CityLife

Kevin Bourke's gigs of 2008

SPARKLING: Cohen

WHO would have thought that a 70-something who’s spent a considerable amout of the last couple of decades in religious contemplation, but is then ignominiously forced to tour by a thieving manager stealing his nest egg, would turn in the show of the year?

But Leonard Cohen at the Opera House was just astonishingly good. Gracious and humble are descriptions that are rarely used of popular music shows; in this case they were more than justified.

Fellow Canadian Neil Young and Crazy Horse at the Apollo were another thing entirely, although just as thrilling. in their own way.

Long-time fans of Young know he can be cussed and contrary but this was like a dream set, blessed with old favourites, obscurities and a ton of great tunes, delivered with due care and attention.

Bruce Springsteen and The E-Street Band rarely, if ever, deliver a less than great show and their turn at Old Trafford this year was no exception.

Like the album Magic, the show was perfectly designed to make you dance, sing and do anything, despite these dire times.

Sometimes, as Bruce knows, that’s what great pop music is supposed to be for.

And finally, even though it’s not strictly a show, I’d have to say that shaking the hand of the great BB King at the opening of his museum in his hometown of Indianola was as thrilling as any gig.

Sometimes, it’s nice just to be an adoring fan.