leonardcohenforum.com

Thanks for the reports and thanks so much Szilvia for the wonderful vids -- they reflect what seems to have been such a joyous night.
I loved the "no no no" rendition to Closing Time and house going down during Take this Waltz. It sure looks LC loved it too.
With the tour drawing to an end, each city will have its special moment and Vienna had ample of those.

To those criticizing multiple concert-going, my 2 cents: every artist has his/her own way of performing live, there's no good or bad so I don't really understand why go into comparisons.. Similarly, every fan has the prerogative to choose whether they wish to attend only 1 concert a leg or 10+ and in that too, there's no good or bad. Just choice.
I personally think each night has its unique vibe, affected by so many factors, same setlist or not; for me, no concert was ever same as one before it, even when I attended them night after night.
Being able to see a favorite artist live is a privilege at end of the day, how one chooses to be a fan -- to each his own.

--Sharon

sharon.e wrote:To those criticizing multiple concert-going, my 2 cents: every artist has his/her own way of performing live, there's no good or bad so I don't really understand why go into comparisons.. Similarly, every fan has the prerogative to choose whether they wish to attend only 1 concert a leg or 10+ and in that too, there's no good or bad. Just choice.
I personally think each night has its unique vibe, affected by so many factors, same setlist or not; for me, no concert was ever same as one before it, even when I attended them night after night.

First of all, being a fan doesn't mean you have to agree with every decision an artist makes -- in my eyes such behaviour is best suited to teenage girls dreaming about Justin Bieber. Of course, a Leonard Cohen concert is a great experience, that goes without saying, and of course it's my choice whether or not I attend multiple concerts. All I'm saying is that last night's show in Vienna fell somewhat flat for me and that it would be so easy for Mr. Cohen to vary his setlists a bit more. No harm in that, is there?

Criticism isn't bad per se, I'd even argue that criticism is the mark of the true fan and distinguishes him or her from those who blindly find everything wonderful just because it's their favourite artist. That's almost an insult to the artist in question -- we do not appreciate him for his art but mereley for the fact that it's him. We all know the type: people stubbornly defending even mediocre albums by has-beens just because they meant something to them in their youth.

What makes Mr. Cohen such a singular artist, IMHO, is the fact that he consistently puts out records that put almost everything else there is to shame (if you're into his kind of music, of course); the elegance and wisdom of his lyrics is unparallelled in the world of popular music and there aren't that many contemporary poets I'd rank on par with him. Add to that his charisma and stage presence and you have the making of a truky magical evening (which it was for me, the first couple of times). It wouldn't diminish the show if the setlists were more diverse, and I'd argue almost everyone here who goes to multiple shows would be thrilled. You know I'm right

Just because it's not happening doesn't mean we have to be silent about it and doesn't make me a bad fan because I voice my suggestion.

I'm not expecting things to change; I just wanted to tell you; this being a "discussion" board and all.

I enjoyed Vienna's concert and I'll be there again when the next tour comes around, but probably only once.

sharon.e wrote:Being able to see a favorite artist live is a privilege at end of the day, how one chooses to be a fan -- to each his own.

--Sharon

Of course. I'm glad that you find the obvious enjoyment in Mr. Cohen's concerts. Like you said, to each his own. I didn't mean to offend.

Matt

Thank you for your concert's reports very well informed.
Ok I understand your arguments, MattW and Stella.
The difference between L Cohen and B Springteen? Léonard will have soon 79 years old in september and Bruce only 64.
Can be is it the reason?
I would like, as you, that he sings The window, The traitor, Story of Isaac, Seems so long ago Nancy...
But, some these sings will appear may be during the next concerts? As The guests repeated in soundchecks and sung in Atlanta or, as Avalanche to Louisville.
Léonard gives a lot. He sings without prompter. His concerts of more than 3 hours are remarkable.
How much concerts since august 12th 2012?
These tours were unhoped for a man of his âge.
That he is thanked for it here!

More good video -

Uploaded by Eva Kisgyorgy

Hallelujah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaNE1n2LWWo

Famous Blue Raincoat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_SpGJHOLjg

***********
Also - Stella posted 5 good videos uploaded by "glauxath" - and there are more now to add to that list -

I'm Your Man
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEmVqXfvXIs

Tower of Song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1qHn2JS9Go

Come Healing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO6z2OWU3N8

Famous Blue Raincoat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExOTtLxOfpY

The Partisan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t39HuKPJRU

Who By Fire
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ry11C29dJhg

I Tried To Leave You / Save the Last Dance For Me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxxtxaBxELc
("My friends thanks so much. We're going to end with a little song that I've always loved and please make your way slowly home. I want to thank you not just for tonight but for all the years that you've kept my songs alive. I deeply appreciate it. I deeply appreciate it.")

The Future
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0JGjNozvIY

There are a lot of B&W photos from Vienna show at the link -

LEONARD COHEN BY PATRICK MUENNICH-02
http://www.patrickmuennich.com/blog/leo ... uennich-02

Some pictures of the Vienna concert published by der Standard.

http://derstandard.at/1373513954391/Leo ... Stadthalle

stella s. wrote:dear Xtineberg,
I understand your arguments although I do not feel the same way. I could listen to the same songs over and over again without being bored. What I don't understand is why you are attending so many concerts, if you don't like them. It's such a waste of time and money!

Btw. this is the Vienna concert thread. You will find like-minded people and some explanations why Mr. Cohen doesn't change his set that often in this thread:

http://www.leonardcoheforum.com/viewtop ... 75&t=33576

Hi Stella!
Misunderstanding I believe! There is nothing I love more than going to a concert of Leonard! Worth every euro and more .... But I was only wondering WHY he has less changes in the setlist this summertour than last year fot example .... But I admire and adore every note and every word !!! And .... still hoping for the Stranger Song and Joan of Arc ....... !!!!!!!!!!

Video uploaded by Walter Stefan Fuchs

Bird On The Wire
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEXy_oVNbmo

stella s. wrote: There are already some good videos on youtube posted by glauxath
Amen
http://youtu.be/wFUpTOp4WoM

Could you tell me please,what did Leonard sing @1.44."I`ve seen through............"

"... that god damn horror."

Yes. The horror was similarly expressed in Lucca too.

neo wrote:"... that god damn horror."

Thanks neo, it perfectly matches.

Hi Xtineberg,
thanks for answering. I got the impression that you were very frustrated from the way you were writing. You know, all those capital letters, exclamation marks, question marks.
It's good to hear that this impression was wrong. So enjoy your next concerts ...

All the best
Stella

And maybe you want to read this. It's a very critical review of the Vienna concert ... the reviewer did not like hearing the old songs all over again.
http://derstandard.at/1373513962040/Die ... turn-Taste

The same paper has some really good photos (I love No. 2!)
http://derstandard.at/1373513954391/Leo ... Stadthalle

Hi friends, I've created a playlist on my youtube channel, so you can watch all my videos from the concert.

Szilvia

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL ... nLKwCRhq1M

You have to open it in a new window, I think....

stella s. wrote:And maybe you want to read this. It's a very critical review of the Vienna concert ... the reviewer did not like hearing the old songs all over again.
http://derstandard.at/1373513962040/Die ... turn-Taste

It's actually a positive review. It's just the way Schachinger (the critic) writes -- the condescending tone, the snide put-downs are all part of the package. As far as Schachinger-reviews go, this one is quite mild

Matt