Leonard Cohen apologises for postponing UK dates due to high holy days

Veteran music star Leonard Cohen has apologised to fans for shifting a pair of dates on his UK tour, in Leeds and London – after he realised they had been scheduled on Jewish holy days.

The star’s performances in the two cities have changed after he noticed they clashed with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

The 78-year-old, famed for songs such as Hallelujah and Suzanne, is playing a series of arena shows in the UK in August and September.

A statement issued on behalf of Cohen and promoter AEG said: “When Leonard Cohen learned today that two of his UK concerts were scheduled on days of solemn religious observance, he respectfully asked AEG to move the dates.

“We at AEG, and Leonard, apologise deeply for the inconvenience this will cause, and we hope and trust that the reasons for the changes will be understood.”

The Canadian musician will now play the First Direct Arena in Leeds on September 7 and the 02 Arena in London on September 15.