Leonard Cohen is a true music icon, the writer of such timeless classics as "Hallelujah", "Suzanne", "Bird On A Wire", "Sisters Of Mercy", "First We Take Manhattan", "Everybody Knows", and countless other universally loved songs.
A celebrated poet, author, master songsmith and hypnotic performer, Leonard Cohen has received rapturous reviews for his recent shows across the UK, Europe and Canada, his first concert performances anywhere since 1993.
"His first show on British soil in 15 years was immaculate, beautiful, exquisite ... one of the giants of popular song, who had the audience in his grip for the best part of three hours." THE DAILY TELEGRAPH [UK]
"The level of cultural excitement at Cohen's three sold-out shows in Dublin bordered on mass hysteria ... an event of biblical dimensions." THE IRISH INDEPENDENT
"The acrid, dystopian humour ... is a reminder that the only people who dub Cohen depressing are those that don't get the jokes." THE GUARDIAN [UK]
"It's a show which, as you might hope, illustrates both the gravity of Cohen's music and the great warmth of his wit. The poet-cum-20th century oracle steered the assembled throng through a sing-along of any of his hits that you could hope for." THE INDEPENDENT [UK]
Leonard Cohen's impact on modern popular music has been widespread and profound. Artists ranging from Bono to Nick Cave cite Cohen as a major influence on their own work. His songs have been covered by generations of artists from REM, Elton John, Jeff Buckley, Aaron Neville, Elton John, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and many, many more.
Even before shifting his focus from poetry and novels to music in the late-1960s, Leonard Cohen has been the subject of countless books and films, most recently in the feature documentary "Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man" by Australian film-maker Lian Lunson. The film included footage from the recent sold-out Cohen tribute concerts at the Sydney Opera House, which saw the likes of Nick Cave, Jarvis Cocker, Rufus Wainwright and many other celebrated performers gather together to pay homage to Cohen and his extraordinary cannon of songs.
Earlier this year, when Cohen was inducted into the US Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, his old friend Lou Reed put it most succinctly: "We're so lucky to be alive at the same time Leonard Cohen is."
