Leonard Cohen in NZ this January

The legendary Mr Leonard Cohen will make his first Australian and NZ concert tour in almost a quarter of a century with Sam Hunt. The tour will include a series of indoor arena concerts.

Promoter Michael Gudinski said the Leonard Cohen tour is a must see for any self-respecting music lover.

"The Leonard Cohen concert I saw last month was almost a religious experience. Fans were captivated the moment Leonard walked out onto the stage. His band and backing vocalists are first class, and the man himself can only be described as magical.

Leonard Cohen is a true music icon, the writer of such timeless classics as "Hallelujah", "Suzanne", "Bird On A Wire", "Sisters Of Mercy", "First We Take Manhattan", "Everybody Knows", and countless other universally loved songs.

A celebrated poet, author, master songsmith and hypnotic performer, Leonard Cohen has received rapturous reviews for his recent shows across the UK, Europe and Canada, his first concert performances anywhere since 1993.

Leonard Cohen's impact on modern popular music has been widespread and profound. Artists ranging from Bono to Nick Cave cite Cohen as a major influence on their own work. His songs have been covered by generations of artists from REM, Elton John, Jeff Buckley, Aaron Neville, Elton John, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and many, many more.

Even before shifting his focus from poetry and novels to music in the late-1960s, Leonard Cohen has been the subject of countless books and films, most recently in the feature documentary "Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man" by Australian film-maker Lian Lunson. The film included footage from the recent sold-out Cohen tribute concerts at the Sydney Opera House, which saw the likes of Nick Cave, Jarvis Cocker, Rufus Wainwright and many other celebrated performers gather together to pay homage to Cohen and his extraordinary cannon of songs.

Earlier this year, when Cohen was inducted into the US Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, his old friend Lou Reed put it most succinctly: "We're so lucky to be alive at the same time Leonard Cohen is."

For the Wellington and Auckland shows, New Zealand's best-known poet Sam Hunt will open the night. Sam Hunt has made a living for forty years by performing his poetry in pubs, theatres and schools.

At 74, Leonard Cohen is an undeniable master of song, a living legend. It is a privilege and honour that Mr Leonard Cohen and his amazing nine-piece band have accepted The Frontier Touring Company's invitation to return to Australia and New Zealand after an absence of 24 years.

This will be a once-in-a-generation concert event for all lovers of fine music, a spellbinding show from one of the true masters.

Ladies and gentlemen ... Mr Leonard Cohen.

The Leonard Cohen Band
Rafael Gayol - percussion
Roscoe Beck - musical director, bass, background vocals
Neil Larsen - keyboards
Javier Mas - bandurria, laud, archilaud and 12-string guitar
Bob Metzger - guitars, pedal steel, background vocals
Sharon Robinson - background vocals
Dino Soldo - saxophone, wind instruments, harmonica, keyboard and background vocals
The Webb Sisters - background vocal, harp & guitar

TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY 10th NOVEMBER 9:00AM
Tuesday 20 January
Wellington - TSB Arena
Ticketek 0800 842 538 or www.ticketek.co.nz

Thursday 22 January
Auckland - Vector Arena
Ticketmaster 09 970 9700 or www.ticketmaster.co.nz

Wednesday 28 January
Sydney Entertainment Centre
Ticketmaster 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au

Saturday 31 January
Hunter Valley - Bimbadgen Estate, a day on the green
Ticketmaster 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au

Tuesday 03 February
Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au

Thursday 05 February
Melbourne - Rod Laver Arena
Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au