I’m uncertain whether Leonard Cohen engaged Pablo1 in this performance as an inspirational talisman, a mnemonic device, a transitional object, or simply an ally in the stare down with Javier Mas. Regardless, the Cohen, Mas, & Monkey Trio won the applause and, one presumes, the hearts of the audience.
I am reliably informed that Pablo obtained his guest shot on the Cohen show through his agent, Christelle Zajac, who, it is claimed, physically threw her client onto the stage (those familiar with agents will not be surprised at this seemingly ruthless tactic). Pablo is the most recent in a sequence of stuffed simians appearing in cameo roles at Cohen concerts, being preceded by, among others, the American Fred (management: MaryB), the Irish Butler, Vegas Ed, and the French Jacques.
Pablo predecessor Fred at 2009 Leonard Cohen Las Vegas Concert
Note: The best available video of each of the 39 songs performed during the 2012 Leonard Cohen Old Ideas World Tour can be found at the Best Of 2012 Leonard Cohen Tour Video Setlist.
First We Take Manhattan
Video by sonoluminus2007
- Pablo appears to be a stage name taken to distinguish this artist from the many others bearing his given name, The Monkey [↩]
