Tickets for Cohen show sell out in five minutes

THE fastest sell-out, this year, of a seated venue yesterday forced promoters to announce a second Dublin concert date for Leonard Cohen.

The 10,000 tickets for the Royal Hospital Kilmainham outdoor gig in June sold out in five minutes yesterday morning.

“The demand was phenomenal and, with availability for a second date, the promoters immediately snapped up the chance to avoid any disappointment for fans,” a spokesperson for the concern organisers said.

By teatime yesterday, tickets — which started at €88.50 — were also sold out for the second concert.

The 73-year-old’s world tour will be Cohen’s first in 15 years. Recently inducted into The Rock Hall Of Fame, Cohen will be “fresh” when he visits Dublin, the second city he plays after kicking off the tour in Toronto. Live appearances are a rare event and typically attract huge audiences.

POD Concerts and AEG Live confirmed Cohen’s June 14 date in Dublin “sold out in record time, making it the fastest selling seated gig this year”.

Rob Hallett from AEG Live said: “For many, this tour will be the once in a lifetime opportunity to see the legend that is Leonard Cohen.

Cohen is arguably the greatest singer songwriter of modern times.

Albums like Songs Of Leonard Cohen (1967), Songs Of Love And Hate (1970) and I’m Your Man (1990), right up to 1992’s The Future, 2001’s Ten New Songs and 2004’s Dear Heather are rightly considered classics.

He remains an active songwriter with new work planned for release shortly.

Music commentators insist Cohen’s planned return to the stage “is nothing short of musical history in the making”.