Leonard Cohen: You Want it Darker press conferece

These are the clips of the press conference for the You Want it Darker album release that were shared on Leonard Cohen's Facebook page. This press conference was held on Oct 13, 2016 in Los Angeles at the Canadian consulate. Chris Douridas is the interviewer and Adam Cohen is also present.
For the audio of the full interview (+- 20 minutes): • Leonard Cohen: You Wan... .

[@zzzbeewof2447]

"I intend to live forever" He wasn't joking, he knew well he was about to pass away, but he was still able to be ironic about his situation. He's definitely not dead. Forever ours dear Lenny

[@AnnaLVajda]

He called the body the vehicle he knows he is a soul not a body.

[@zzzbeewof2447]

Anna Vajda Yess but most of all, I think he was aware of the value of his poetry and songwriting... Like all the other poets, or man of art and science, he found the way to not be forgotten for ever and ever😊

[@AnnaLVajda]

He did already live half in half out of the spiritual realm anyway so he probably knew a part of him would linger in the ether of the physical world. People avoid discussions about souls as if it's an unseen world to everyone but many were taught to perceive it as naturally as maneuvering in a fog.

[@roses98764]

He will live forever in his music! I recently discovered his music and am “hooked.” Thank you, Mr Cohen!!!

[@invisibleink7379]

The señor just changed Dimension 🙌🏽

[@codylakin288]

He even speaks as if reciting poetry. What an artistic genius the man was. And clearly a gentle, articulate soul

[@Johnnythefirst]

Damn, his voice aged like the finest wine... RIP.

[@AbandonedNorthJersey]

Its written in the comments and its not some idle claim .

[@anoop6767]

Johnnythefirst exactlyy...

[@buffobufo]

Johnnythefirst this is THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WORDS I HAVE EVVVEEER HEARD ABOUT HIM 😢😭❤❤❤💚💚💚💙💙💙 THANKS SO MUCH JOHNNYTHEFIRST. .. FOR YOUR BEAUTIFUL WORDS ABOUT MY ONLY IDOL . YES HE'S VOICE IS LIKE AN ANGELIC VOICE .... BUT YOUR WORDS WAS EXACTLY MY THOUGHTS. ☺😢😢😢❤❤❤ BLESSED BE .HUGS

[@gyugyirakmalvin9775]

Yes, it did. I've always loved Mr Cohen's words. His voice was 'average' during his early years. It developed, beautifully, over time. I bought my first ever Leonard Cohen CD in 2007 simply because I heard Dance Me to the End of Love and knew I HAD to have that song, that voice. Since that time I bought almost all of his CDs. This particular CD, his final work, is his beautiful goodbye to us all. You Want It Darker, for me, says it all. "'Hineni, Hinei - I am Ready, My Lord". Thank you, Johhnythefirst, for being the first - to acknowledge the legacy of his VOICE, as he said goodbye.

[@AbandonedNorthJersey]

I heard about Leonard Cohen in grammar school . My fifth grade teacher was always playing acoustic Woody Guthrie songs and even getting the whole class to join in . His words are the some of the best . And yes his voice was captivating . He did his own thing . Yeah Dance me to the end of love is topped by his well aged voice . His accent sounded more Yiddish as he got older with a touch of Canadian . I heard that song on a radio station that was the oldest radio station in 2007 . Oscar Brandt show . He just past away at 97 !!

[@jamieholmes5443]

I think this man has saved people from themselves on more than one occasion. Dear soul.

[@loeildunmyopeimagesfixeset1239]

You are so right

[@annsalaunrondou3676]

Did for me...dying & joke about it. Suicide is my daily thought. Gave all i could to my husband of 35 yrs & 2 sons who are successful because of me my daughter was adopted & dad had a whore. Dumb me. Clueless All estranged from me. 1 granddaughter Don't see. I survived As a pedestrian destroyed and told I would never walk I would never walk.. IS God and probably it and promise to become a registered nurse. My primary patients were holocaust survivors and then aids victims early eighties. When I couldn't no longer walk I took I'm gonna walk I took care of Medically fragile Foster kids. Now i don't know when but Henini makes me sob.. Because I am ready my Lord. It breaks my heart when I hear the line a million candles burning for the help that never came I think of Afghanistan dad it would love to be there to help in some way. HENINI I am ready my Lord. Hope you don't think this is a sob story but thank you for listening I am ready my Lord. P

[@walterwallman3566]

can confirm

[@annap1171]

Yup, hes saving me right now

[@helgefeddersen9745]

I couldn‘t agree more

[@sammiejansen981]

Look at his eyes! He's enjoying every single second. This was 9 days before he passed away (if I'm right). He was a good man. He left us with so much truth.

[@suesjoy]

Three weeks before he passed away...

[@GoodEnergy999]

You being here was and IS A GREAT Privilege!❤

[@jordanowen42]

I hope I'm this cool and coherent when I'm his age.

[@hayleymatthieson7034]

Jordan Owen Me too!

[@jerryoshea3116]

Jordan Owen Amen to that.

[@karenfreeman8232]

He was in a lot of pain in the last stages of cancer at this interview. You can hear he is tired but certainly has not lost his edge!!!

[@paulzendo6079]

Don't try . - Hank Bukowski

[@Skyfan1000]

What age was he here?

[@amaliapistilli2090]

"I intend to live forever"-and he died a few weeks later. But he will live forever, of course. As all artists do.

[@dixiechampagne2892]

And then Leon Russell died two days later, broke my heart

[@GEAsolar]

_He trascended._

[@JustLeonOfficial]

SIKE

[@KingMinosxxvi]

stfu

[@k.g.alatore355]

He knew he wasn't long for this world. But that's the face of a man who's secure and at peace with his life and his legacy.

[@32mybelle]

I just found Mr. Cohen's music. It was immediately clear that I was listening to a genius. I'm now obsessed!

[@anthonycardott3541]

holy shite, get ready for a journey! we´re all excited for you!

[@patyankouski7527]

I'm sorry that you just found him, but you will be richer

[@eamonmacdonnell2627]

@@anthonycardott3541 . What kind of an ignorant comment is that.. Could we have the pleasure of your silence.

[@anthonycardott3541]

@@eamonmacdonnell2627 hey what did I do ... I'm going through this thing again and I can't find where I said anything rude. chill man

[@_FaisalSayyed]

Behind the scenes of game of thrones season 8 brought me here and i knew right away i stumbled upon a gem

[@musar1981]

A true master of the word and beyond that gentle and humble - a pure artist.

[@johnnylopez5061]

Kevin Wilson true

[@jguillaumegagnon9213]

Bob Dylan too!!

[@nicholas3354]

I affirm the sentiment, yet I must say the Word is truly Cohen's Master and that is what makes Cohen so special and gentle and humble - a pure vessel.

[@lindadote]

I have known and loved Leonard's poetry and music for over 45 years yet his voice on his final album is possibly more beautiful than ever. Thanks for sharing this. RIP

[@TSPH1992]

It's a parting gift before ol' Grim welcomed him with open arms

[@goodwira25]

I have just written exactly the same thoughts elsewhere.

[@patriciofernandez2711]

What a beautiful thought! A parting gift, of course. The voice that had been his personal weakness and source of insecurity in the early years, finally freed from pain and doubt, becoming deep beautiful and serene from complete acceptance in the face of death.

[@dheerasujan1643]

Leonard Cohen has taught me to love music all over again. He taught me how words can express the inexpressable. He made me laugh and cry, often at the same time. He is the personification of grace, wit, the best of man. RIP Mr Cohen

[@sammiejansen981]

That.. Just that and only that! He was a master (and a very nice man).

[@MotivatedMetalworks]

He personified humanity. Humility in mastery, kindness, wisdom, and gratitude until the last breath. Leonard was the Atman Nietzsche theorized.

[@ezekielnethwadzi2591]

so you really care for music, don't you?

[@user-ju7ze9to4k]

A pillar of humanity and humility

[@lechlubanski5996]

truly

[@kirra77]

Legendary. Untouchable. I wish I could have had a meal with him.

[@dirtysanchez941]

This ❤️

[@denistrudel]

I almost had that chance. In 1998 I was in line at Wilensky's Light Lunch in Montreal to get my sandwich and he was just behind me. He was a usual there, no one reacted. So did I, respecting his privacy. Could not wait to tell the story !

[@edmundpower1250]

@@denistrudel you should have greeted him. The greatest longing of the human psyche is the longing to be recognised and appreciated. He would have loved to have been recognised. You wouldn't have to blow a trumpet just a gentle whisper

[@cahillgreg]

@@edmundpower1250 No Edmund, no.

[@blackmonarch1]

Even at this stage in life his velvet voice is magical....

[@zuzualma1]

You are deeply missed Leonard

[@ScoopMeisterGeneral]

"I intend to live forever." And he will.

[@tokenspirit6140]

Leonard held my hand once, briefly.....such a joyful individual on the outside. His music haunting and memorable, always. xxoo

[@Missjunebugfreak]

He was a beautiful man. That must have been an unforgettable moment.

[@edmundpower1250]

Tell us more! That's like saying "I almost won the lottery once" and leave it hanging there

[@sammiejansen981]

This is recorded 3 weeks before he passed away... i Am still playing his records. And I will play them until the day I die. Thanks you old chap,

[@PoofNwoof]

What an amazing man he was . I will always miss his voice , poetry and his music

[@HendonHypnotherapy]

but surely he left it behind so we don't have to miss it? x

[@thyartismukduk4742]

I dont think ive ever loved listening to an artist talk or sing more. Im only 26 and i dont think that'll ever change.

[@evapetho3078]

My love for him just deepens with every passing day.

[@sharethelovemarc5712]

Eva Petho k

[@MecConnect180]

Listen to Rabbi Sachs discussion on Leonard. I never realized the depth of his knowledge and the research he put into his songs.

[@gerardgrywacheski1418]

Leonard always had a sense of humor about himself!! He was always humble until the very end and that made me respect him even more!!

[@ladyakayy4949]

I guess im an old lady these days 😊.. But I was never so proud and in awe of my daughter as when she put Lenard Cohen as her favorite artist on Facebook... 🙏✌🏻💕. I must’ve done something right.. 🙏. And now I’m sending this to MY father.. we always kind of communicated through music 🎼.. how beautiful.. how beautiful 💕

[@anndownsouth5070]

"l I intend to live forever". Yes sir you will, your body did not, but YOU WILL.

[@conlaiarla]

The humility is humbling to behold. A worthy man .

[@marita7424]

You will live forever Maestro Leonard Cohen... 💖

[@STEVE1MUSICMAN]

I'm turning 69 in a month, I've loved Leonard for a long time he's the master of all he touches.

[@michelacaudill1n]

There was and is only one Leonard Cohen and he will endure when others are reduced into the haze of forget fullness. His combination of words, poetry, and music gave us a gift that enriched the world. We all have need of such a person. Thank you Leonard Cohen.

[@georgeelgreco450]

My mind is in the future my heart is in the present my soul is in the past

[@peterkay7458]

very well said....worthy of a song

[@phoenixxstar3825]

This made me cry 😭 RIP you beautiful man! Your voice will always be in my heart and soul.

[@CricketsMa]

My dear Mr. Cohen: I.cried when you passed, and still do. Every song of yours I listen to is such sweet agony.

[@lynportello734]

I bet Suzanne is your favorite!!! LOL

[@dz-gj6nx]

What a man among men? His music and his words (as well as Bob Dylan's) have kept my heart beating, and illuminated so many of my dark days. Mr. Leonard, you have lived life to the fullest and still live in our hearts and minds, and to quote your own words "Poetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash" Well sir, I tell you that your fire is still burning and keeping us mere mortals warm in your Prophetic embrace. Mr. Cohen's humility to acknowledge Bob Dylan while he is in pain and pretty much just a couple of weeks before his death is but a testament of his greatness and confidence. What better way to illustrate this than in his own words? "There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in" (it takes a master to know a master). I am so privileged to have been alive at this point in time and able to listen to Leonard Cohen's and Bob Dylan's music and sermons for the last 44 years. So long Lenny! Dylan Elhajoui

[@jon780249]

Cohen enriched so many of our lives and one never tires of his songs, or his far too self-deprecating pearls of wisdom. We all owe him a great debt.

[@terrylovesenegal]

It is only when emergency... Hineni Hineni I am ready my Lord. He was. RIP

[@raminbohlouli1969]

Exactly 25 days after this interview he passed away! How crazy is that? He was one of a kind ... Rest In Peace Forever Leonard Norman Cohen , we love you.

[@voyeurcoma638]

Superb and the album "You Want It Darker" is Leonard Cohen at his best only that kind of genius goes out on there best album ever

[@AnnaLVajda]

I think he was in lots of pain too The Hills mentions pills and his son said he was smoking medical marijuana recorded the album in his bathrobe in his living room so I hope he's more comfortable now wherever he is some would probably want him to live and suffer forever just to keep writing for them.

[@CiccioDan]

My father introduced me to Leonard Cohen's music when I was 17 and my love affair with his music has become intense over the years. I'm now 35 and continue to listen, learn and grow from listening to this master of words.

[@malvingygyirak9819]

The Truly Great are Humble. Mr Leonard Cohen, Great Soul -thank you for your Life and Legacy - they have enriched and continue to enrich the lives of so many of us.

[@dixiechampagne2892]

Indeed they are

[@nickrigdon8883]

The most thoughtful, kindest man

[@albertomiranda5704]

My admiration and understanding of the complexity of Leonard Cohen increase each passing day. My he rest in peace wherever he may be.

[@Suteruni]

in my heart forever, ty Leonard Cohen

[@Success4u247]

He was a friend since I was 16 back in 1971

[@dreamdemolitionfactory1304]

Saw L.Cohen in London at the 02 arena in 2010. Blown away by his grace. It felt like we were all invited into his home for the evening as he joked and managed to created an intimate atmosphere for thousands of us to enjoy the musical journey he took us on. Will never forget

[@Ellenwexler]

There is a film I think is called Leonard Cohen Live in London of that tour

[@ItzKamo]

Bruh, i was there as well !!

[@TheWorldsMoralMiddleFinger]

It's closingtime... Thanks for everything, my friend. rip.

[@ferrisburgh802]

Really, really miss him and his music making..

[@gement]

"I can't -- I *dare* not -- claim anything in the spiritual realm for my own."

[@anndownsouth5070]

Yet you only have to listen to a few of his songs to realize that he was a deeply spiritual person.

[@damon6852]

How lucky are We!! Think 25 years ago, when a visionary would pass on, most of the great stories and wealth of wisdom would be lost, save for a few interviews and books...but now, wth KZbin, these interviews and such are preserved for generations, allowing those who are fascinated by thesee great men and women a pathway to their wise words.

[@franktabata5530]

My thoughts exactly. This body is dying, you can hear it, feel it, but the mind, although readying for the inevitable is still functioning in a space that defies exact description. You cannot simply spout words like this without a lifetime of reflection, introspection and recognition of the the world around you, the world you live in spiritually, emotionally and physically. Observation, without judgement. Honest recognition of the world we all live in and the generous compulsion to share its reflection with us. Thank you Mr. Cohen.

[@harrietsand9715]

Your words are a beautiful description of a beautiful man who is about to go home with his hat in his hands and his head bent, clothed in humility and ready for this journey!

[@marions.9127]

You will live forever, Leonard.

[@colin2709]

I think it is impossible to listen to Mr Cohen talk without a sense of reverence. On one level so much of what he says and sings serves to entertain or, as some have wrongly said to 'entertain despair', this was a common theme when, in the 80s, you declared an interest in Cohen's work). I love his sense of humour, ironic, compassionate and so very gentle (his jokes are never crass and certainly never made at the expense of others, they are often self deprecating, but not excruciatingly so).... but you quickly realise, as you listen, that this is not merely a process of entertainment, he is invariably fastidious, and beautifully sincere in seeking to clarify something of the complexity what it means to be human. As a result there is a much deeper level to everything he says. He is really a teacher; it's only when I listen carefully to him that I fully realise how much I have to learn. I am very moved by his words and very, very grateful, along with so many others, for everything he has gifted us. He once said: “As I grew older, I understood that instructions came with this voice. What were these instructions? The instructions were never to lament casually. And if one is to express the great inevitable defeat that awaits us all, it must be done within the strict confines of dignity and beauty.” This, for me, defines the compassion which is so evident in everything he says; it's the beauty of his observation and the ruthless-compassion (oxymoron intended), which compels me to revere him and his work.

[@fiorellafenati5395]

@Colin Your words touch my heart because they express exactly what I always thought of him. his songs have always had a common thread, "beauty", one of the most used words in his songs together with the adjective "naked" and "kitchen" reflect many things about this wonderful person.

[@carolharley2180]

@@fiorellafenati5395 Exist.

[@sarahjackson9731]

Thank you..perfectly articulated

[@bluerayblair522]

What a gentleman. What a great soul that we lost. RIP sweet Leonard. I’ll continue to honor you and listen to your songs till the day I die.

[@The1969Eduardo]

A true artist, poet, and beautiful human.

[@judya9164]

I must share: my grade 7 English Lit teacher chose Leonard Cohen to be the first poet we studied (!) “Suzanne”; then played it as the song; then we studied “So long Maryanne” & listened to the song; that was 1968.My heart was captured. ❤️I was in Love; (What a cool teacher, & what a better way to get your students to like/understand poetry, & pass your class). He then picked Stones, Beatles, Doors.... 👏👏👍❤️

[@helenejaudon1781]

Un grand monsieur, jusqu'à la fin, digne et plein d'humour malgré la maladie et l'approche de la mort.

[@karolyn63]

His voice was so smooth. Thank you for what you have left us with.

[@AltheaHekate]

How I miss this wonderful Gentleman.... Will I ever stop crying about his passing away??? Thank you for this, Albias... Hugs and Blessed Be; Althea )0(

[@brucewilson6084]

You have no chance of stopping Althea,i have 40 years on you and i can not stop.Bless you.

[@valerienightlinger3466]

AltheaHekate I can't stop either. His soul infuses ...everything. Blessed Be. There is some comfort in knowing we aren't mourning alone.

[@andebuck8324]

This man was needed in this world, pure bliss ,i learned a lot from him..

[@cremedementhe6717]

He intended to live forever and he did "through his beautiful talented amazing music with his beautiful voice".

[@cupcake6830]

Going out with grace, humility and humor; can there be a finer way to expire? peace

[@SouLProbe7]

Leonard Cohen will always be my favorite poet and artist. I adore him and wish I could have seen him live.

[@iamgort70]

Sad that he did pass shortly after this, BUT he will live forever to us all. His work and art is immortal. I saw him twice in the last year's of his career and he was brilliant. Miss you Leonard.

[@hayleymatthieson7034]

Pure Class. Wonderful man and great poetx

[@kimlersue]

He's dancing past the end of time with Maryanne!

[@rudolftrost3534]

Fantastic comment, Kitty.

[@purrwoman]

Kitty Watson He sent her a note just Before. Her Passing .

[@rudolftrost3534]

purrwoman I'm very much aware of this, Kitty. It was a heart rendering letter in which Leonard more or less announced his own passing. "So Long, Marianne" will forever be my favourite Cohen song among oh so many of his great poetic works. All you have to do is look in his eyes when he started this song on tour to see the love therein en hear (or rather feel) her presence in his heart..

[@matthewschauenburg]

RIP Leonard and thank you.

[@antoniabatriucasasayas481]

Matthew S

[@franvillarreal9160]

He is so very handsome!!! His mischievous smile is amazing.

[@fiorellafenati5395]

shortness of breath but his words ... beautiful. beloved. light as a breeze goodbye, wherever you are Leonard

[@pyano55]

What an artistic genius, this man was. A gentle . . . articulate soul RIP

[@leecoulson4224]

Such wisdom, I never met or knew him obviously but I miss him very much still

[@collegeboy8671]

These Golden words on the sands of time Will prevail forever Just like his golden voice Echoing for years

[@doctorkk9917]

Once in a lifetime artist. That voice! Miss him.

[@rosabilly]

Modest and smart. Thanks for the dance, Leonard. We will love you forever.

[@aniaredwagon]

3 weeks before his death 😢

[@eila1943]

רגישותו וראיית העולם שלו המנסה לשמש גשר בין אנשים עולמות...

[@cheri7054]

I could tell he was struggling

[@rudavalek]

Cheri I could tell he was a man

[@seandonaghy2473]

As with any true genius, Leonard's particular genius lay in the fact of making the almost-impossible seem so easy. As a school kid in my teens (50+ years ago) I used to marvel at the brilliance of his poetic constructions. The music, then, was a bonus - one heck of a bonus that planted the imagery deep inside my mind!

[@geraldinecorrigan2639]

I relate to that love him and all his works

[@majamedani]

You will live forever , you beautiful soul 💜

[@ThetrueNickabilly]

Still sad at his passing, but I feel so fortunate to have had the man and his music in my life, and I will thank forever, the girl who brought him to me over forty years ago.

[@rebeccahiggins3223]

When I first heard you I was all about rock, your demeanor, your voice that send never forgotten feelings I had ever felt,; I can still bring into my mind. Your were simply the best artist at expressing feeling and so sensuous. R.I.P. You brought me so much happiness.

[@GodsVibes]

Thank You Leonard for sharing your Light with the World, May You be at Peace and the Angels are now enjoying you Magical Voice. ;-)

[@mithilamarufa]

Amazing!!! Such a golden voice! You saved my life many times! 😍This world should be grateful to you. Oh Leonard, your heart is full of stars!!! Sending you regards from rainy Bangladesh!!! 🌠🌎🎶☮️🎢🌨️😎

[@betticaroltaylor9681]

The world has been so blessed by this wise and remarkable elder statesman.....he surely has changed many lives.....and his body of work will live forever.....

[@elyjane6078]

May is memory be a blessing.

[@rutbrea8796]

Everything he says is repeated on this video. I love his songs and music, I am sorry he passed away I did not know this artist before, I don't know why. I have been in US since 1962 it is very strange for me. Rabbi Lord Sacks speaks of his song "You Want it Darker" and I find this song so beautiful. Now I know the meaning. Thanks for sharing

[@Nabooshlove7]

A beautiful mind

[@BearHeart13]

He was pure treasure for the world and is greatly missed.

[@TheAslakVind]

So beautiful, so touching. this interview really means a lot to me. Thank you.

[@hugoromeyn4582]

25 Days before this gentle poet passed away. I Still play your records.

[@moondancer3157]

He's right. You have no control over your health when it gets down to it. I can hear the pain in his voice. 😢 R.I.P. Leonard ⚘

[@patriciavandyke8105]

I agree with Johnnythefirst :) his voice aged like the finest wine. Damn, I miss him being on this planet. He has left a tremendous void... Nobody will EVER take his place. I love him so.

[@khalidsaleh5621]

Great voice never heard anyone like him. RIP

[@lizylolo5866]

Great man have is albums always be in my HEART love all is songs sending love to him in heaven blessings.xx

[@Missjunebugfreak]

Listening to him speak enriches my soul. What a delightful man.

[@sodoffpinches4584]

One of my absolute heroes. Saw him at the O2 in London. 2 of my friends who were with me that night had introduced me to his music many years before. When he came on we all had tears running down our cheeks..it's a bit of a cliché to say but there really was grown men and women crying everywhere that night. And he put on just the best show. Love him

[@JimRoberts-mg2kc]

Listening to "you want it darker" is as close to praying as I'm likely to get RIP Leonard

[@dr.elizabethmartin7118]

Leonard Cohen WILL live forever through his music, just like Bob Dylan. Much love to them both - forever.

[@littlecloudproductions-vid9937]

Hard to believe he died nearly two weeks after this interview. RIP leonard, you were a gent and a scholar.

[@larryfroot]

Such beautiful grace, humility and humanity right to the very end. Leonard, you finished so strong.

[@googlefan8990]

He is the definition of genius - one and only and no other like him - like EInstein, Bob Dylan and Elvis - this song is a masterpiece

[@avarussurava9488]

What a legend, so sad I discovered him only when he passed away already ... Slowlh discovering each of his songs

[@antoniabatriucasasayas481]

Avarus Surava

[@MelodyAnn5]

The same here Avarus, The blessing is we know all of him through pages like this, Sylvie's awesome book, and other writers. We see his life from youth til he journeyed on. Having found HIM after, I feel I can understand all he was... and enjoy as if he were in my circle!!!!

[@skyhighproductions24]

I only made it a few moments into this before i teared up. I wish you did live forever Leonard. Your music and prose will though. I only wish more people on this planet would have paid attention, and lived and loved like you did. You remain the master wordsmith of our time.

[@christinaconway1843]

I will always miss you Leonard but yes, you will live forever through your music and words. Your voice will ring out always.

[@viramati5831]

I love this man

[@shellyb9553]

You are so missed!