In a recent non-scientific web survey by a leading national radio station in Israel, the Leonard Cohen tour was rated #1, beating by a very small margin the runner up -- Madonna's "sticky and sweet tour".
The results:
When asked "Which concert are you going to attend this summer?" the audience responded:
Leonard Cohen 36.95%
Madonna 36.45%
Suzanne Vega 7.07%
Pet Shop Boys 6.57%
Faith No More 5.39%
(7.63% chose more than one concert)
The statistician in me is muttering that this victory is not sceintifically valid, but I'll take it anyway
Columbia May 11, 2009; Boston May 29, 2009; Durham November 3, 2009; Las Vegas December 10 & 11, 2010; Austin November 1, 2012; Boston December 15, 2012; Brooklyn December 20, 2012
Are all those listed doing concerts in Israel in the near future? If so, I wonder if they are getting the stick Leonard is getting re performing there.
...he shows you where to look amid the garbage and the flowers
I'm also curious. I doubt Madonna had problems. I think most of this is obviously because Leonard is Jewish. However, it would be interesting to hear if other artists received or are receiving the same flak.
However, I seem to remember that Madonna at some point said that she was highly interested in the Kabbalah - doubtful though how deep this goes, and, anyway, yes, I agree with you, Diana! I think Leonard being Jewish does actually play a major part both for the campaigners and for their more extreme opponents; although I doubt that they really ask themselves what it means for him and also what it clearly doesn't! Furthermore, I have never heard of, say, Paul McCartney having the same problems when he went to play Israel last year, which just goes to prove your point...
"You thought that it could never happen / to all the people that you became"... Love Calls You By Your Name
I think Madonna is first and foremost an excellent businesswoman....and I think this is what she has always been. Talented, yes, but the money comes first. Therefore I think (in my opinion only) that she would say whatever she felt necessary to pump up the income.
Leonard is from the heart and soul, and I feel that is why the Israeli/Palestinian concerts are so deeply important to him. Of course, for that very reason, that is why the detractors are so vehement.
However, not I, but a friend said that Leonard has within him the wisdom of Solomon....and that in the end will prevail.
All the best,
Diana
ps...just noticed on your signature line that you are planning on going to Tel Aviv....fabulous!
Evie B wrote:Are all those listed doing concerts in Israel in the near future? If so, I wonder if they are getting the stick Leonard is getting re performing there.
Yes, they all have concerts scheduled in Israel this summer:
Madonna: September 1st, September 2nd
Suzanne Vega: July 19th
Pet Shop Boys: July 21st
Faith No More: August 19th, August 20th
Columbia May 11, 2009; Boston May 29, 2009; Durham November 3, 2009; Las Vegas December 10 & 11, 2010; Austin November 1, 2012; Boston December 15, 2012; Brooklyn December 20, 2012
Womanfromaroom wrote:However, I seem to remember that Madonna at some point said that she was highly interested in the Kabbalah - doubtful though how deep this goes, and, anyway, yes, I agree with you, Diana! I think Leonard being Jewish does actually play a major part both for the campaigners and for their more extreme opponents; although I doubt that they really ask themselves what it means for him and also what it clearly doesn't! Furthermore, I have never heard of, say, Paul McCartney having the same problems when he went to play Israel last year, which just goes to prove your point...
From What I can tell, Madonna's study of Kabbalah is quite serious. She has been to Israel on private visits related to her studies in 2004 and 2007.
Columbia May 11, 2009; Boston May 29, 2009; Durham November 3, 2009; Las Vegas December 10 & 11, 2010; Austin November 1, 2012; Boston December 15, 2012; Brooklyn December 20, 2012
Well, actually, it is some kind of abracadabra (at least technically). The word "abracadabra" has its roots in Kabbalah and was (according to some accounts) used to animate the Golem of Prague.
Columbia May 11, 2009; Boston May 29, 2009; Durham November 3, 2009; Las Vegas December 10 & 11, 2010; Austin November 1, 2012; Boston December 15, 2012; Brooklyn December 20, 2012