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Hallelujah - Len's back

David Sue
26/11/2008

HE MIGHT be renowned as something of a Godfather of lonely introspection but, more recently, Leonard Cohen has become more associated with celebration and, most perversely, even merry entertainment.

That was certainly in evidence when he performed for four sold-out nights at the Opera House earlier in the year.

Many Cohen fans weren’t sure what to expect – he is renowned as the ‘king of miserablism’, after all – but the reality was a genuine delight.

Despite his 74 years, Cohen literally skipped on stage, played the role of genial host and performed a rousing set of his greatest hits.

Leonard Cohen of 2008 was less gloomy, more the king of entertainment.

Then again, it’s fair to say he has always thrived on throwing a few career curveballs.

Indeed, the Canadian first started his working life as an author, before trying his hand at music in the late Sixties.

He gained worldwide recognition with albums such as Songs of Leonard Cohen and Songs from a Room. A thoughtful, high intellectual songwriter who isn’t afraid to tackle the big themes – love, sex, death, religion – Cohen was always going to be one of those musical figures who would age well, and so it’s proven.

His most famous songs, such as the iconic Hallelujah, still hum with intensity and dark humour and have been covered by everyone from Rufus Wainwright to X-Factor finalist Diana Vickers.

Most bizarrely, Prince Charles even professed his love of Leonard Cohen, recently, saying "Cohen is a lovely man with a terrific, gravelly voice".

It remains to be seen just how Cohen’s eerie songs of love and despair will translate to a venue as big and cavernous as the MEN Arena, but judging by his last Manchester visit, expect this veteran crooner to come prepared with a few surprises up his sleeve.

Leonard Cohen plays the MEN Arena on Sunday, November 30. For tickets, costing £45 to £75, visit www.men-arena.com or ring 0844 847 8000.