The final curtain for the 'Godfather of gloom': Footage surfaces of Leonard Cohen's last EVER performance in New Zealand almost three years ago

  • Songwriter Leonard Cohen died in Los Angeles on Monday aged 82
  • He performed his last show in Auckland, New Zealand in December 2013
  • Footage has surfaced of the poignant three-hour concert at Vector Arena
  • After the encore, Leonard takes off his signature hat and gives a final bow

By Jo Scrimshire For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 05:31 EST, 12 November 2016 | Updated: 06:14 EST, 12 November 2016

Leonard Cohen died in Los Angeles on Monday aged 82, leaving a highly influential legacy and a body of work spanning almost 50 years.

He was known as a tireless performer, touring internationally since the 1970s while also recording many albums and writing novels and poetry.

Footage has recently surfaced of his last ever concert, which took place at the Vector Arena in Auckland, New Zealand in December 2013. 

His final goodbye: Footage has surfaced of Leonard Cohen's last concert, which took place at the Vector Arena in Auckland, New Zealand in December 2013. He died on Monday aged 82

The final moments of the performance will likely be poignant to fans of the Canadian singer, who is perhaps best known for 1984's Hallelujah.

Looking somewhat frail, he closed the set with an encore featuring 1974's I Tried To Leave You and a cover of The Drifters' Save The Last Dance For Me.

Leonard humbly addressed the crowd: 'Friends, I want to thank you for the wonderful hospitality you've showed us tonight.

Swan song: When the last song finished, the legendary musician waved off his signature fedora hat, took a bow and walked offstage as his band applauded. It was his final live performance

Performer: Looking somewhat frail, he closed the set with an encore featuring 1974's I Tried To Leave You and a cover of The Drifters' Save The Last Dance For Me

Showman 'til the end: Leonard was known as a tireless performer, touring internationally since the 1970s while also recording many albums and writing novels and poetry

Stepping back: In September 2014 - nine months after his last show - Leonard issued a brief statement, saying there would be 'no tours in the foreseeable future'

'I want to thank you not just for tonight, but for all the years you've paid attention to my songs. I really appreciate it.'

When the last song finished, the legendary musician waved off his signature fedora hat, took a bow and walked offstage as his band applauded.

This would be Leonard's swan song. He did not perform again before his death.

Legacy: The Canadian poet and songwriter died in Los Angeles on Monday aged 82, leaving a highly influential legacy and a body of work spanning almost 50 years. Pictured in 2006

In September 2014 - nine months later - Leonard issued a brief statement, saying there would be 'no tours in the foreseeable future'.

Just days before his passing earlier this week, the Quebec-born singer confessed he was 'ready to die' and had made preparations for his death.

A statement on Facebook by record label Sony Music Canada said the world has lost 'one of music's most revered and prolific visionaries'. 

Talent: Just days before his passing earlier this week, the Quebec-born singer confessed he was 'ready to die' and had made preparations for his death. Pictured in 1980

Comments (55)

Share what you think

 View all

The comments below have not been moderated.

 View all

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Add your comment

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now