Reviews
The Gaiety Theatre – 16 March 2025For many years, I was one of the cohort for whom Leonard Cohen doesn't appear on the radar. I didn't dislike him, I simply didn't pay him any attention.
Truth be told, I just didn't get him. He hadn't clicked yet, and for a performer or band to click with you, you have to allow them in. This may never have happened for me, had Robert Doyle - a respected acquaintance for many years, and a treasured friend in the last five - not engaged me to do some technical work for Cohen Unlimited. The nature of this work brought me into immediate contact with Cohen's music, and as I implemented the various phases of this work, I found myself drawn to the poetry and raw honesty of his lyrics. And once the lyrics get their hooks in you, the music soon follows. And then you get it.
This all culminated in my attending Cohen Unlimited's concert in the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin on March 16th, 2025.
To say it was merely emotional, would be to do it a disservice. Having lived with the strange beauty of Cohen's lyrics and music for a couple of years, to experience them being performed by a superb band from my home town, a band containing many good friends, was euphoric. I'm very fortunate that great art such as poetry and music has always been able to reduce me to tears, and I can tell you I shed many a tear during this gig.
When you see a great show that just works, you know that a type of magic has graced it. It's probably pointless to try and analyse the alchemy of such a show, but if I were to call out one thing - beyond the obvious skill and dedication of the musicians - it would be Rob's love of Cohen's work and his understanding of Cohen's arc through life. As an audience member, being familiar with the material is one thing, but to hear Rob succinctly explain the songs against the backdrop of Cohen's situation when he wrote them imparts an extra layer of poignancy as the music wafts you along the mercurial currents of Cohen's life.
I can't say enough good things about this show. You'll just have to experience it for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
Christian McCashin – Mail on SundayThis is as close as you’ll ever get again to seeing Leonard Cohen on a stage.
Truly amazing.