Gig review: Leonard Cohen in Wellington

I went to the Auckland concert with my 23 year old son and we both thought it was fabulous. Absolutely professional - all the musicians top artists in their own right and Leonard was amazing. Jan

What a beautiful concert. i cried at times, laughed others but mainly sat drinking the beautiful sound like nectar. And Sarah Robinson, what a voice, what a band. i am still there now..

I totally agree with Roz Paterson's comments re Sam Hunt. It can't be easy being the support performer to the person that everyone has come to see, but even so ... I too found Sam crass and tiresome. The final straw (though not Sam's fault) was when, after sitting unwillingly through the support act, I had to miss the final minutes of Leonard Cohen to run for the last bus home! I'd have preferred a local music group for the support act, if a suitable group could have been found. Chris Knox, perhaps, or the Finn brothers? I don't know enough about NZ music to make a real suggestion, but there must be local musicians who both write their own material and would be honoured to appear as support act to Leonard Cohen.

I agree 100%. I have seen concerts all over the world and this one was the very best (I saw the Auckland Concert and it was possibly even better than this one tho you have a far better photo!).

The guitar player from Barcelona almost stole the show. Fabulous Leonard. But fabulous band as well.

How right you are Simon, it was heaven. "It took him seventy five years; to sing in-person to me"; "In gangster mode, the Arc Angel". The epitome of perfection for all to see! Deep voice, so very resonant, thirty five hundred in the palm of his hand. Standing ovations, times over and again. Musicians extrordanaire, all from foreign land. "I never saw Elton John, with Taupin verse and poem" "It is now insignificant", for I have seen-- "The Master, Leonard Cohen" ! Ralph Bar??

Hi - I am 65 & have seen performers from all over during the years - Fats Domino being very high on my list with Cliff Richard but Leonard Cohen was simply perfection & I doubt I will ever experience the wonderful awe with which he held his appreciative audience spellbound again in my life time. I dearly hope that a live DVD will be made of one of his concerts soon before long for us to appreciate over and over. Pity it was not the Wellington one - it was awesome with standing ovations over and over again as he came back for more songs until he left the stage at 20 past 11pm. A humble self effacing man who introduced his fellow artists, standing humbly, perfectly still, holding his hat against his chest as their many talents were appreciated one by one for the audience - right down to solo's & duets from his backup singers. Can't put into words just how great he is except simply perfection. Kay Hood

That absolutely is true - best show I've ever seen. The man is a class act and an absolute professional.

My sister and I were lucky enough to get tickets to see Leonard Cohen at the TSB Arena this week ...wow...wow...wow!

I still can't believe I really got to see him and, funnily enough, I'm glad it was later in both our respective lives. He is so much more now musically and human beingly(?)than he was in as a younger man and I also have a better understanding of all the sentiments etc. than I did way back.

The concert was a bit like visiting Lourds or some other religious pilgrimage for me. I never ever thought I'd be lucky enough to actually see Cohen live and then this world tour was announced. We lept at tickets like a couple of demented, rabid creatures - clawing, snarling and biting to get them. Actually, that's just rubbish.. we are on an advance mailing list ...

That "lacking in stature" elderly (75 - imagine???), beautiful, amazing man got up on stage with some stunning singers and musicians and did a 3 hour set with about 4 encores. The whole experience was really very moving. I have loved him for a long, long time, I know that love is real......, His words, visions, stories and music have narrated my whole life. His music has just gotten better and better over the years too. His more recent stuff is wonderful - the magic is certainly still there.

I have never seen such a reception in all my years of concert going. He got standing ovation after standing ovation right from the start for almost every move he made. It was stunning. His performance brought tears to my eyes on a number of occasions. So much adoration from everyone young and old...what a marvelous testimony to a man's life's work. He is one of the all time greats, We were watching a living legend.

My only reservation about the evening was the inclusion of Sam Hunt. I have to say, he is a taste neither myself nor my sister have managed to acquire. We found him abrasive, annoying, unintelligible (intoxicated??)a lot of the time and I felt his performance bordered on embarrassing, to such an extent that it was beginning to spoil our evening.

However, as soon as Mr. Cohen hit the stage everything was just wonderful, we gave ourselves over to total submersion in his words and music with glad, adoring hearts.

It was a privilege to have attended the Leonard Cohen concert. After listening to his music for many years to actually hear and see him in person was something I will never forget. The whole performance - the band, the singers and of course Leonard - was perfection. A legend of our time with not only a powerful compelling voice but a gentleness and caring that melts the most hardened heart.