“It’s wonderful to be gathered here on just the other side of intimacy. So I’m so pleased that you’re here. I know that some of you have undergone financial and geographical inconveniences. We’re honored to play for you tonight.”

“It’s been a long time since I stood on a stage in London. It was about, about 14 or 15 years ago, I was 60 years old, just a kid with a crazy dream. Since then I’ve taken a lot of Prozac, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Efexsor, Ritalin, Focalin. I’ve also studied deeply in the philosophies and the religions but cheerfulness kept breaking through.”

“I was having a drink with my old teacher. He’s 102 now. He was about 97 at the time. I poured him a drink and he clicked my glass and he said, ‘Excuse me for not dying.’ I kind of feel the same way. I want to thank you not just for this evening but for the many years that you’ve kept my songs alive, I appreciate it.”

There’s a new 2 CD set Leonard Cohen Live in London, taken from his performance there last year. It’s also out on DVD. The quotes above are from his between song patter. He’s now 74 years old and his live shows are up to 3 hours long.

Have been listening to the CD a lot, haven’t had time to watch the DVD yet. May write about this at greater length after watching the DVD. Cohen fans probably will not be disappointed and those new to Cohen may find this a good introduction.

Here’s a clip from the DVD, Cohen performing what has become his best known song, Hallelujah (even if it’s not his version that’s famous, this is a wonderful performance of the classic).

Hongkie Town
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