Leonard Cohen tour unveils complete North American schedule

After skipping over the United States during his 2008 world tour, legendary singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen has finally announced plans for a full-fledged North American tour. The 28-city tour, promoted in the U.S. by AEG Live, begins April 2 at The Long Center in Austin, TX, and wraps June 2 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO.

Cohen’s run includes several multiple-night engagements across the nation: April 10-11 at Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, CA; April 13-14 at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, CA; May 5-6 at Chicago Theatre in Chicago, IL; May 16-17 at Radio City Music Hall in New York, NY; and May 29-30 at the Wang Theatre in Boston, MA.

More than 10 concerts are booked across Canada, as well, including an April 19 show at GM Place in Vancouver, BC, and a May 25-26 stand at National Arts Centre in Ottawa, ON. Initial ticket sales for the whole outing begin on February 27, with additional onsales following from March 2 through March 9.

“We are delighted to finally bring this phenomenal tour to the USA,” said Rob Hallett, the president of international touring for AEG Live, in a statement. “Having spent the last 12 months touring the World, from Romania to Australia from London to Rome, America will now get the opportunity to see the show that has enthralled over 750,000 concert goers across the world to date.”

The North American tour announcement comes on the heels of Cohen’s February 19 concert at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. The sold-out show was the iconic vocalist’s first performance in the U.S. since 1993 and received rave reviews from critics.

The influential singer-songwriter was also previously announced as one of the performers for the April 17 opening of the 10th annual Coachella Festival. Festival promoter Goldenvoice, a division of AEG, has since described the festival engagement as a sunset performance.

Since his 1967 debut “Songs of Leonard Cohen,” the 74-year-old performer has been heralded as one of the world’s most influential songwriters. His rich voice, paired with an expert exploration of themes ranging from sexuality to spirituality, earned an international following that has remained strong through his most recent album release, 2004’s “Dear Heather.”

Leonard Cohen itinerary:
(Dates are subject to change.)