The story:
I figured where the United Touring Company was staying in Columbus. George, my long-suffering put up with a Cohen addict spouse, said 'no problem' when I said 'let's just go to the bar to have a drink'. We got there at 10:40PM. The bar was to close at 11PM. Bob Metzger and his wife Leanne have been known to have a cocktail before turning in. That's how we met them in Hamilton, Ont. at the beginning of the tour (and where I had my second LC encounter). It was worth taking the chance and gave me time with my husband away from the forum
.
We walked into the hotel and OMG, there was Roscoe and 2 of the road crew! It's an intimate round bar, very nice, with the center section having a few shelves, that prevent direct viewing of the other side. My heart is pumping, what to do?, what to do? Then;
George - You know Leonard Cohen is sitting on the other side also.
Mary - He doesn't drink (much/at all?) anymore. Don't tease me. Don't do that to me.
George - He's there.
Mary sidles over, looks between the shelves, and, OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG - George wasn't teasing - IN THE FLESH - I am having drinks (in the same bar) with Leonard Cohen!!!!!
George - Aren't you going to go over to talk to him?
Mary - No way!
Mary - Bartender, we'd like to buy the four gentlemen on the other side of the bar a drink.
Bartender - I don't know if they will want one and one of them is only drinking water. They've been
here a while and I think they're going to be leaving.
Mary - Please tell them a forum member would like to buy them a drink.
Mary tries to look nonchalant. Bartender comes back.
Bartender - The gentlemen said thank you very much, but only one accepted your offer.
Mary - What was the drink of choice?
Bartender - A gin and tonic.
Mary is thrilled because that is her drink of choice and hoping it was Roscoe who chose this. George and Mary continue having conversation, all the while never looking in that direction - talk about restraint. Ten minutes later, the entourage rises and is leaving. THEN, Mr. Cohen and Roscoe walk over to us to thank us for the offer!!!!!! HEAAAAVVVEN!!! Thanking
us - are you kidding?
Of course, Mary is fully prepared. In her black LC tote, is her purse, black magic marker, but most importantly, her camera, and the tour book purchased in Barcelona.
Mary - Mr. Cohen, no thank you. I always come prepared. May we have a photo?
Mr. Cohen - Sure.
There is a couple, John and Melissa, (we later discover, from 80 miles away, staying at the hotel because they are going to the concert)
Mary to John - Would you take our picture?
John - Only if you take a picture of us a email it to us.
Mary - Deal!
John takes the camera. Melissa disappears.
LC - It might be better if we move over here so we don't have as much glare.
Mary -
Chitter chatter, chitter chatter. Melissa reappears with their camera. More photos. Roscoe excluded in theirs
. Mary takes the opportunity to have Roscoe autograph the center page of the tour book and chat with him while George takes pictures of John and Melissa with LC.
Mary to Roscoe - You have really nice handwriting. (He does.)
Roscoe - No, he (refering to LC) you should see his.
Mary - Mr. Cohen?
LC - It's really dark in here (photo 4). It's lighter by this table on the other side. Better yet, let's
go in the lobby (photo 5).
Mary - (while LC is signing) We were listening to the Isle Of Wight CD on our way here. Have you
heard it yet?
LC - (that wry smile)
Mary - Oh wait, you were there weren't you?
George - I know what you were like at 35.
LC - (not chuckling - LAUGHING!)
George - You know what they say 'Life's too short'. (George's favorite mantra)
LC - (Much
more laughing)
Mary - There is such a big difference in the performances now.
LC and Roscoe - (Quizzical looks)
Mary - From the beginning the performances were phenomenal, but now you're having so much fun
on stage!
LC - We were nervous in the beginning. We didn't know how we would be received and if we were
really any good.
Mary - But the reaction from the crowds and the media were extremely positive from the very
start! I love the concerts where there is so much audience interaction and participation,
for example Red Rocks.
LC - That was a really good one. The venue was beautiful.
These are not verbatim, but as close to my recollection as possible. There was much more conversation. Oh, I do remember telling him he had to quite following us all over the world
which also amused them. What amazed me was that for the first time I was out of my adulation, too much nervous talk, don't know what to say mode. We actually chatted!!! Just like normal people and had the best precious 7-10 minutes with the man himself. We were all normal. How priceless was that! There was additional talk (Roscoe included) about why Columbus, how we (forum member chats) are all going broke and that now the forum members need to start their own 'Beautiful Losers Touring Company' to recoup some of the finances lost following his tour, LC and Roscoe being amazed at people attending more than one concert.
As they were leaving, heading towards the front doors:
George - Where you going? Are you sleeping on the bus?
LC and Roscoe - (Raucous Laughter as they head toward the elevators)
A pure unadulterated joy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But after all this time and all these concerts, it just seems natural to talk to Roscoe or any of the other band members!