Rush for Cohen tickets sees third tour date added

REVERED and cherished by Irish fans, songwriter and performer Leonard Cohen has always been a massive attraction for music lovers. And so was the case again yesterday.

Tickets for his much anticipated return to audiences here sold out in less than 20 minutes.

The huge demand to see the Canadian singer-songwriter led to a third concert date being announced by promoters POD Concerts.

POD promoter John Reynolds said last night “The first 2 shows sold out in just under half an hour and were delighted to be able to add a third show for sale.”

Voted Best International Live Performance at this year’s Meteor Awards, the celebrated artist of the 1960s generation will now perform in Dublin on Sunday July 19, Monday July 20 as well the extra date Wednesday July 22.

The hugely-influential artist will also play one night at Belfast’s Odyssey Arena on July 26.

Tickets for his appearance at Dublin’s indoor 02 Arena went on sale yesterday morning but were snapped up in a matter of minutes.

The record time for the coveted seats was despite the high prices for the nights, which are retailing at e90, e110 and e125.

Cohen’s three sold-out Irish dates last year broke sales records as the fastest selling concert of all time and earned five-star reviews across the board.

Supported by singer Damien Rice, his appearance at Dublin’s Kilmainham brought rave reviews.

It is expected his backing singers — the sublime Webb sisters who received huge applause last time around — will support him again.

Described by fellow famed musician Lou Reed as the “highest and most influential echelon of songwriters“, Cohen has continued his songwriting career for five decades exploring the themes of love, sex, death and religion.