Sting, Courtney Love, k.d. lang and others celebrate Leonard Cohen's life in stunning concert documentary
Leonard Cohen: If It Be Your Will, a new concert documentary featuring stunning performances and tributes
In 2017, just one year after iconic Canadian songwriter Leonard Cohen's death, thousands gathered at the Bell Centre in Montreal to honour his poetic brilliance. Much more than a concert, it was a touching symphony of memories, music and tributes to one of the greatest lyricists in the world.
"He had this kind of wisdom that we all crave and had a way of translating it into the human realm, into the human mindset. And did it with such generosity and such kindness, and humour, that he really, to me, he was a translator of the gods," says singer k.d. lang, who appeared on stage in a heart-stopping rendition of his (and later her) iconic hit Hallelujah.
That incredible night has been released as a new documentary Leonard Cohen: If It Be Your Will, now available on CBC Gem.
The film, thoughtfully curated by the Leonard Cohen estate, features rare and intimate footage of Cohen reflecting on pivotal moments in his remarkable life, including his time at Manhattan's iconic Chelsea Hotel, his relationship with muse Marianne Ihlen and his triumphant return to live performances well into his 70s.
Cohen's son and collaborator, Adam Cohen, pays tribute to his father with behind-the-scenes moments, home videos and interviews with friends and family. He takes to the stage to perform some of his father's songs backed by Cohen's original band and musicians from the Montreal Symphony Orchestra.
"I grew up next to this enormous tree and my fate was to be in his midst. My father was incredibly generous and didn't have this feeling of self-importance. His music does live on, the thing that he was so grateful for. 'Thank you,' he would say, 'for keeping my songs alive.' And the world is doing that," Adam says.
Cohen's songs are brought to life by a star-studded lineup that includes Sting, Elvis Costello, Lana del Rey, The Lumineers, Damien Rice, Patrick Watson and Courtney Love.
Commentary and cameo performances by Bruce Springsteen, Peter Gabriel, Celine Dion and others invite the audience to laugh, cry and celebrate a man who is one of the greatest songwriters of our time.
Says Leonard himself on screen, "I'm not just interested in going from city to city to gather the applause of the people. You don't want to go in front of people unless you feel you can give them something, and you can return to them the love that they feel.
To me, one of the best things I can do is to write a song and sing it to people. It's just my voice. Each man has a song, and this is my song."
