Cohen slams concert organisers (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Cohen slams concert organisers

11:21am Monday 10th September 2012 in National Entertainment News © Press Association 2013

Leonard Cohen hit out at the organisers of his cancelled Hop Farm gigs, insisting the decision was made without consulting him.

The 77-year-old Canadian singer was due to play at the Hop Farm venue in Paddock Wood, Kent, on September 8 and 9 but it was announced last month that the concerts would be moved to Wembley Arena instead.

Leonard apologised to the crowd at Wembley on Sunday September 9 for the change of venue.

He added: "I want you to know I learned about it the same time you did. There are unseen hands that manipulate the marketplace. Hands that I never get to see, or crush."

Referring to a line from his latest album Old Songs, Leonard said the decision had been made by "a lazy b****** living in a suit".

A spokesman for Hop Farm revealed last month that they only learned about the move through a press release from Cohen's agent and promoter, and were given no explanation.

The audience didn't appear to blame the singer at all, as his performance was greeted with rapturous applause.

Leonard, who appeared sprightly as he skipped onto the stage, performed a string of old favourites including Suzanne, Hallelujah and So Long, Marianne.