0 Comments Minor Health Incident Interrupts Leonard Cohen’s Concert in Spain

A few years ago I was watching one of those depressing police or hospital shows when my attention was seized by a mournful song as the credits rolled. I was not alone, for many people called or went online to find out more about the artist and the song. Although I have followed some folk artists for years, there are others with whom I have not previously been acquainted. This episode was my first introduction to Jeff Buckley and my second hearing of Leonard Cohen’s music. As you may have guessed, the song was “Hallelujah.”

I already loved the song “Suzanne,” which I have on a Joan Baez album, but had not checked into Leonard’s writings further. At this point I decided it was high time I knew more, so I made an effort to find more of his music. To be honest some songs I have found so far, I love, and some I can easily go the rest of my life without hearing again. But I recently saw clips of Leonard performing his music live, and there is something mesmerizing about the way he sings. So I was concerned to see this morning’s story in the New Zealand magazine Stuff, about Leonard collapsing on stage.

As it turns out, this was a minor episode, but it reminds us of the health issues involved when a singer takes up touring again after thinking they could retire safely. You may already know the story, but if not you can read more in the article mentioned above.