Leonard Cohen tour returns to Europe for summer concerts

As the critical acclaim continues to roll in from his stops across North America, legendary singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen is looking toward the next chapter of his 2009 tour. The 74-year-old folk musician has announced more than 30 performances for a summer tour of Europe.

His summer journey begins July 1 at Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany, and ends September 24 at Ramat Gan Stadium in Tel Aviv, Israel. The outing includes a four-night run on July 19-20 and 22-23 at The O2 in Dublin, Ireland, and an August 22-23 stand at the Sporting Club in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

Cohen last toured the European continent in 2008 as a part of his first tour in 15 years. That trek began in the performer’s native Canada in early May and continued overseas through the summer.

If it’s an indicator of what European audiences can expect from Cohen this time around, his North American engagements have clocked in at three hours, including two sets and multiple encores per night. Cohen is accompanied on stage by a six-piece band and three backup singers.

Cohen has received high praise from critics and reviewers throughout his world tour. Following his recent May 3 performance at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, MN, a reviewer from the Star Tribune noted, “This was deeply satisfying, tantric concertizing by the Jewish Buddhist monk. And the worshipful sellout audience responded as if it were having a religious experience at the House of Cohen.”

Cohen officially launched his North American tour, which features his first U.S. concerts in 15 years, in early April. He is next scheduled to perform a May 5-6 stand at Chicago Theatre in Chicago, IL, and has national dates booked through June 2 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO.

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