Leonard Cohen began his four-night run at Manchester Opera House to a rapturous reception from the sold-out crowd. The critics are equally appreciative this morning; follow the links below to see what they had to say.

Independent, David Pollock
*****
The presence of an icon like this is simply a major cultural event in any city’s calendar…to hear him sing is still an experience to truly make young women and romantics shiver and sweat.

Telegraph, David Cheal
Manchester has struck gold by persuading Cohen to play four nights in the city’s cosy opera house in a series of four shows which are acting as “trailblazers” for next year’s Manchester International Festival; it’s hard to see how his subsequent dates in London, Edinburgh and at summer festivals will match this one for warmth and intimacy…[a] near-flawless show.

Manchester Evening News, Kevin Bourke
*****
Surrounded by a team of crack musicians and singers, to whom he often deferred, Cohen magisterially delivered a career-spanning set that seemed to be one highlight after another…who could quibble with a set-list that boasted such astonishing creations as The Future, Anthem, So Long Marianne and Hallejulah?

The Guardian, Dorian Lynskey
*****
Cohen’s baritone has become deeper and more formidable over the years… The golden voice now resembles a boulder rolling down a tunnel: something huge and elemental.

The Times, Stephen Dalton
****
He leavened his Manchester performance with immense humour. Leonard Cohen is the Samuel Beckett of pop… On this kind of grand autumnal form, he should tour every year.

The Observer, Kitty Empire

The Independent on Sunday, Simon Price

The Sunday Times, Robert Sandall

Photo: Joel Chester Fildes