Musician Recovers From Stage Collapse

By PopEater / Wire Services Posted Sep 19th 2009 09:02AM

Veteran poet and performer Leonard Cohen is recovering after collapsing onstage while on tour in eastern Spain, his music company said Saturday. He has been released from hospital after suffering from a stomach complaint, Doctor Music Concerts said in a statement. Cohen was part-way through his song 'Bird on the Wire' in Valencia when he fainted, causing the band to stop playing to rush to his aid as concertgoers watched. The concert was stopped.

A video showing Cohen kneeling down several times during the performance and then keeling over sideways during a saxophone solo has been placed on YouTube on the Web by a fan.

The Canadian-born musician, who will be 75 years-old on Monday, was taken in an ambulance to the Nueve de Octubre hospital in Valencia but released early Saturday, Barcelona-based Doctor Music Concerts said.

Cohen was due to perform the last show of his Spanish tour at the Palau Sant Jordi concert hall in northeastern Barcelona on Monday. Trucks carrying Cohen's show had arrived at the hall on Saturday morning and were to set up as normal, a spokesman for the concert hall said.

Cohen had to come out of retirement five years ago when he discovered that most of his retirement fund had disappeared in a disputed case of mismanagement.

After leaving Spain Cohen was due to perform next at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida on Oct. 17, his Web site said.

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Tags: leonard cohen, LeonardCohen

Comments

(5)

Sunday 20 September

By GREETINGS 2 ALL

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WHAT DO YOU EXPECT THE GUY ALREADY HAS ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE. IF HE KEEPS THIS UP THE SECOND WILL FOLLOW

By Arana

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Mr. Cohen is a phenomenal artist and phenomenal performer. I was fortunate to see him play in Phoenix last April, and hope he feels well enough to continue the last US leg of his tour - as I am looking forward to seeing him (G-d willing) in Las Vegas in November.
Get well soon! My prayers are with you this Holiday season, sir!

By Emmit

I wish you the best Leonard.I became a fan of yours about 10 years ago.May God Bless you.Take Care.Your music makes me think.I may not always agree but it makes me wonder and think about things.I wish you well.

By NCOZADD

I saw him sing "Hallelujah" on television the other day.... it was hauntingly, stunningly beautiful. Happy Birthday to Mr. Cohen! May he get well soon and be able to bless the world with his remarkable gifts....

By Just Jan

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All the best to Mr. Cohen. He is a consumate entertainer and a stellar songwriter.

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