He’s Your Man!

He played the Beacon in New York City last night (Feb. 19). Now, for the first time in 15 years, Leonard Cohen will tour the United States.

And it’s been a long time coming to get to this moment. U.S. fans watched with envy as Cohen brought his unique vision of words and lyrics to Europe and Canada during 2008. Now it’s time for the man to bring his songs of love and hate to the States.

Right now the tour runs from April 2 through June 2, with Cohen starting at the Dell Hall at the Long Center in Austin, Texas.

Stops along the way include San Diego at the Copley Symphony Hall on April 7; Los Angeles at Nokia on April 10; Oakland’s Paramount Theatre on April 13; Seattle at the WaMu Theater on April 23; Chicago at the Chicago Theatre on May 5 and NYC at Radio City on May 16. Closing time for the tour is schedule for June 2 at Denver’s Red Rocks.

How special is a Leonard Cohen tour? Considering that many songwriters cite Cohen as their major inspiration, a Cohen performance is more than just a man on a stage. For many fans it’s a chance to connect with an artist they never thought they’d have the chance to see. An opportunity to be in the presence of a genius.

Or, as London’s Guardian wrote when Cohen played the United Kingdom in 2008:

“You could feel the nervous anticipation of fans who’d waited their whole life for the opportunity to see this man on stage. They began to applaud Cohen as soon as the house lights went down, before he had so much as set foot on stage.”

And fans will have an extra incentive to see Cohen on this round of dates. Live in London, recorded in 2008 at London’s O2 Arena, will drop March 31.

“AEG Live is honored to continue this extraordinary journey with Mr. Cohen,” Goldenvoice / AEG Live VP Elliott Lefko said in a statement. “Now it’s time to take North America.”

Tickets for some dates go on sale Friday, Feb. 27, with additional onsales taking place March 2 and March 9. For more information visit LeonardCohen.com.

The Guardian’s review can be read here.