Playlouder - Music is the Network

I am still not quite the same since Sunday. To say that I witnessed a momentous event in my life is a meagre understatement. To attempt to convey exactly what emotions were felt and the elation that was experienced is almost impossible. If I could verbalise it, believe me, I would. It would not serve justice however, as I am greatly aware of the possibility of vulgarising the affair through poor description. When one writes in an instance of high emotion, the tendency to slip into cliché and overused terminology presents itself to a much greater extent than when covering topics of a lesser degree.

Finding our seats for the Leonard Cohen show last Sunday evening June 15^th, we could not believe our eyes. It has been approximately a dozen years since I fell for Cohen's music. I never actually thought that I would get to see him in concert at all, so what emerged as our location for the evening took us by extreme surprise. Taking precedence over the sheer joy of being at the venue, finding ourselves in the second row, dead centre, about ten feet from the stage, in a crowd of over 10,000 people, was an exhilarating feeling to say the least.

Although initially apprehensive about the presence of Damien Rice as a support act, he had the good sense not to outstay his welcome. A total of five songs were played lasting approximately twenty minutes, interspersed with some genuinely kind and honourable statements on the privilege that had been bestowed on him by just being there. Whilst the cynic in me would normally dismiss this as both sanctimonious and sycophantic, there was a clear impression that he was quite moved to be sharing a stage with a man who had made an indelible impression on his life. That is the beauty of Cohen. There are very few casual fans of his work, it permeates the mind and resonates in the soul and no one is ever quite the same after hearing him.

Within seconds of appearing onstage acknowledging us as his friends and launching into "Dance Me to the End of Love", a song that most artists could only dream of to have as an encore piece, the entire crowd were mesmerised. Cohen, dressed immaculately, put to rest all queries concerning his vocal ability at the age of 73. Each note rang with perfect diction and tone, his voice sounding so confident, so at ease and perfected. It is unimaginable just how charismatic and gentle he is, until witnessed up close. Accompanied by Sharon Robinson and English folk duo, The Webb Sisters, who did beautiful renditions during the significant female led sections of key songs such as "First We Take Manhattan", "If It Be Your Will" and "Everybody Knows"

Cohen removed his hat after almost every song in gratitude and admiration to both his musicians, singers and to the audience itself. This reflected greatly how much of a gentleman (and complete ladies man) he really is. Thousands of women were transfixed and quite clearly fell in love right there.

Being Ireland, it took less than an hour for the wind to rise and the heavens to open. The rain was merciless and unforgiving, making for a spectacular atmosphere as "Anthem" kept us focused on what was really important. Soaked through completely, it did not matter one bit, as our spirits were being lifted far beyond any state of physical discomfort. The choice of songs was infallible, encompassing his entire career, with alternate takes and interpretations, the pitch perfect band and the flawless sound all made this an altogether enchanting experience. To sit so close and see someone whom you hold so dear and personal, is a truly spellbinding thing. For the most it felt dreamlike, especially so when the sun came out simultaneously with the beginning of "Hallelujah" and the rains finally ceased.

  Smiling throughout, impassionedly delivering each line with a sincerity and force like no other, Leonard Cohen seemed delighted to be sharing the joy with all of us. Light, it seems has found its way into his life and just as we shared in his sorrows for so many years, he seems now to want us to share in his peace.

After it seemed to be over, I was reliably informed that three hours had passed by whilst Leonard had been onstage. Checking my watch I found this to be true. I had expected a running time of possibly ninety minutes, so, to be given a show of such length and magnitude, which contained such momentum and consistency, is one that will remain unparalleled for some time to come.

My wife and I had such a special evening; it was the first time that we got to use our beautiful new Sony DSCH9, which I can highly recommend as the best lightweight camera for gig photography! We took over 200 shots and are currently working thorough them all so I will post a selection a little later on. We have some truly amazing pictures to share with you. Paula threw up a bunch of flowers that we had brought along, one of the Webb sisters caught them and placed them in front of Leonard, who picked them up, gave thanks and took them backstage with him. It was a truly exciting and personal memento for us to have. I am in two minds, I have a yearning to see him again, yet the memory and circumstance of this night were so unbelievably perfect that I don't feel that I could ever replicate it again.

In such an often harsh, generally toilsome and unforgiving life, there are rare moments of unspoilt beauty and joy. I have had a few of these, and I can happily count this night as one of them. There was a pure and genuinely moving atmosphere and once again, Leonard Cohen has helped me to believe in love.

The setlist for the night was as follows.

1. Dance Me to the End of Love
2. The Future
3. Ain't No Cure for Love
4. Bird on a Wire
5. Everybody Knows
6. In My Secret Life
7. Who By Fire
8. Heart with No Companion

Intermission

9. Anthem
10. Tower of Song
11. Suzanne
12. The Gypsy Wife
13. Boogie Street
14. Hallelujah
15. Democracy
16. I'm Your Man
17. A Thousand Kisses Deep - poem


First Encore

18. Take This Waltz
19. So Long, Marianne
20. First We Take Manhattan

Second Encore

21. That Don't Make It Junk
22. If It Be Your Will
23. Closing Time

Third Encore

24. I Tried to Leave You

The final song was an acappella, sung by Leonard & the whole band, with Mr Larson playing hammond organ.

Photos to follow.

(It was nice to find out later on that we actually had better seats than Bono's family, Colin Farrell, Christy Moore and Gerry Adams. Ha, and I'm a waiter! )