2008 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame

[lizzytysh]

When I wrote my comment above, it was written in the excitement of watching Patti LaBelle sing and all of it just beginning.

Yes, Lou Reed's presentation was heartfelt and touching. His hands were shaking. It seemed he was so overwhelmed by all the lyrics he had in front of him that, when the time came, he just wasn't sure which to choose because they're all so great. I know just how he feels and have struggled myself with which song to play first. I was glad for some of his poetry from "Book of Longing" to get included.

I agree on how Leonard's having 'put Lou in his Leonard's own hall of fame years ago, where he's flourished ever since' seemed as good as being formally inducted into the Hall of Fame, itself, for Lou. It made Lou's night and obviously will be carried with him far beyond.

Leonard was pure elegance.


"We're so lucky to be alive at the same time Leonard Cohen is... " ~ I've thought that very thing so many times. It was gratifying to hear Lou Reed broadcasting it to the world.



~ Lizzy

[Yankovic]

Someone put it on youtube
http://youtube.com/watch?v=o7IuCKfA0PM

Some parts of Reed's speech were edited because you can only upload 10 minutes on youtube.

I'll keep looking for more pictures online

[Yankovic]

Yankovic

thanks for all the info
and the updates.

Will you also post the video
for us who couldn't see the
ceremony live last night?


Dem

Yes, you will also be able to watch it again whenever you want on http://www.bestbuy.com/halloffame

[Yankovic]

The New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/0 ... OLL_6.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/11/arts/ ... ref=slogin

Leonard Cohen was introduced by Lou Reed, who quoted extensively from Mr. Cohen’s lyrics. “Thank you so much for reminding me that I wrote a couple of good lines,” Mr. Cohen deadpanned in his sepulchral voice. He called entering the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame an “unlikely event.”

[Yankovic]

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[Yankovic]

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[Yankovic]

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[friscogrl]

Yankovic, Thank you for the time and work you put in to keeping us all informed about The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and leonard's induction. Your enthusiasm was contagious! Also thanks for posting the Youtube link. i watched this morning and was very moved. What a brilliant man!!

[Manna]

So happy for you, Leonard. This morning they mentioned it on NPR, and the announcer said something like, "there was so-n-so, and so-n-so, and songwriter, Leonard Cohen."

My husband said, "Songwriter?! How about Singer, Songwriter, Poet - extraordinaire?! I mean come on, he's my MAN!"

Maybe the announcer doesn't think you're much of a singer, but I forgive him that.

[Yankovic]

LEONARD COHEN | HALLS OF FAME
The Halls of Fame Biographies
http://leonardcohenhallsoffame.blogspot.com/

Rock Hall photos added

[Yankovic]

The 2008 Rock And Roll Hall of Fame

Leonard Cohen's Speech:

Oh thank you so much friends, and Lou thank you so much for reminding me that I wrote a couple of good lines. I inducted you into my own ghostly hall of fame many many years ago. You flourished there from then until this very day. Thank you so much.

This is a very unlikely occassion for me. It is not a distinction that I coveted or even to dare dream about. I am reminded of the prophetic statement of Jon Landau in the early 70s. He said I have seen the future of Rock & Roll and it's not Leonard Cohen. So very pleased to be here. Such an unlikely event. To stand here among the inductees tonight is a great privilege and a great honor.

(Reciting Tower of Song)

Thank you friends.

Youtube

http://youtube.com/watch?v=o7IuCKfA0PM

http://youtube.com/watch?v=bNFioA9ebJM&feature=related

[Yankovic]

Rollingstone
http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/i ... induction/
Lou Reed inducted Leonard Cohen, reading selections from his lyrics. “We are so lucky to be alive at the same time Leonard Cohen is,” he said. Of all the honorees, Cohen seemed most surprised to be there. “This is a very unlikely occasion for me. It is not a distinction that I coveted or even dared dream about,” he said, adding a joke that played off a famous quote about Bruce Springsteen: “So I’m reminded of the prophetic statement of Jon Landau in the early Seventies: I have seen the future of rock and roll and it is not Leonard Cohen.”

http://www.rollingstone.com/photos/gall ... ame_indu/1

Billboard

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/g ... 1003722697
http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/art ... 1003722953
http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/art ... 1003722983

LEONARD COHEN
Born: September 21, 1934
First Album: "Songs of Leonard Cohen," 1968
Became Hall of Fame Eligible: 1993
Being Inducted By: Lou Reed (Reed entered the Hall of Fame in 1996 as a member of the Velvet Underground)

In the nearly 40 years since Leonard Cohen, already an accomplished poet and novelist, released his first recording on Columbia Records, popular music has undergone myriad changes in style and substance.

Although his career has ebbed and flowed in that time, Cohen's songwriting has remained steadfast, tapping with each release into that place in each of us where sorrow and joy meet, giving generations of listeners the chance to discover the consolation and healing that can be found in facing pain head-on.

His timeless recordings have been like ripples in a lake, spanning out through the years to touch millions around the globe and spawning a formidable assortment of covers in a variety of languages, including several tribute albums.

Over 400 artists, from Judy Collins to Jesus and Mary Chain, have covered his songs. Bob Dylan, k.d. lang, Bono and John Cale are among the dozens of people who have done versions of "Hallelujah." The late Jeff Buckley's version of the song was No. 1 at iTunes on March 9, likely on the strength of "American Idol" contestant Jason Castro's rendition on the show recently.

[Yankovic]

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[jerry]

What was up with Lou Reed? He looked awful and his hands were shaking the whole time.