Leonard Cohen, who spent the past two weeks playing the Australian leg of his world tour, is giving a helping hand to those affected by the country’s bushfire disaster.

The music veteran, along with tourmate singer/songwriter Paul Kelly, concert promotion company AEGLive UK and the Frontier Touring Company, will donate $200,000 Australian (about $162,000 Canadian) to help the victims.

“Leonard has loved his time in Australia on this tour and is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of the fires,” says tour promoter Michael Gudinski.

“Leonard, Paul, their touring parties and everyone at AEGLive UK and the Frontier Touring Company wish to extend their heartfelt sympathies to those that have suffered the loss of loved ones or their homes through this terrible tragedy.”

Cohen played the last of his scheduled Australian shows in Melbourne on Tueday. The city is located just south of where most of the damage from the fires has occurred.

At least 180 lives have been lost, with the number expected to rise, since several bushfires ignited in Victoria on Saturday. As well, 900 homes have been destroyed, leaving more than 5,000 people homeless.






Related Stories: