Leonard Cohen: Music world pays tribute after legendary songwriter dies aged 82
Arcade Fire, John Cale, A Tribe Called Quest and more pay their respects.
Tributes are pouring in this morning for iconic songwriter Leonard Cohen, who died last night aged 82.
“It is with profound sorrow we report that legendary poet, songwriter and artist, Leonard Cohen has passed away,” a statement from Cohen’s family said on the artist’s Facebook page in the early hours of this morning. “We have lost one of music’s most revered and prolific visionaries. A memorial will take place in Los Angeles at a later date. The family requests privacy during their time of grief.”
Cohen’s son Adam told Rolling Stone the musician had died “with the knowledge that he had completed what he felt was one of his greatest records. He was writing up until his last moments with his unique brand of humour.” His manager Robert Kory added: “Unmatched in his creativity, insight and crippling candour, Leonard Cohen was a true visionary whose voice will be sorely missed. I was blessed to call him a friend, and for me to serve that bold artistic spirit firsthand, was a privilege and great gift. He leaves behind a legacy of work that will bring insight, inspiration and healing for generations to come.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meanwhile praised the “remarkable Montrealer” for reaching “the highest of artistic achievement, both as an acclaimed poet and a world-renowned singer-songwriter. He will be fondly remembered for his gruff vocals, his self-deprecating humour and the haunting lyrics that made his songs the perennial favourite of so many generations.”
Here’s what the world of music has had to say about the songwriter’s death and his legacy. We’ll be updating this page throughout the day as more tributes come in.
very upsetting news 2 learn of Leonard's passing. the world has 1 less gentle soul tnight. we thank u 4 the multitude of gifts u left us. jc
— John Cale (@therealjohncale) November 11, 2016
Next year can only be better. Seeing Leonard Cohen walking on St Laurent street when I was 21 was enough to make me feel like I had a home
— win butler (@DJWindows98) November 11, 2016
https://twitter.com/qtiptheabstract/status/796899547163328512
Dog…*sigh* all due respect to the gawd. #LeonardCohen
A photo posted by Questlove Gomez (@questlove) on
R.I.P. Leonard Cohen
— Carole King (@Carole_King) November 11, 2016
1/2 For many of us Leonard Cohen was the greatest songwriter of them all. Utterly unique and impossible to imitate…
— Nick Cave & TBS (@nickcave) November 11, 2016
2/2 …no matter how hard we tried. He will be deeply missed by so many. – Nick Cave
— Nick Cave & TBS (@nickcave) November 11, 2016
The fragileness of life has been once again exposed with the passing on of Leonard Cohen. May God grant him peace…forever.
— Yusuf / Cat Stevens (@YusufCatStevens) November 11, 2016
A photo posted by moby XⓋX (@moby) on
Fuck. Leonard Cohen. Goodbye and thank you for being my friend for all these years.
— The Black Madonna (@blackmadonnachi) November 11, 2016
Goodbye Leonard Cohen,
and thank you for one of my favourite songs of all time. https://t.co/gR9o32Nu0P— erol alkan (@erolalkan) November 11, 2016
Bye, Leonard and thanks!x https://t.co/hjB5KUoGHR
— graham coxon (@grahamcoxon) November 11, 2016
In this dark moment after the US election let’s remember Leonard Cohen ”There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.” #RIP
— Bianca Jagger (@BiancaJagger) November 11, 2016
We have lost a great artist, poet and poignant force of energy. R.I.P Leonard Cohen.
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) November 11, 2016
"First we take Manhattan."-Leonard Cohen #Cry #Fight #Hallelujah #Onward pic.twitter.com/VvUxmI8hs9
— Tom Morello (@tmorello) November 11, 2016
