I really became more aware of Leonard Cohen in the early to mid 80"s. .A friend was into him and I saw a TV programme of him in Dublin and became
more impressed. .I went off to buy a Tape of some of his albums..They were hard to find where I lived in the West of Ireland at the time..I searched for more information about him and also it was
Proving difficult. .I was determined. .there must be some way to find out what he is doing with records or touring...I put a small
advert with a Box No...Looking for information on Leonard Cohen.in The Hot Press Magazine. I got one reply back from a guy who
was a big fan...We corresponded for awhile
and he gave me tapes of some of Leonard's
concerts around Europe. .He also put
me in touch with Jim Delvin in Uk..who
was compiling a fan club type of booklet
about Leonard and what he was up to
in relation to tours and recording Albums.
Anything I came across in papers or magazines
in Ireland I sent off by post to Jim Delvin.
The more I found out about Leonard Cohen
the more I admired him and what he
stood for..I bought more of his tapes
and by then CDs were starting. .I was really bowled over
by his Album The Future. ..I began to see
him on TV in Jules Holland show and
loved to hear his views on anything
and everything. .He was so smart intelligent
with a wicked wit...and his music
was profound! ..I was getting hooked!
When I went to see him for the first time
in Kilmainham Dublin I was completely
enthralled by Leonard and his fantastic
talented band and singers..He stole our hearts that year
In Dublin in 2008....then in Lissadell in
Co Sligo home to WB Yeats. .a hero
Of Leonard's. ..and mine too...I almost
met him in Mullaghmore in Co Sligo. .
waited and waited but missed him by
a few seconds...Very disappointed. However
I finally got to meet him in Dublin in
the Gresham Hotel where I stayed specifically
with that ambition. ...I was shaking. .when
I encountered him just outside the lift
on a Thursday afternoon in 2012. ..There
were 2 other fans waiting too...He
signed a book I had with me by Jim
Delvin. ..In Every Sense of Passion. .I
was acknowledged in this book
for contributions made over the years
and now I had Leonard's signature
in this book! He posed for a photo with me
and I mutterred praise to him...He said.
"You are most kind"...in that velvet
voice of his...! Afterwards I walked
down O'connell Street Dublin in a daze
of joy!...I treasure this moment forever
Always! ....Nowadays I listen to his music
daily...Put postings on his fan club website
total devotion to this Icon of our Time
with his music poetry amazing concerts
so privileged to have him among us
now and forever..Always!..! Love You
Leonard. ..One of A Kind...One of Our Own!
Josephine Hogan. ..