Marilyn & Camp Cohen

Where do I start my Leonard Cohen story and how do I tell it? Needless to share the part of I’m a fan; loving his music and admiring the man. After working on his legendary concert in Israel in September 2009, I was asked to join the tour in July 2010 as production assistant. When I got the call from Leonard Cohen’s tour manager, I was first of all very flattered and honored. Of all working people they met over the years, they had chosen me. Luckily I didn’t have too much time to think and prepare, we were leaving 3 weeks later. Leaving for 4 months and a half. 3 months across Europe then New Zealand, Australia, West Canada and the US. As it has now been almost two years ago, some memories fade and one keeps mostly the good ones. Yes I was homesick many times. Living in a hotel, out of a suitcase and traveling is not made for everyone. Being on the move all the time is not an easy thing when you are attached to your family and friends and to your comfort zone(s). But what a ‘chance’. To see the world and to be part of the most wonderful touring company, the Unified Heart Touring Company. It’s hard work and it’s boring, it’s fast and it’s slow, it’s joy and it’s tears, it’s close and it’s far. It’s all of it. All together I visited 45 different cities/countries and did over 60 shows joining the last leg of a 3 year world tour. I listen to Leonard Cohen everyday. I am grateful everyday. The new tour has just kicked off in Ghent, Belgium and is making its way through Europe. It’s been an amazing reunion. So long my Cohen road family.

Hanging backstage signs in Tours, France – photo by J.S. Carenza III

My tour twin, road manager, blogger and photographer J.S. Carenza III took these in Strasbourg venue

Touring can be lonely, luckily I had 2 blackberries – photo by J.S. Carenza III

Santa Croce, Firenze, Italy – photo by J.S. Carenza III

Celebrating Jewish new year in France – photo by J.S. Carenza III

Deep talk over coffee in hotel lobby. Auckland, New Zealand – photo by J.S. Carenza III

Small talk over dinner in Brisbane, Australia – photo by J.S. Carenza III

The other highlight in Australia: wildlife park with my friend Mr. Koala

Soundcheck in Australia’s “Hanging Rock”

Celebrating Hanukkah in Vancouver, Canada – photo by J.S. Carenza III

Celebrating last Hanukkah candle in Portland, Oregon – photo by J.S. Carenza III

After show in the green room. Oakland, California, USA – photo by J.S. Carenza III

Last two shows in Las Vegas. December 2010.

Signed poster, framed on my living room wall.

My daily cup of merch and the “Unified Heart” ring I never take off.

Collage I made a long time ago with a quote from Anthem: “There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in”

More info about Leonard Cohen on his website or on the Leonard Cohen Files. Follow “Notes from the road” for all updated tour info or for more souvenirs: http://leonardcohen.tumblr.com/archive/2010/12

Tagged: anthem, Australia, blackberry, cohen, Europe, leonard, Leonard Cohen, merch, music, New Zealand, notes from the road, production assistant, touring, UHTC, unified heart, USA, world tour