Under and Over with Denise Rossetti

I’ve been obsessed with Leonard Cohen for years. Now I’m even more obsessed - because, you see, I went to his concert. OMG, it was an experience I’ll never forget.

Leonard’s  back on the road because he’s in deep doo-doos financially. Not his fault, either.  He’s 74 and he was FABULOUS! Hope I’m that spry at that age. He was professional, dignified, wryly humorous and he gave and gave and gave. It was a magic night.

When he walked on, the entire crowd simply rose as one and clapped and cheered and screamed. I can’t imagine what it would feel like to receive a welcome like that. And I’m pretty sure he’s had the same reception at every single venue. The man is the definition of the cliche “living legend”.

Was so funny. I have never in my life seen so many men with graying beards and hair down to their shoulders all gathered in one place at one time. It was like a convention of old hippies crossed with bikers.  I bet there were a stack of Harleys in the car pack. And any young people (there were quite a few)  were skinny and pale with one lock of hair hanging in the eyes, regardless of gender.

Leonard’s been part of my life since I first left home. All the way through university, career, kids and then writing. I like his music, his incredible gravelly voice,  just as much now as I did then. Like pretty well everyone else, I sang along, but very softly. The words are amazing, deep, moving, clever, wry. I could go on and on. He’s a true poet. And a gentleman, in every sense of the word.

The only downside is that, at 74, it’s not likely I’ll see him again. *sigh* It lent the whole evening such poignancy. A real once-in-a lifetime thing.

This video was taken at one of the Sydney concerts last month. It’s quite long. He sings I’m Your Man (love that song!)  and at the end, he switches to poetry - A Thousand Kisses Deep - spoken in that wonderful, sonorous rumble. Ah… Shivers up the spine. It starts around the 6 minute mark.

Are there musicians who do that to you - make all the hair stand up on the back of your neck?  And yes, I know Leonard Cohen is a cultivated taste. *smile*

BTW, if you’ve been concerned about me and mine in the bushfires and the floods, don’t be. We’re a long way away from either. Send your thoughts and prayers to those battling Nature and for those who’ve lost their loved ones. *shudder* Heartbreaking, awful stuff. More later, when I can bear it.