Leonard Cohen (1934-2016)

The news of the legendary musician and poet’s death broke this evening via his official Facebook page.

The post read, “It is with profound sorrow we report that legendary poet, songwriter and artist, Leonard Cohen has passed away. We have lost one of music’s most revered and prolific visionaries.”

Less than a month ago, Leonard Cohen revealed in an interview that he was ready to die.

Discussing his archive of unfinished songs during an in-depth interview, Cohen said: “I don’t think I’ll be able to finish those songs. Maybe, who knows? And maybe I’ll get a second wind, I don’t know. But I don’t dare attach myself to a spiritual strategy. I don’t dare do that.”

“I’ve got some work to do,” 82-year-old Cohen continued. “Take care of business. I am ready to die. I hope it’s not too uncomfortable. That’s about it for me.”

He later clarified the comments saying “I’ve always been into self-dramatisation. I intend to live forever.”

At the end of the playback, Cohen added: “Thanks for coming, friends. I really appreciate your standing up when I came into the room. I hope we can do this again. I intend to stick around until 120.”

Cohen released his 14th album, ‘You Want It Darker’, on October 21. It was the iconic artist’s third LP in six years, having not released a record for eight years prior to that.