Leonard Cohen donates concert profits to bushfire relief

New Zealand and Australia (January 20 - February 10, 2009). Concert reports, set lists, photos, media coverage, multimedia links, recollections...
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swampfox
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Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2009 4:58 am

Leonard Cohen donates concert profits to bushfire relief

Post by swampfox »

What a truly heartwarming gesture...Leonard you are a true Legend Mate

LEONARD Cohen has dug deep to support the victims of the devastating bushfires, following the veteran performer's recent tour that included country Victoria.

Cohen has been touring Australia with Paul Kelly.

Tour promoter Frontier Touring yesterday said $200,000 would be donated on behalf of Cohen, Kelly and Frontier to aid victims of the Victorian bushfires.


Promoter Michael Gudinski said: "Leonard has loved his time in Australia . . . and is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of the fires."
swampfox
Posts: 10
Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2009 4:58 am

Re: Leonard Cohen donates concert profits to bushfire relief

Post by swampfox »

From the Guardian:

Leonard Cohen donates £90,000 to Australian bushfire victims

The legendary singer-songwriter has found it in his heart (and his pocket) to give generously to those who have suffered the loss of loved ones or their homes in the fire disaster



Leonard Cohen might have had a few cash problems in recent years, but the legendary singer-songwriter has still dug deep enough to donate $200,000 (£90,000) to the victims of the Australian bushfires.

Cohen is currently touring the country where bushfires have destroyed entire towns in the state of Victoria, killing an estimated 200 people. Australian tour promoter Michael Gudinski released a statement saying: "Leonard has loved his time in Australia on this tour and is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of the fires." He added that Cohen and his touring party "wish to extend their heartfelt sympathies to those that have suffered the loss of loved ones or their homes through this terrible tragedy".

Authorities are still battling fires that continue to blaze across the south east of Australia, in what the country's prime minister Kevin Rudd described as "a horror few of us anticipated".

The 74-year-old singer returned to the stage last year after a 15-year hiatus to widespread acclaim. However, Cohen has commented that his decision to return to live performing was prompted by his retirement fund having allegedly been pilfered to the tune of $5m (approximately £3.4m) by his former manager Kelley Lynch. Despite the fact he may never reclaim his fortune, Cohen has still found it in his heart (and his pocket) to give generously to the victims of the Australian bushfires.

Cohen plays his last show in the country at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne tonight, where a charity bucket for the bushfire victims will be passed around.
Rabbit
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Joined: Fri Aug 19, 2005 1:15 am

Re: Leonard Cohen donates concert profits to bushfire relief

Post by Rabbit »

Well said, swampfox. Leonard, you truly ARE a legend (Aussie vernacular for all-round first class bloke). Here in NZ we are sitting looking at evening skies turned an eery orange by the enormous amount of smoke rising into the atmosphere more than 1000 miles to the west. It seems everybody in NZ knows somebody affected by the fires.
proftournesol
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Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 3:01 pm

Re: Leonard Cohen donates concert profits to bushfire relief

Post by proftournesol »

Leonard and band, Paul Kelly, thank you.
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RC
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Joined: Mon Mar 01, 2004 1:09 pm
Location: New South Wales, Australia
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Re: Leonard Cohen donates concert profits to bushfire relief

Post by RC »

Lenny the Leg :o :!:

Amazing generosity.
The Victorian bushfires have had a profound effect on the nation here. Across the country, people's generosity has been incredible, but it is unexpected for a visitor to be so generous.

Thanks Leonard
Richard & Donna
Richard
Australia
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