Cohen returns after 20 years

ONE of the greatest living singer/songwriters, Leonard Cohen, will perform in Dublin this summer — his first Irish gig in 20 years.

The Canadian singer, composer, poet and novelist announced details of the tour following his induction into the Rock ’n Roll Hall of Fame at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York on Monday.

The 73-year-old legend will launch the European leg of his tour in Dublin on June 14. The venue, while still to be confirmed, is expected to be the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.

Cohen may play more than one night in Dublin and the already confirmed gig will be a 12,000-seated outdoor event.

In tandem with Bob Dylan, he commands the attention of music fans and musicians more than any other 1960s musical figure still working today.

Cohen first emerged as a huge and influential talent in the early ’60s, with albums like Songs Of Leonard Cohen (1967), Songs Of Love And Hate (1970), I’m Your Man (1990), The Future (1992), Ten New Songs (2001) and Dear Heather (2004) all considered classics.

Uniquely for a revered musician, Cohen’s literary plaudits rival those for his music.

His songs have been famously covered by top acts, from Judy Collins’ Suzanne to Jeff Buckley’s Hallelujah. It is estimated his songbook has been covered more than 1,330 times by other recording artists.

In Dublin, Cohen will be backed by Roscoe Beck (bass, vocals), Neil Larsen (keyboard, accordion, brass), Bob Metzger (guitars, vocals), Javier Mas (acoustic guitar, oud), Christine Wu (violin, viola, cello, keyboard), Rafael Gayol (drums) and Dino Soldo (keyboard, saxophone, vocals).

Tickets, priced at €88.50, will go on sale this Friday at 9am.