Welcome to the quietest show on Earth. And one of the greatest. Live in London documents the incredible return to the stage of Leonard Cohen, age 73. Incredible because Cohen is not just surviving—he’s in peak form.

Cohen’s tours in the late ’80s and early ’90s were good, too. But Cohen admits that he drank back in those days—up to three bottles a day—to deal with stage fright. It didn’t show on stage, but it must have taken a toll.

After the ’90s tour, Cohen retreated to a Zen monastery in California, where he might have stayed—if his manager hadn’t swindled him out of a few million dollars.

Given all of this, and considering his advanced age, one might not have expected much of Leonard in the 21^st century. But Cohen isn’t drinking. He approached this tour with focus, rehearsing for months before opening night. Live, the results are stunning.

So how does all this translate onto the CD document of the London show at the O2 Arena? Thanks to an outstanding backing band, and a great catalogue of songs, pretty well.

I’ve talked to casual fans who describe this show as being close to a religious experience. The CD won’t take you there. But it’s the next best thing.

Catherine Walker

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