Live Review: Leonard Cohen

At 79, legendary singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen appeared spritely and effervescent as he ran on stage clad in his trademark fedora and dark suit, greeting the 12,000-strong crowd at Perth Arena with first song Dance Me To The End Of Love. “Thank you very much for the warm welcome,” said Cohen. “I don't know when we'll meet again, I guess nobody knows that. But I can promise you that tonight we'll give you everything we've got.” Based on the performance, which ran for nearly two hours and included 26 songs spanning his vast career, he certainly meant every word of it.

His deep crooning baritone voice rang out strong and clear as he powered through a gospel-tinged version of Bird On The Wire and strong versions of Everybody Knows and Who By Fire. After intermission, Cohen came out for a minimalistic version of Tower Of Song that he played on an old synthesiser keyboard to the amusement of the crowd. He then strapped on his classical guitar for acoustic performances of Suzanne and Chelsea Hotel #2, with the latter getting a laugh from the audience when Cohen spoke the line, “You told me again you preferred handsome men, but for me you would make an exception.”

Cohen recited a verse from Alexandra Leaving before handing the vocal duties over to back-up singer and long-time collaborator Sharon Robinson who delivered a brilliant version of the song in her smooth, soulful voice. A simple recitation of A Thousand Kisses Deep led into set closers Hallelujah and Take This Waltz. But the night was far from over. Cohen and the band returned for two three-song encores, beginning with a rousing band rendition of So Long, Marianne and a thumping blues-filled version of First We Take Manhattan.

The second encore saw a performance of Famous Blue Raincoat before the night was capped off with a spellbinding performance of Closing Time. After thanking the crowd and the band one last time, Cohen was treated to a standing ovation before smiling and skipping off the stage.