It is I regret so much that I never saw Leonard Cohen perform live so it is with great joy that I can embrace these RU-vid videos and can see and hear him and his gifted musicians sing and play for me whenever I want. Thank you so much for loading them.
First discovered Leonard at 68!!! Had to immediately do a retake…how did I ever miss this wow… have never stopped… So very iconic gifted and a spiritual seeker… love you Leonard you’ve certainly left a legacy upon the earthlings 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 NAMASTE ✝️🕉️✡️💖🤍🤍💜🕊️
I turned on the TV one night and this program was in progress. I had never heard of Leonard Cohen, but in a few seconds I knew I was hearing something special. I had a cassette tape loaded and started recording the program. I became a lifelong fan of Cohen at the age of 50...and still am. I think that this version of Take This Waltz with the trumpet solo is the best I have heard. I was saddened recently to hear of the death of Leonard Cohen. The world has lost a treasure, but his music will live on. I will not stop listening to his songs.
funny, the exact same thing happened to me.. This very show introduced me to Leonard. Been hooked ever since. was lucky I got to see him twice in concert in later years during his marathon tours a few years back...
He is my favourite Canadian poet. After watching this show, I bought all his music and when he came to Calgary in the 1990s my husband and I bought tickets immediately. The last song of the night was Take this Waltz. He has a way of simply mesmerizing the audience. The back up singers and musicians are outstanding. So sad we lost him and now also Gord Downie.
It was on Austin City Limits I first encountered Leonhard Cohen or at least really noticed him. It was like an Epiphany. The wife was going through the midlife problems and the kids were smart mouthed teenagers. His song There is a War hit me with a flash of new consciousness. That was 27 years ago, been hooked hard on him since. With his new album I knew the end was near.
1:37 - First We Take Manhattan 7:40 - Tower of Song 14:20 - Everybody Knows 22:34 - Ain't No Cure for Love 28:31 - The Partisan 33:40 - Joan of Arc 39:51 - Jazz Police 44:55 - If It Be Your Will 50:13 - Take This Waltz
Thank you for this. I fell hopelessly in love with Leonard about 10 yrs ago the first time I heard him and then he was gone. His music reached my deepest emotions and reality. Magnificent.
I first heard this program as a repeat in the in 2008 or 2009. I have been hooked on Leonard Cohen ever since. How I never had heard of Leonard Cohen till I was 44 or 45 is hard to believe. Maybe I just wasn't ready for him yet. I saw him in Tampa in 2012 or so and it was the best concert I ever saw.
Very interesting thought, it is mentioned at the beginning of his biography written by Simmons that a young Leonard read a hypnosis guide for beginners and used it on the house maid and got her to undress herself while Leonard's mother was away hahaha. I'm guessing that's when he realized the potential of those techniques.
I really love this concert the best, or these years with Julie and Perla the most! What beautiful women with soaring voices! This concert is so special, and the set has that mysterious, earthy feel to it that blends in so well. The backup musicians are playing off the charts. Such a magical night! I wish I could have been there!
Has to be the Shakespeare of Music and Poetry. Never to be forgotten. Rest in peace my friend. I shall always listen for you when the wind blows across my brow.
This episode of Austin City Limits is where I discovered Leonard Cohen. Don't know how I could have been so ignorant, but in my late thirties I had never heard of him. After watching him for a few seconds, I was ready to change channels; this guy can't sing, I thought. But I watched a little more, then a little more, then became completely enamored with his music, his voice, and his words. Been a fan ever since. Even read the novel he wrote before trying his hand at music. RIP Leonard.
@herman452 If you think about it, then he might be the best singer in the world. Because he is true to his songs and the expiriences in life. I had the same journey as you with Cohen. First I asked myself if he even could sing? I thought he had a unique tone in his voice, but I thought his voice had a lot of limits, because he sounded like a dying cat, when he sang high. I was about 17 years old, and I mostly listened to Queen, Beatles and other mainstream bands/artists. Then about a year later I expirienced a hard time in my life and I began to mature. I listened to Cohen again and suddently he was just the best singer I had ever heard. His words and writing style was a perfect match for his very unique and deep voice. He was also very gifted with his timing. Frank Sinatra always gets credit for his timing, but in my opinion, Cohen is the most gifted with timing. I could write a novel about this topic, but I think you understand😉 Cohen saved me in hard times and he has helped a lot of other people! Thank you Leonard🙏
Remember first listening to Leonard Belfast 1973 and thinking to myself who is this guy? continued listening to him until his passing......Leonard you simply entertained me as few artists could ever do, with your lyrics,your presence and how you where able to capture my heart and spirit......(R.I.P.)
Have enjoyed his music since I was about 45....fell in love with his masterpieces in music....wish they could be drawn as he sang them....am a lifelong follower.
A big thanks for all your excellent concerts, all with first class sound, Austin City Limits! This was a great concert in all ways. 1:27 First We Take Manhattan 7:37 Tower of Song 14:18 Everybody Knows 21:33 There Ain't No Cure For Love 28:29 The Partisan 33:39 Joan Of Arc 39:50 Jazz Police 44:33 If It Be Your Will 48:14 Take This Waltz
What an absolute joy this is, I would have given anything to have attended a live concert. Thank you to Leonard and his wonderful backing team for music to remember for ever
Yes- the backup singers really add to this performance. i have never heard better! I have pulled up this rendition many times. It never ceases to send chills thru my mind. So great!!!
I discovered Leonard Cohen, by chance, when a friend gave me "Let us compare Mythologies" and "Flowers for Hitler" at the beginning of the 70s ... The infatuation was instantaneous ... In his verses I saw the same shadows in the that I swam: F. García Lorca, C P. Kavafis, César Vallejo, N. Pessoa, A. Rimbaud ... and that rare divine gift of saying what I was unable to say. Today, in my 70s, I continue to listen to his songs and read his poems, to find the Word that I am unable to pronounce. So I have no need to say goodbye, travel with me. And you never say goodbye to a friend.
I’ve been reading a biography about LC and apparently the record companies in America chose not to distribute him in America citing that he wouldn’t be popular enough to warrant the cost of this. Interesting book by Anthony Reynolds
I'm totally with you Susan!!! As a HUGE fan of Leonard Cohen and being so fortunate to later see and hear him was a dream come true for me, Music in my humble opinion is food for the soul and I watch many concert DVDs to help me get through these very frightening and trying times
ACL has been such a wonderful vehicle for so many talented musicians ...Bless your memory Leonard and rewards are coming. Got the LOVE AND HATE ALBUM in 1972 and then every album I could find. Forty-five years of loving you, So now love always, joseph roehl
I first heard Suzanne sometime in 1968, and that began my 50 year admiration of the genius that was Leonard Cohen. His was a massive talent, and I listen to something from his repertoire almost everyday. For me, he is the best songwriter of my lifetime. Dylan is in second place, but no one surpasses Leonard. He truly is a thousand floors above the rest.
I miss him so much. He was always there for me when I needed him. Just finished listening to "live in London". It is as close as you can get to going to one of his later years concerts. I was lucky enough to see him twice in the years before he died.
After 9 days of driving from Montreal I arrived in Terlingua,TX my winter home in the desert.....the day you left us Leonard...oh how I miss you. Am grateful for the many years. We are fortunate for the records and video legacy. Shalom,my friend and condolences to your families in California and Montreal.
Magnificent ...Leonard worked the soil of his gifting all the days of his life...Oh... What it must have been like... to be YOU Leonard Cohen... YOU WILL ALWAYS BE... THE MAN! With joyous gratitude...🙋🌹8-27-22 GA USA 👍
LEONARD IS THE GREATEST SINGER,SONGWRITER,POET TO EVER LIVE I WILL MISS HIM FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE, SO GLAD I GOT TO SEE HIM IN CONCERT IN GLASGOW WHAT A NIGHT I'LL NEVER FORGET HIS BRILLIANT SENSE OF HUMOUR, HE SKIPPED OFF THE STAGE AT THE INTERVALS HE WAS 76YRS YOUNG THEN' BUT SKIPPED LIKE A HAPPY LITTLE 8YR OLD BOY SUCH A GENTLEMAN RIP LEONARD NO ONE CAN EVER REPLACE YOU, I'VE BEEN SO SAD SINCE YOU LEFT THIS REALM BUT ANYONE WHO IS LOVED AS MUCH AS YOU WE'RE NEVER DIE YOU WILL LIVE ON IN THOSE WHO LOVED YOU'S HEARTS JACQUI XXXXXXXX
I was at the Melbourne Australia concert of that same tour and he did the same thing, my wife and I had the biggest grins on our faces for the rest of the concert and what a concert it was. Superb/Awesome.
I was fortunate to See Leonard Cohen in Boston in 2008. It was more of a religious experience than a concert. The best part is knowing that I listened to a soul and talent that truly was 'one in a million'. RIP LC.
Loved Leonard for 40yrs...was so fortunate to see him in Australia in 2009 , he was in immaculate form and style, Armani of course. Trilby hat and all..... My wife had bought me special gold class tickets as a anniversary gift and I was literally 30 feet from one of my idols and shear genius. He was fantastic, humble and real. He even donated $300,000 to bushfire victims in Australia at the time of his concerts. Miss you Leonard, love you leonard, listen to you everyday in my heart, my mind and on my stereo.
@Josip Lilić The Good Guys Lost is not the name of the song. I am sure you know. It is called Everybody Knows. This is the part I love. Everybody knows, you love me baby But you had to meet so many people Without your clothes Brilliant. RIP LC.
What a joy see this posted. I was at this taping and was already long in awe of Leonard Cohen when I heard Suzanne all over Europe when it was released although mostly ignored in US.. He also played a concert a couple of days this taping with other songs. I saw him later in his life and he only got better. I miss him dearly. There will never be another.
I was introduced to Leonard Cohen's wonderful poetic music right here on RU-vid purely by accident. I clicked on his live concert In Switzerland and upon hearing the very first song "Dance Me to the End of Love" I new that I had just discovered a musical and poetic genius. Being 58 years old I regret not finding his music much sooner. I love every song that I have so far heard of his and find myself listening to him nearly every day. This Austin City Limits concert is even more outstanding than any others I have heard, amazing sound clarity. All of his musicians are outstanding and I can clearly see and hear why Leonard refers to his 2 lovely back up singers as angels. Together the form a truly magical and unique sound that will never be duplicated. Rest in peace Leonard, your music will live on forever.
He has left us a magnificent legacy. For his journey is our journey, if only we have the eyes to see and the ears to hear. We can set about healing. It's there for us all, just look up!!!!
The Power and the Glory!!! Like a brilliant comet blazing across the darkened sky of historical mediocrity, Leonard flashed by, burned our vision with the wonder of language previously unheard, expanded the horizons of our minds, left us with an indelible memory, and reminded us of the losses endured amid the miracle of our being. A window into the inner universal world has closed, but the purity and truth of the world revealed remains. The singer is gone, but the song remains. Journey well, our love will immortalise you.
I know a lot of Mr. Cohen's fans like "Suzanne", but years ago when I first heard him, he sang it and I didn't like it. I don't remember exactly what caught my attention but I started listening to him on RU-vid recently. "Dance Me to the End of Love" video with couples dancing really touched me and that GOLDEN VOICE did me in and now I can't STOP listening to him. I went to the library to get "I'm Your Man" and I'm reading it now. I'm completely in love with his poetry, his music, his singing, that wry sense of humor......with Leonard Cohen, who, IMHO, has a beautiful soul and is among the stars of heaven now. RIP, Mr. Cohen. You were right. "There ain't no cure for love". (I still don't like "Suzanne" though).
The power and magnitude of his songs are unparalleled, As close to chanelling our Creator as one can get. He was blessed and we listened transfixed. Now he surveys this earth from above in devine repose. May we All find our glory from Within.
This the episode that I first discovered Leonard Cohen. It was one of those first listening I am impressed experiences. I then soon discovered I had heard of songs by him but didn't know his name, nor his sound.
Mesmerizing sound and voice with an introspective, meditative feel. It pulls you in and makes you feel a part of it. European quality to his music which probably explains his immense popularity there.
I also stumbled across this concert not long ago. I was totally mesmerized! I knew of Leonard Cohen, but I did not know his music and poetry. I regret missing out on his "living years."
I first found this Man of Infinite Wisdom while switching around the TV, and thought, i'll try PBS, I haven't watched anything there in awhile.. I turned into the middle of the show and was IMMEDIATELY transfixed to the song just starting upon arriving on the show.. 33:40 Joan of Arc... I love music.. all kinds.. all times.. but to this day have neve heard a more beautiful, hauntingly beautiful, song than Joan of Arc. Perhaps it was my compromised emotions, still smarting after a failed relationship for the year prior.. but I cried like a baby... not out of sadness.. but because of how it touched my soul and my heart, so very deeply. Thank you and Rest in Peace Leonard Cohen.
I’ve always love music. Played in my house everyday. On all 3 floors. Kids had their music going also. Long story, I had never heard of him till I fell in love with his song Hallelujah. Boy did I catch up with his music then.
I learned about Cohen through a song called'Nancy, Korea's military enlistment decades ago.' I still go to bed listening to Cohen's songs when I sleep I pray that I can meet him in the sky even in my dreams
I've been to dozens of concerts, seeing most of the biggest stars of my era. The top of my list of greatest concerts was Paul McCartney and Leonard Cohen. I saw Leonard at the Academy of Music in Philly on a brutally cold night. It was unforgettable.
Why did it have to end😞, all of the songs included here are wonderful, but think of all the songs that were missing, they could have added another 3 hours or more of concert if they included all the missing epic songs. A wonderful concert and a great tool for young song writers and musicians to adhere too, Leonard Cohen we miss you, a true legend.
I would have been so blessed to have had a ticket and plane ride to see YOU Leonard Cohen,,,ACL thanks for this GREAT show and RIP Leonard ,another Angel in heaven! !!!!!!
Every Canadian must be very proud to share the same citizenship as Leonard Cohen. When he died ordered the government from Poland to put all flags on all government buildings in the country on half-mast! Leonard Cohens Partizan show in Warsaw wrote history. He was singing inside which brought all the rival freedom groups together and outside the concert hall was army with tanks standing and surrounded this house. Leonard Cohen was arrested and was sitting 2 weeks in a army jail before the Canadian Embassy freed him. With this action he became THE symbol of Freedom movement in the whole socialistic countries behind the wall. He was in Poland classified as a national hero! What a outstanding person.
This is great! I always used to watch this show. How did I miss this? If I had seen it I would have discovered Cohen YEARS AGO!😢 I missed out on a lot! I didn't discover him till 2 years ago. But I already have all his novels, poetry books and, of course, albums. All but 2. I'm your Man and Various Positions. His music can make me nostalgic, make me cry, laugh.. Sometimes both at the same time!🌞💙
Think this is one of the best concerts, ever. Leonard was a visionary poet and the most influential musicians in my life. I never had the opportunity to meet him or see him perform but, hopefully, I can greet him and thank him in the life to come.
I couldn't help but notice the audience giggled a bit when Leonard first spoke.... Americans are not used to a singer being HUMBLE. We (myself EXCLUDED) tend to WORSHIP singers,actors, football players, etc. Shame. I've never seen this. I found a treasure tonight!