The sky is cloudy and it looks like rain. The road to Palau Sant Jordi through the park, far from the city’s centre makes you lose yourself and travel from Gaudi’s fairy-like images to the Olympic installations of Barcelona, leaving all your thoughts behind, ready for the concert. A magnificent scenery welcomes you with special lighting and easy access to the inner stadium in spite the big crowds.

The lights come down at 09.45 p.m. and our man, Leonard Cohen appears on stage inviting us with his first song,''Dance me to the end of love'', to a limitless love dance, taking refuge on the stage. He whispers, he worries, he wanders for the future that kills, he seeks his secret life, he talks about last loves, while one beloved song gives way to the other.

“Thank you for your birthday wishes” he tells us.

The audience that has filled Palau Sant Jordi raises and applauds with deep emotion. Leonard Cohen was born at Canada seventy five years ago on 21^st September 1934. A legend who over fifty years offers his inner pursuit and sensitivity with poetry, music and unique performance, celebrates his birthday with us in Barcelona singing.

His musicians emphasize the lyrics and rouse enthusiasm with their solos. Sharon Robinson collaborates with him since 1979 and Webb Sisters accompany him as well, whereas they all perform certain songs on their own.

“I did not come to Barcelona to fool you” said Leonard Cohen.

“Like a bird on a wire, like a drunk on a midnight choir, I have tried in my way to be free” he sang. He took us years back to Hydra, when he was bewitched by Marianne, captivated by the Greek sun and staring from his house at birds sitting on wires. He talked about Suzanne, he led us to the Tower of Song, he unveiled a miracle to us, he performed Federico Garcia Lorca while the stadium was transformed from the electricity in the air, the flames of the lighters and the people’s singing who knew the lyrics in spite of the age differences.

“I don’t know when I see you again…

My blessings to you and your families….

My blessings to your solitude…..”

he said in the end of his concert after 3 hours and 15 minutes before about 20.000 persons.

Protests from the audience for the separation, deep emotion and thunderous applause for a wonderful night with superb sound.

Renata Dikeopoulou 22 September 2009