This is an honest interview throughout which makes for fascinating viewing, but the bit at the very end stands out as being a very heartfelt, genuine discussion. Leonard Cohen is very wise. Thanks for this interview! Also, "Show me the place" off his latest album is sublime!
Coming from somebody who favorited the Queen's Christmas message. Wow, you are one whitebread racist waste of nucleic acid, aren't you? Thanks for bringing so much joy to the world.
He's just old. You can't get too riled up at someone who actually figured out how to sign up for Youtube in spite of having "corns older than she [attractive young woman] is". Lecherous racist creeps are gonna die soon anyways, so let's forget them and see if we can make our world a little better.
Leonard Cohen is a God amongst men. In an age where we struggle to find people to look up to, he shines with grace. My earliest memories of hearing music were Leonard Cohen songs played by my Mother. Later in my teenage years I rediscovered his work when hearing a reference to him in a Kurt Cobain song. This man's work has shaped me in my youth, and continues to take on new meanings to this day... and I know I will listen to him when rocking in my old man chair.
As a side note, Kurt Cobain can be credited to turning me on to many other artists, such as The Meat Puppets, The Melvins, David Bowie, The Vaselines, Leadbelly, and others. I think that is the mark of a great intellectual force; the humility to credit others.
Cohen's excellent,in spite of GG.Thank goodness for the mute button! I was able to ignore 85% of G's unnecessarily long questions,&just hear who I wanted to.Still, I heard G use 2 of his over-used pet words: "famously"&"subtext".Those,along with "imperative"&"zeitgeist",are some of the words he over-uses,misuses&abuses constantly.Typically,too many G qu's are more about G's ego than the guest.He asks probing,&invasive qu's
("darkest hour?"), yet is mum re. his own sexuality&suspected Q-ness...
Best interview show in the world. From CBC in Canada. Yesterday, inspiring interview with Tony Bennett - only 85 years old and still swinging and rocking!
Leonard Cohen is great and all, but by the way - this interview should be shown in journalistic classrooms around the world. Fantastic detail at the very end, and, although the transitions weren't perfect, excellent structure.
Jian is awesome in interview specific with musician because he was musician too. he's always prepared and knowledgeable about the subject. The interview was very live and most of time hits touchy fields!
Wonderful and touching interchange between the interviewer and Leonard. The "Sense of solitude and hopelessness" we have all felt at times, he speaks for all conscious human beings, those who aren't afraid to express their fears and feelings. What a great and REAL MAN!!!
Andy Warhol was right when he said the most interesting thing about a film is what happens when the cameras aren't running. Luckily these guys leave the cameras rolling.
Enigma, definition..a person of puzzling or contradictory character: To me he has always been an enigma, one minute completely insensitive, the next moved to tears. Leonard Cohen life is the definition, only difference is that he expressed it in words and music.....wonder if..on our death bed, we had lived like Lenard Cohen, that the word 'enigma' would might come to mind...!
it was such a priveledge to be an audience to hear Leonard have a conversation with the interviewer. The interviewer showed great love for Leonard, and Leonard returned the love. Thank you so much, having been part of this audience has only made me love and respect this man more. I love it that he said "I like to hear old peoples stories, and I loved it how the old singers laid it out" and that he wants to be part of the older singers laying it out. He absolutely has my heart. Thankyou.
you have to remember although a jew he is highly trained in budhism and in meditation and that he has a perspective that young people just cannot have. Because we are younger.
I love these two guys. The interviewer is really honest and open, and I liked the bit at the end when he talks about being afraid of death. Was a beautiful and honest moment.
Icould not agree more, what a wonderful interview.
Leonard Cohen has been around since the late 1960's for me.
Jian Ghomeshi's program Q on CBC One is one of the Radio Programs that if it is on the car radio when I drive somewhere tends to have me sit in the vehicle until it's over even if I have reached my destination.
His humility and wisdom are a lesson to everyone. The simplicityof his life belies the complexity of his wonderfully complex mind.He is measured in his responses and doesn't waste words. Blessings to him
I love his grace and stoicism. He means it when he says he doesn't like self-indulgence, as evidenced a little later on when he deflects the question about his darkest moment by saying his anxieties don't matter in the face of the suffering of others.
YouTube, please find for us another great interview with Leonard I saw it on Japanese TV at least 20 years ago. It was remarkable, not only for LC who is always inspiring, but for the Japanese interviewer who showed at least as much sensitivity as this one. In that country's tradition of mindless, stupid interviewers someone must have really messed up in the channel's production team. He/she has probably been looking for work ever since.
DONT READ THIS CUZ IT ACTUALLY WORKS. YOU WILL GET KISSED ON THE NEAREST POSSIBLE FRIDAY FROM THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE, TOMORROW WILL BE THE BEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE; HOWEVER IF U DONT POST THIS TO OVER THREE VIDEOS YOU WILL DIE WITHIN TWO DAYS. NOW THAT U STARTED READING THIS DONT STOP. THIS IS SO SCARY! POST THIS TO ANOTHER FIVE VIDEOS IN 143 MINUTES. WHEN UR DONE PRESS F6 AND YOUR CRUSH'S NAME WILL APPEAR ON SCREEN IN BIG LETTERS. THIS IS SO SCARY BUT IT REALLY WORKS.
I was fortunate enough to see Leonard in concert in Victoria In 2010 and he was in fine form. He performed well past the concert scheduled time and the audience loved him.. he could have performed all night! What energy! Gian should keep his own fear of death out of his interviews, especially when there is so much more to learn from this enigmatic master of music.
How many times and how many ways in one interview can Gian ask Leonard Cohen about his impending death, his feelings about death, if he fears death ( three times for this particular question) and virtually nothing about his music.. What gives? If Mr. Cohen was depressed in the nineties he probably is suicidal after this interview.
@bigcyhutch Yes, he does ! And, your exactly on time, and ='s or, in a lot of respects. Nice catch. He's way over my head too! I love him, an especially for that one reason in particular.
How could anyone ever see or hear Leonard Cohen and not fall madly & wildly in love with him? He is a Master, in a Class of his own. Incomparable Poetry, music, charisma. And like a rare French Wine, he just keeps getting better & better!
@emosdieslow If i had to interview Leonard Cohen i have no idea how on earth i would even manage the mere thought of it. I really have no idea. But he is still, without any doubts, on the #1 of my 'List of people i would like to have a cup of coffee with'.
You can tell the interviewer loves and admires Leonard, not just in his body language and tone of voice, but in the respect he shows Cohen with the effort he put into his questions. Whenever I think of Leonard Cohen, I feel like I'm a member of some sort of special club that doesn't ever advertise itself or feel superior to others, but still, it's something special.
@Alaxandros100 Really goes to show why he is such a successful writer and musician. You watch the Billy Bob interview when he blows up on QTV and it makes sense, BB acted like a dick because he is, and writes sub par-terrible music. Cohen is a kind artistic soul and as a result he creates amazing music.
This was a great interview. It was a true conversation, not just a series of questions. It looks easy. However, it took a lot of preparation I sure. I also get the sense of a teacher and a student talking. Good job
This was a great interview. It was a true conversation, not just a series of questions. It looks easy. However, it took a lot of preparation I sure. Good job
i came to know Mr Leonards work recently through a friend and i just got hooked on his art(music), personality, i don't know what, but he has something big that inspires me or perhaps it's his humblness (humility). long live Mr Leonard!
I have lived 67 yrs. and have just found Mr. Cohen. I am loving his mind. I love his talent. I find myself wanting to hear his music the first thing in the morning and all day long. I want to say his talent is so wonderful! But, I believe it is more...lost for just the right word. I do praise you Mr. Cohen♥ I also love the women singers in the back ground. Perfect! Your wisdom is something to be desired. Prepare for death "Repent, Repent...love in the day your in. Simplicity is good.
I have lived 67 yrs. and have just found Mr. Cohen. I am loving his mind. I love his talent. I find myself wanting to hear his music the first thing in the morning and all day long. I want to say his talent is so wonderful! But, I believe it is more...lost for just the right word. I do praise you Mr. Cohen♥ I also love the women singers in the back ground. Perfect! Your wisdom is something to be desired. Prepare for death "Repent, Repent...love in the day your in. Simplicity is good.
My first encounter with Leonard Cohen was in a first year Can. Lit. class. I read "How to Speak Poetry" and was immediately fascinated with him. His dignity, refinement and humility equal his incredible creative talents.
@HaleyTipperary Well said. If that doesn't reshape a person's perspective -- especially the bit about poetry being a laundry list of sorts -- than little else likely will. Can't stress enough how affected I've been by this man. He's certainly as rare as they come.
This interview encapsulates all that I love about this man ,and on top of that, there is his poetry and music.He has such breadth and wisdom, humilty and insight, and he has changed my life.
I am from Romania, Mister Leonard Cohen.... and I just love this video.... Iţm a drummmer and I love to plaz music... but, from time to time, when places become demanding, I just feel like, after reading your books in my language... that you really have contributed to our society.... and, thank you, for what youv'e done. A thousand kisses deep!
If you love Leonard Cohen, and surrealistic symbolistic lyrics, you’d like my music too. He’s one of my two great musical heroes. I made a song called "A Winter Evening's Tale”. This is also for all of us folks facing 2011. Do check it out in my channel or check it out in the video response of this awesome video. The song references Pilgrim's Progress, bible, Alice in the wonderland, Revelations, crusades etc. It also depicts eerie classical paintings. Have a folky new year!
I have to ask: what exactly constitutes selling out? If an artist makes great music that speaks to you, why should it matter how many or which other people are also fans of it? Everyone’s certainly entitled to their opinions. I’m just curious. Cohen’s music is brilliant. Sometimes, though, I think people sing his praises mainly because most have never heard of him. If you have any stomach for hip-hop I recommend listening to “Indier Than Thou” which, while not spectacular, is pretty funny, IMHO.
i LOVE HiM SO MUCH iM SO THANkFUL FOR HAVING SUCH A GREAT PERSON IN MY LIFE HE HAS HELPED US ALOT i CAN TURELY SAY IM A LUCKY YOUNG GIRL TO KNOW SUCH A WONDERFUL PERSON LIKE HIMSELF THANKS MR.LEONARD -♥DAISY
@miggerino — you say you love his poetry and his music, yet point out that you dislike his "false modesty".
The reality is that his modesty and self-deprication is real and comes through in a lot of his poetry and his music. Perhaps reading LC's biography "Various Positions..." by Ira Nadel will provide you with more insight. It's a good read!
Look, I love Leonard Cohen's music and poetry. Spicebox was the first book of poems I ever read cover-to-cover. But man, what is with the false modesty? He has this self-depricating way of talking about his achievements, and likes to say stuff like "I don't know when the songs I've written are any good." Are you kidding me? Of course you do, Lennie. You've made a fortune in an industry where almost no one makes money. He's like one of those keen students who works hard, but pretends they don't.
@miggerino Most artists, are by nature, insecure people. That is partly what drives great art. Most great artists suffer from depression, which LC has admitted to many times. He was modestly successful until recently. I guarantee that he has made much more from the royalties from "Hallelujah" than the rest of his career combined.
i'm fifteen years old and i feel like i'm just starting to figure out what life is. i am fascinated with the beauties as well as the tragedies of life, and of the rhythm of living. listening to leonard cohen always relaxes me and puts me into a trance. i could listen to him all day, his thoughts are so wonderful and true. he is one of the only people that puts me in touch with who i am, or at least who i think i am becoming. he's one of the classics of all time, for sure!!
Well I'm 34 and love Cohen as the best lyricist and also musician.Iliked him since maybe I'm 22 or so but at your age on one hand it's great to see you like no plastic music like the people in your age mostly do.But to understand really what he means , what is ironic and so on. I think you have to go through a few episodes of life that make you older and wiser.Don't get me wrong but there's a lot of life-experience in his songs and the older you get the more you'll love it.Peace...
@zimmawoman not surprising to know hear that Lenny is being heard across the best part of 70yrs. I became a fan about the same age & it's a gift that just gets better with age. Enjoy the music & listen to every word - he's one in a billion.
There are five men in the music who never lost their credibility, and simply become more legendary as time passes on: Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, Nick Cave and David Bowie. There is absolutely no person (yet) who can top these dogs.
@bosszeroboss Also, it just occurred to me, Elvis, Cash and Jim are dead. I have in mind people who still live from around the same era, and become better with age.
I love it when folks rattle off their personal favorites as though their unrivaled excellence were objective fact. Not that those aren't among my top favorites as well; I just have enough humility not to assume the mantle of arbiter of all good taste.
@lockwright And I love it when folks want to take a spotlight off someone who's comment was liked by civilized people.
That's just a group of musicians who share a lot in their style and lyrics, seems like people have nothing against them, and once in a while, they add Neil Young and their own personal favorites. When someone likes Cohen, chances are they also listen to these other musicians. And I just listed a few famous musicians who become better with age, there's really not many of them.
Actually, I expected my comment to garner thumbs down and yours to continue to garner thumbs up. I know that's how I'd vote on both accounts since, as I indicated, I agree with the high quality of those artists. I didn't think about the focus of the "spotlight". But in any event, I can't change the sequencing of the posts and I'm not apologizing for replying to you. I do apologize, however, for being snide - it was judgmental and I regretted it almost as soon as I hit post.
I try not to add to the general glut of vitriol that seems to be the second thing the internet is for, but it is annoyingly, seductively easy to take out one's frustrations with the flaws in one's self and the world where others are just bits in the ether. Sorry I took it out on you. You sound like a nice and reasonable fellow. Peace.
@videogamenostalgia No, because Lennon is dead, he does not belong on a list of musicians who get better as they get older. With Dylan, though, you might be right. Not necessarily sold out, because I would hear more of him surely, but his Christmas Special album was downright hilarious.
what the song is sing part 19:29 ?
andre23i 1 day ago
This is an honest interview throughout which makes for fascinating viewing, but the bit at the very end stands out as being a very heartfelt, genuine discussion. Leonard Cohen is very wise. Thanks for this interview! Also, "Show me the place" off his latest album is sublime!
atakarmamusicvideo 6 days ago
One of my favorite persons in the world. Hes music is just beyond words.
Stereotype23 1 week ago 2
<3
1974Qball 1 month ago
sir plezzee your baritone in a new song
arnab2chat 1 month ago
ffrak the rest go somewhere and spit on your grave
arnab2chat 1 month ago
why do anyone hate this guy?he is god in a corner where some us dowel....sir i do do respect you.....carry on.......love you forever...!!!!!
arnab2chat 1 month ago 2
He filles my heart; the Prophet Leonard.......so much sense and wisdom....thanks...ed
w w w eddy nu
onlinelondon 2 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Suicidal depressing no talent bum. As for the host, send the bugger back to Iran.
squibbsbear 2 months ago
@squibbsbear Die.
tothandrei 1 month ago
@squibbsbear
Coming from somebody who favorited the Queen's Christmas message. Wow, you are one whitebread racist waste of nucleic acid, aren't you? Thanks for bringing so much joy to the world.
fateola 1 month ago
@fateola
He's just old. You can't get too riled up at someone who actually figured out how to sign up for Youtube in spite of having "corns older than she [attractive young woman] is". Lecherous racist creeps are gonna die soon anyways, so let's forget them and see if we can make our world a little better.
boogamalard 2 weeks ago
Leonard Cohen is a God amongst men. In an age where we struggle to find people to look up to, he shines with grace. My earliest memories of hearing music were Leonard Cohen songs played by my Mother. Later in my teenage years I rediscovered his work when hearing a reference to him in a Kurt Cobain song. This man's work has shaped me in my youth, and continues to take on new meanings to this day... and I know I will listen to him when rocking in my old man chair.
smedcalf 2 months ago
As a side note, Kurt Cobain can be credited to turning me on to many other artists, such as The Meat Puppets, The Melvins, David Bowie, The Vaselines, Leadbelly, and others. I think that is the mark of a great intellectual force; the humility to credit others.
smedcalf 2 months ago
Comment removed
smedcalf 2 months ago
Comment removed
smedcalf 2 months ago
Comment removed
smedcalf 2 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
They say you shouldn't meet your idols. However, after I met Leonard Cohen, I managed to idolise him even more.
74jac06 2 months ago
Comment removed
74jac06 2 months ago
leonard cohen is one of the pure singers that is left, that can make music for the love of it, and not for money.
he shuld be an example to all of us. hes a great singer, and a great person.
i admire him, thank you leonard for everything you gave me!
elilaulau999 2 months ago
Dear God, Cohen is still a ride!
LoopyTheBubblebrain 2 months ago
Cohen's excellent,in spite of GG.Thank goodness for the mute button! I was able to ignore 85% of G's unnecessarily long questions,&just hear who I wanted to.Still, I heard G use 2 of his over-used pet words: "famously"&"subtext".Those,along with "imperative"&"zeitgeist",are some of the words he over-uses,misuses&abuses constantly.Typically,too many G qu's are more about G's ego than the guest.He asks probing,&invasive qu's
("darkest hour?"), yet is mum re. his own sexuality&suspected Q-ness...
Bobjb999 2 months ago
Comment removed
Bobjb999 2 months ago
Comment removed
Bobjb999 2 months ago
Comment removed
Bobjb999 2 months ago
I love hearing him talk. He has an almost saintly appeal to him.
thedylanschrader 2 months ago
COhen is great. I love that he's aware of the tryanny of political correctness.
knightschwartz 2 months ago
Jian is ok. too much of a PC leftist for my taste.
knightschwartz 2 months ago
Best interview show in the world. From CBC in Canada. Yesterday, inspiring interview with Tony Bennett - only 85 years old and still swinging and rocking!
tennis11ish 3 months ago
i love u!
emilblom91 3 months ago
Leonard Cohen is great and all, but by the way - this interview should be shown in journalistic classrooms around the world. Fantastic detail at the very end, and, although the transitions weren't perfect, excellent structure.
phoenixdk 3 months ago
Cohen, you're one modest S.O.B.
MechanicalCrowds 3 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Jian is awesome in interview specific with musician because he was musician too. he's always prepared and knowledgeable about the subject. The interview was very live and most of time hits touchy fields!
Amin
aminomidy 4 months ago
Comment removed
aminomidy 4 months ago
Damn his voice is sexy.
TheZairae 4 months ago 17
09:48 "...in hindsight it seems to be the height of folly..." It's wonderful listening to this interview just for his comand of the english language.
lehnrik 4 months ago 2
a magician
jacque123ish 4 months ago
Wonderful and touching interchange between the interviewer and Leonard. The "Sense of solitude and hopelessness" we have all felt at times, he speaks for all conscious human beings, those who aren't afraid to express their fears and feelings. What a great and REAL MAN!!!
emlization 4 months ago
Leonard Cohen looks and speaks like such a gentlemen. I'm only 1:40 in, but hey - what a great first impression!
BrandNewToYou 4 months ago 2
Andy Warhol was right when he said the most interesting thing about a film is what happens when the cameras aren't running. Luckily these guys leave the cameras rolling.
PorroFirst 5 months ago
Judy Collins and Dave van Ronk and.. Dylan, and uh.. Judy Collins..
How demented is this guy?
PorroFirst 5 months ago
there is something so familiar about him
as if i have meant before, or like i know him....
as a child, or pehaps as a lover
however- i feel like i have known him forever.
caxxandra2 5 months ago
confession filtered through a tradition?!? brilliant!
filardope 5 months ago
15 people has a mental disorder
jaycabralesmusic 5 months ago
Comment removed
johnkiedis27 5 months ago
Enigma, definition..a person of puzzling or contradictory character: To me he has always been an enigma, one minute completely insensitive, the next moved to tears. Leonard Cohen life is the definition, only difference is that he expressed it in words and music.....wonder if..on our death bed, we had lived like Lenard Cohen, that the word 'enigma' would might come to mind...!
jimgalyean 5 months ago
it was such a priveledge to be an audience to hear Leonard have a conversation with the interviewer. The interviewer showed great love for Leonard, and Leonard returned the love. Thank you so much, having been part of this audience has only made me love and respect this man more. I love it that he said "I like to hear old peoples stories, and I loved it how the old singers laid it out" and that he wants to be part of the older singers laying it out. He absolutely has my heart. Thankyou.
DobsonAnna 5 months ago
Do a Bob Dylan interview!!!!
Batmanwaffledog 6 months ago
he talks about having clinical depression. Many poets, writers, creative people have struggled with depression & mental illness.
lemon33shoes 6 months ago 4
you have to remember although a jew he is highly trained in budhism and in meditation and that he has a perspective that young people just cannot have. Because we are younger.
andy191266 6 months ago
perhaps one of a small number of heroes I have. no doubt the most literary man in popular music, wihtout exception.
andy191266 6 months ago 2
Great teacher Leonard Cohen is...
but what happened to good interviewers ? !
thefufu2009 6 months ago
LC is a great guy and a wonderful artist. I would have liked to have met him.
judgeofcharacter1961 6 months ago
watch till the end... "Did we get anything interesting." Yes Mr. Cohen, we got 42 minutes of very fascinating shit.
extremelybusy123 7 months ago 3
wowzer. that was a good one.
extremelybusy123 7 months ago
Q TV should interview Bob Dylan and Lou Reed.
YourFaceWillDie468 7 months ago 2
"I'd always been writing little songs, too" LOL
akaGumboStu 7 months ago
I love these two guys. The interviewer is really honest and open, and I liked the bit at the end when he talks about being afraid of death. Was a beautiful and honest moment.
amberience 7 months ago
Great man this. Finger on the pulse of the tragedy that is life.
splutonium 7 months ago
As Carl Sagan is to Astronomy, Leonard Cohen is to musical poetry. Plus, they kind of seem similar to me.
SuperJav1988 7 months ago 2
Great answers to wonderful questions !! Love em Both !! Thanks for doing this !
chinmaymenon 7 months ago
The interviewer really looks like Larry Page co-founder of Google.
Are they related or something?
nutsbutdum 8 months ago
You can read the life you're living but you cannot change a word...holy crap...google search...yup his words...he just spills them in an interview.
He simply channels wisdom.
Deckeon74 8 months ago 3
@Deckeon74 I think one must feel in the presence of sainthood when meeting him. Heh. What a hero.
ajpbrunet 8 months ago
So many quoteables in this.
KoolIsKeith 8 months ago
such an extraction of wisdom from a very intelligent man. i learned a lot in these past 42 minutes.
SoIncrediblyHigh 8 months ago
Icould not agree more, what a wonderful interview.
Leonard Cohen has been around since the late 1960's for me.
Jian Ghomeshi's program Q on CBC One is one of the Radio Programs that if it is on the car radio when I drive somewhere tends to have me sit in the vehicle until it's over even if I have reached my destination.
jdXp610 8 months ago 2
His humility and wisdom are a lesson to everyone. The simplicityof his life belies the complexity of his wonderfully complex mind.He is measured in his responses and doesn't waste words. Blessings to him
zacimat 8 months ago 20
I love his grace and stoicism. He means it when he says he doesn't like self-indulgence, as evidenced a little later on when he deflects the question about his darkest moment by saying his anxieties don't matter in the face of the suffering of others.
James3940 8 months ago 4
oh man! what a humble, unique and intelligent individual!
ohmysparticus 8 months ago
i enjoyed this. leonard and J - much respect.
TroyArn 9 months ago
YouTube, please find for us another great interview with Leonard I saw it on Japanese TV at least 20 years ago. It was remarkable, not only for LC who is always inspiring, but for the Japanese interviewer who showed at least as much sensitivity as this one. In that country's tradition of mindless, stupid interviewers someone must have really messed up in the channel's production team. He/she has probably been looking for work ever since.
jamesfreeman96 9 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
DONT READ THIS CUZ IT ACTUALLY WORKS. YOU WILL GET KISSED ON THE NEAREST POSSIBLE FRIDAY FROM THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE, TOMORROW WILL BE THE BEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE; HOWEVER IF U DONT POST THIS TO OVER THREE VIDEOS YOU WILL DIE WITHIN TWO DAYS. NOW THAT U STARTED READING THIS DONT STOP. THIS IS SO SCARY! POST THIS TO ANOTHER FIVE VIDEOS IN 143 MINUTES. WHEN UR DONE PRESS F6 AND YOUR CRUSH'S NAME WILL APPEAR ON SCREEN IN BIG LETTERS. THIS IS SO SCARY BUT IT REALLY WORKS.
richardklopez17 9 months ago
He's so well-spoken.. I just love to hear that man's thoughts
Zoidypoo89 10 months ago 2
I was fortunate enough to see Leonard in concert in Victoria In 2010 and he was in fine form. He performed well past the concert scheduled time and the audience loved him.. he could have performed all night! What energy! Gian should keep his own fear of death out of his interviews, especially when there is so much more to learn from this enigmatic master of music.
suzannejmartin 10 months ago
How many times and how many ways in one interview can Gian ask Leonard Cohen about his impending death, his feelings about death, if he fears death ( three times for this particular question) and virtually nothing about his music.. What gives? If Mr. Cohen was depressed in the nineties he probably is suicidal after this interview.
suzannejmartin 10 months ago
@suzannejmartin
Death is divine.
samjmpkj1 10 months ago
Great interview, and Mr. Cohen is amazing...gracious, generous, humble, wise.
pammy770 10 months ago
Why does Gian keep asking him about his house? Not so engaging? Perhaps he should ask him about his taste in wall hangings and pottery.
seanmeggeson 11 months ago
@seanmeggeson he's the worst interviewer ever! he speaks more than the subject nearly every time. ugh.
bigcyhutch 10 months ago
@bigcyhutch
lol! agreed!! why are people going on about how great this interview is?
seanmeggeson 10 months ago
@bigcyhutch Yes, he does ! And, your exactly on time, and ='s or, in a lot of respects. Nice catch. He's way over my head too! I love him, an especially for that one reason in particular.
samjmpkj1 10 months ago
This was brilliant. What an honor hearing that man talk.
merzer131 11 months ago
How could anyone ever see or hear Leonard Cohen and not fall madly & wildly in love with him? He is a Master, in a Class of his own. Incomparable Poetry, music, charisma. And like a rare French Wine, he just keeps getting better & better!
ElunedDdedwydd 11 months ago
I think the interviewer is reall fearfull of death! great interview though.
emosdieslow 11 months ago 2
@emosdieslow If i had to interview Leonard Cohen i have no idea how on earth i would even manage the mere thought of it. I really have no idea. But he is still, without any doubts, on the #1 of my 'List of people i would like to have a cup of coffee with'.
merzer131 11 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@merzer131 He's one of a kind.
emosdieslow 11 months ago
What a wonderful interview.
You can tell the interviewer loves and admires Leonard, not just in his body language and tone of voice, but in the respect he shows Cohen with the effort he put into his questions. Whenever I think of Leonard Cohen, I feel like I'm a member of some sort of special club that doesn't ever advertise itself or feel superior to others, but still, it's something special.
Alaxandros100 11 months ago 46
@Alaxandros100 Really goes to show why he is such a successful writer and musician. You watch the Billy Bob interview when he blows up on QTV and it makes sense, BB acted like a dick because he is, and writes sub par-terrible music. Cohen is a kind artistic soul and as a result he creates amazing music.
dk212 6 months ago
Thank you G-d for Leonard Cohen
misscarolinec 11 months ago 2
This was a great interview. It was a true conversation, not just a series of questions. It looks easy. However, it took a lot of preparation I sure. I also get the sense of a teacher and a student talking. Good job
99Cire 11 months ago
This was a great interview. It was a true conversation, not just a series of questions. It looks easy. However, it took a lot of preparation I sure. Good job
99Cire 11 months ago 21
One of the best interviews I've listened to.
bavwill 11 months ago
« even though he was built to see the world this way, he was also built to disregard, to be free of the way he was built to see the world »
XuZhongRui 11 months ago
i came to know Mr Leonards work recently through a friend and i just got hooked on his art(music), personality, i don't know what, but he has something big that inspires me or perhaps it's his humblness (humility). long live Mr Leonard!
Babylon3000 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I have lived 67 yrs. and have just found Mr. Cohen. I am loving his mind. I love his talent. I find myself wanting to hear his music the first thing in the morning and all day long. I want to say his talent is so wonderful! But, I believe it is more...lost for just the right word. I do praise you Mr. Cohen♥ I also love the women singers in the back ground. Perfect! Your wisdom is something to be desired. Prepare for death "Repent, Repent...love in the day your in. Simplicity is good.
zoom1943 1 year ago
I have lived 67 yrs. and have just found Mr. Cohen. I am loving his mind. I love his talent. I find myself wanting to hear his music the first thing in the morning and all day long. I want to say his talent is so wonderful! But, I believe it is more...lost for just the right word. I do praise you Mr. Cohen♥ I also love the women singers in the back ground. Perfect! Your wisdom is something to be desired. Prepare for death "Repent, Repent...love in the day your in. Simplicity is good.
zoom1943 1 year ago
My first encounter with Leonard Cohen was in a first year Can. Lit. class. I read "How to Speak Poetry" and was immediately fascinated with him. His dignity, refinement and humility equal his incredible creative talents.
HaleyTipperary 1 year ago
@HaleyTipperary Well said. If that doesn't reshape a person's perspective -- especially the bit about poetry being a laundry list of sorts -- than little else likely will. Can't stress enough how affected I've been by this man. He's certainly as rare as they come.
sowhatnowhere 11 months ago
Why is it that everytime you ask anyone about their Jewish past they talk about so many unknowns and so many misteries!!!
I love Cohen, and i do hope that the Herro's of our world start showing their face before its to late!!? Thank you for this Video....:-)
AnglesM888 1 year ago
This interview encapsulates all that I love about this man ,and on top of that, there is his poetry and music.He has such breadth and wisdom, humilty and insight, and he has changed my life.
sweetgypsywife 1 year ago
Haha, when Leonard Cohen is 82, his voice will be subsonic.
rainfice0629 1 year ago 3
your voice gives me goosebumps
newfie3028 1 year ago
I am from Romania, Mister Leonard Cohen.... and I just love this video.... Iţm a drummmer and I love to plaz music... but, from time to time, when places become demanding, I just feel like, after reading your books in my language... that you really have contributed to our society.... and, thank you, for what youv'e done. A thousand kisses deep!
danolar 1 year ago
If you love Leonard Cohen, and surrealistic symbolistic lyrics, you’d like my music too. He’s one of my two great musical heroes. I made a song called "A Winter Evening's Tale”. This is also for all of us folks facing 2011. Do check it out in my channel or check it out in the video response of this awesome video. The song references Pilgrim's Progress, bible, Alice in the wonderland, Revelations, crusades etc. It also depicts eerie classical paintings. Have a folky new year!
darcon81 1 year ago
Love the end above, where Q lets his guard down.
FelipeQQ 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
what a wonderful man
fonbets 1 year ago
what a wonderful man
fonbets 1 year ago
why is this no nothing interviewig such an ICON. no nothing hack. recearch the people you're interviewing. you're an embassment to the great artists
wizzyrogers 1 year ago
why is this no nothing interviewig such an ICON. no nothing hack. recearch the people you're interviewing.
wizzyrogers 1 year ago
Such a wise man.
sunz600 1 year ago
Van Morrison should be on that list, too.
peggyapetersen 1 year ago
Van Morrison should be on that list, too.
peggyapetersen 1 year ago
"well i'de been generally fearful about everything, so this fits in with the general sense of anxiety" HAHAHAAHA oh god how i can relate...
letmeloginyoucunt 1 year ago
He choses his words so carefully. He has such a great respect for language.
bitte12pouce 1 year ago
good point @cannabisabuser although i think there def would be a place for neil young on this list. Just saw him live in Melbourne - absolute genius
MrSlimjimk 1 year ago
@MrSlimjimk Yes, I agree, I haven't thought of him as I wrote the comment, but there were about 20 people who told me the same thing.
cannabisabuser 1 year ago
@MrSlimjimk i went on the 12th, it was amazing, he is the most humble performer
nickformo 1 year ago
Old men like this always have such wisdom. Just the way he speaks grabs your attention and says "I have good lessons to teach"
applejuiced 1 year ago
I have to ask: what exactly constitutes selling out? If an artist makes great music that speaks to you, why should it matter how many or which other people are also fans of it? Everyone’s certainly entitled to their opinions. I’m just curious. Cohen’s music is brilliant. Sometimes, though, I think people sing his praises mainly because most have never heard of him. If you have any stomach for hip-hop I recommend listening to “Indier Than Thou” which, while not spectacular, is pretty funny, IMHO.
lockwright 1 year ago
Awesome. Also loving the the comments and the fact that Dylan is STILL being accused of selling out; tee, and moreover, hee.
Fowlersboot 1 year ago
Lady Gaga is so much more talented than him. what is he, like 100?
outofaces 1 year ago
@outofaces What if he were 100? All the better for us! Are you an ageist?
pckermit 1 year ago
@outofaces
That's like comparing a wrench to a lake; which is to say that there is none.
lockwright 1 year ago
i LOVE HiM SO MUCH iM SO THANkFUL FOR HAVING SUCH A GREAT PERSON IN MY LIFE HE HAS HELPED US ALOT i CAN TURELY SAY IM A LUCKY YOUNG GIRL TO KNOW SUCH A WONDERFUL PERSON LIKE HIMSELF THANKS MR.LEONARD -♥DAISY
06RETROLOKKZBBY 1 year ago
Kris Kristofferson, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen; all on a level together that cannot even be touched by anyone around today.
lothartheterrible 1 year ago
great stuff...love the man
marycigarettes 1 year ago
IT'S NOT A LEVEL PLAYGROUND FOR EITHER MAN OR WOMEN.. these are great words..
ammayoga 1 year ago
incroyable ce qu'il paraît jeune pour un vieux!
polarisreseau 1 year ago
Wow, Len looks so old, I'm afraid he'll fall down and break a hip soon!
Great talent, though.
bosszeroboss 1 year ago
5 + Robert Wyatt, David Byrne, John Martyn.
tobyruncorn2 1 year ago
I also wish this guy would interview all the worthy artists. He doesnt ask stupid questions and he LISTENS AND DOESNT INTERRUPT
Obelisk2290 1 year ago
wow at the very last comment by LC
kingkungfoot 1 year ago
@miggerino — you say you love his poetry and his music, yet point out that you dislike his "false modesty".
The reality is that his modesty and self-deprication is real and comes through in a lot of his poetry and his music. Perhaps reading LC's biography "Various Positions..." by Ira Nadel will provide you with more insight. It's a good read!
Anyway, cheers to the great Canadian icon.
austensvids 1 year ago
This is a patient man, and an artistic genius .. oh and yeah, death is the ultimate equalizer.
glossy104 1 year ago
This guy is pure inspiration ... brilliance is timeless.
glossy104 1 year ago 13
@glossy104
Ah, but the lying is an abomination.
He shows deep sadness when he sings "non-je ne regrette rien" of course we regret it.
Chalisse de bonte.
Nicksvoiceinthewild 10 months ago
divine
glossy104 1 year ago
Love love love the man
glossy104 1 year ago 2
Look, I love Leonard Cohen's music and poetry. Spicebox was the first book of poems I ever read cover-to-cover. But man, what is with the false modesty? He has this self-depricating way of talking about his achievements, and likes to say stuff like "I don't know when the songs I've written are any good." Are you kidding me? Of course you do, Lennie. You've made a fortune in an industry where almost no one makes money. He's like one of those keen students who works hard, but pretends they don't.
miggerino 1 year ago
@miggerino Most artists, are by nature, insecure people. That is partly what drives great art. Most great artists suffer from depression, which LC has admitted to many times. He was modestly successful until recently. I guarantee that he has made much more from the royalties from "Hallelujah" than the rest of his career combined.
StalkerJamforx 1 year ago
Thank you very much for this.
felipebirds 1 year ago
In all his modesty he's able to connect people all around the world for years already.
He is a source of inspiration, hope and comfort in a world with a lot of selfish people.
A man with this kind of conscience of life is a source of change.
yogiwebwod 1 year ago
Gian Ghomeshi is such a great interviewer. . . and Cohen gives a great interview.
Trudeau790 1 year ago 2
Gian Ghomeshi is such a great interviewer. . . .
Trudeau790 1 year ago
i'm fifteen years old and i feel like i'm just starting to figure out what life is. i am fascinated with the beauties as well as the tragedies of life, and of the rhythm of living. listening to leonard cohen always relaxes me and puts me into a trance. i could listen to him all day, his thoughts are so wonderful and true. he is one of the only people that puts me in touch with who i am, or at least who i think i am becoming. he's one of the classics of all time, for sure!!
zimmawoman 1 year ago 36
@zimmawoman what a beautiful comment
GeistWerk 1 year ago
@zimmawoman
Well I'm 34 and love Cohen as the best lyricist and also musician.Iliked him since maybe I'm 22 or so but at your age on one hand it's great to see you like no plastic music like the people in your age mostly do.But to understand really what he means , what is ironic and so on. I think you have to go through a few episodes of life that make you older and wiser.Don't get me wrong but there's a lot of life-experience in his songs and the older you get the more you'll love it.Peace...
rentalife 1 year ago
@zimmawoman not surprising to know hear that Lenny is being heard across the best part of 70yrs. I became a fan about the same age & it's a gift that just gets better with age. Enjoy the music & listen to every word - he's one in a billion.
glossy104 11 months ago
When he spoke about love, (15:00) and then when asked about his darkest hour, (24:00) he got me. He's so real. I love him.
afringedweller 1 year ago
Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, Nick Cave and David Bowie. There is absolutely no person (yet) who can top these dogs.
There still is Morrissey!
BigDogProductions91 1 year ago
@BigDogProductions91
Sorry but you forgot Lou Reed,Bob Marley and John Lennon
rentalife 1 year ago
What a wise man. Could listen to him all day.
TheJahnu 1 year ago
My god ! He speaks from my deepest soul
shifra891 1 year ago
poetry just pours out of this guys mouth. he can't help it. what a treasure to humanity.
RDJim 1 year ago
That was superb, many thanks for that,
tranmer3 1 year ago
Holy crap, his speaking voice is exactly like his singing voice.
teak43 1 year ago
Truly great musician!, but just a musician nothing more.
arbide2 1 year ago
@arbide2 ; You *have* to be kidding!! You are soooo "uninformed". Go to his web site and educate yourself.
lakkotasue 1 year ago
There are five men in the music who never lost their credibility, and simply become more legendary as time passes on: Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, Nick Cave and David Bowie. There is absolutely no person (yet) who can top these dogs.
cannabisabuser 1 year ago 50
@cannabisabuser ..Scott walker. Can't forget Walker.
ludwig327 1 year ago
@cannabisabuser & Neil Young.
tage92 1 year ago
@cannabisabuser Neil Young!
alpentriotirol 1 year ago
@cannabisabuser ah...neil young?
therearenowordssleft 1 year ago
@cannabisabuser
You're absolute right Cohen ,Dylan,Waits,Bowie but instead of Cave I prefer Lou Reed.That are true musicians and lyricists who live it.Peace out !
rentalife 1 year ago
@cannabisabuser
You've forgotten Elvis Presley, Jim Carroll, Lou Reed, Johnny Cash, and Jim Morrison.
bosszeroboss 1 year ago
@bosszeroboss To all the people who added more to my list: Thank you, I just thought of those guys from the top of my head.
cannabisabuser 1 year ago
@bosszeroboss Also, it just occurred to me, Elvis, Cash and Jim are dead. I have in mind people who still live from around the same era, and become better with age.
cannabisabuser 1 year ago
@cannabisabuser
Okay, that's fair since it's just your opinion.
bosszeroboss 1 year ago
@cannabisabuser
Thus spake cannabisabuser?
I love it when folks rattle off their personal favorites as though their unrivaled excellence were objective fact. Not that those aren't among my top favorites as well; I just have enough humility not to assume the mantle of arbiter of all good taste.
lockwright 1 year ago
@lockwright And I love it when folks want to take a spotlight off someone who's comment was liked by civilized people.
That's just a group of musicians who share a lot in their style and lyrics, seems like people have nothing against them, and once in a while, they add Neil Young and their own personal favorites. When someone likes Cohen, chances are they also listen to these other musicians. And I just listed a few famous musicians who become better with age, there's really not many of them.
cannabisabuser 1 year ago
@cannabisabuser
Actually, I expected my comment to garner thumbs down and yours to continue to garner thumbs up. I know that's how I'd vote on both accounts since, as I indicated, I agree with the high quality of those artists. I didn't think about the focus of the "spotlight". But in any event, I can't change the sequencing of the posts and I'm not apologizing for replying to you. I do apologize, however, for being snide - it was judgmental and I regretted it almost as soon as I hit post.
lockwright 1 year ago
@lockwright Haha, happens to me all the time, too.
cannabisabuser 1 year ago
@cannabisabuser
I try not to add to the general glut of vitriol that seems to be the second thing the internet is for, but it is annoyingly, seductively easy to take out one's frustrations with the flaws in one's self and the world where others are just bits in the ether. Sorry I took it out on you. You sound like a nice and reasonable fellow. Peace.
lockwright 1 year ago
@cannabisabuser Bob Dylan's sold out, and his new music's terrible. Surely John Lennon belongs there too, as well as a few others...
videogamenostalgia 1 year ago
@videogamenostalgia No, because Lennon is dead, he does not belong on a list of musicians who get better as they get older. With Dylan, though, you might be right. Not necessarily sold out, because I would hear more of him surely, but his Christmas Special album was downright hilarious.
cannabisabuser 1 year ago
@cannabisabuser Really? Lennon lives for 40 odd years, and never sold out. That's still an achievement- he did get better as he got older.
videogamenostalgia 1 year ago