Article content

When he knew the end was near, Leonard Cohen told his son Adam that he was free to organize a public memorial event after Cohen’s death if Adam wanted to. He had only one request: it had to take place in Montreal.

“Adam just felt this compelling and moving duty from his heart,” said Robert Kory, Leonard Cohen’s manager. “The fire in Adam was so strong … and I told Adam: ‘You’ve got to lead it. I will do what I did with your father. I’ll help build the plumbing. But you’ve got to lead it.’

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Leonard Cohen tribute at Bell Centre to feature Sting, Lana Del Rey Back to video

“I said: ‘Are you sure you’re ready? Are you sure you’re up for that?’ And he said: ‘Well, I’m not sure if I’m up for it, but I think I’ve got to do it.’ I said: ‘That’s what your father would have said.’ ”

That conversation took place in the spring; just months later, Adam Cohen’s wish is a reality. Tower of Song: A Memorial Tribute to Leonard Cohen will take place at the Bell Centre Nov. 6 and features an impressive array of international artists, including Sting, Lana Del Rey, Elvis Costello, Feist, k.d. lang, Philip Glass, the Lumineers’ Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites, Patrick Watson, Damien Rice and Adam Cohen. Other artists will be added to the bill.