. They all apply in one way or another.

In the beginning, there was grousing about the ticket prices. As time went on, the grousing subsided and was replaced by queries on the best ways of securing them and who was going to go where... though some grousing persisted regarding Ticketmaster and scalpers [okay, one and the same, but a few more thrown in for poor measure].


~ Lizzy