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Well last night I was lucky enough to experience an amazing concert performed by Canadian folk singer, Leonard Cohen, at the Rod Laver Arena. When turning up I felt young, there were many people in their 50's, 60's and so on. But then I noticed there were young ones (dare I say my age) tagging along with their parent(s). Then low and behold the odd guys who looked as if he should be seeing Green Day or Fall Out Boy. Interesting I thought. (Later I discovered that Cohen has influenced people, such as, Bono, Bob Dylan and Nick Cave).

The concert started with Paul Kelly, I don't know his work (only his hits). Then we had the interval.

Lights died down and the crowd went WILD, standing up, clapping hands whistling etc. I was gobbed smacked, I have been to many concerts in my time, but never have I seen an artist get a standing ovation at the beginning!  Leonard Cohen, dressed in a gentleman's suit with old style hat skipped onto the stage. Very fast and flexible for someone his age. He began singing. I felt like I had been transported into a sleazy, sexy style French, Italian or Spanish nightclub with mafia gentlemen. 

Cohen sang many songs, many I didn't know (only knew 4 of his hits), but I didn't care.  I just was so relaxed and happy hearing that voice! He was joined by some great back up singers, the Webb sisters and another lady. Beautiful like siren voices that reminded me of Enya or Clannad.  Most of the songs he sang were about hope, peace and beautiful women. Not the negative songs that he used to sing in the early days that you listen to while slashing your wrists.

Leonard Cohen introduced his band members, of course I thought it will finish and then encore. Gee were mum and I wrong. It was the interval! He came back sang more, then there were 3 to 4 more encores. I have never seen so much joy, clapping, standing ovations in my life at a concert. Amazing. Not only did he sing but he also recited poetry. Truly folk / Woodstock kind of stuff.

Leonard Cohen's concert went for around 2 1/2 hours, amazing at 74. His concert is now in my top 10 of concert.

Signing off, a very tired vegemite.

A review of one of his concerts www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24975112-5003421,00.html