Bird on the Wire – The Songs of Leonard Cohen is a stunning live production celebrating the music and poetry of Leonard Cohen, brought to life by an exceptional collective of Irish musicians. This acclaimed show is a collaborative interpretation of The Leonard Cohen Songbook, featuring renowned vocalist Pauline Scanlon alongside celebrated Galway group The Whileaways and their outstanding band. Following a hugely successful tour in England, the production continues to captivate audiences across Ireland, with performances in major venues including Belfast, Cork, and Dublin. Bird on the Wire is an 8-piece ensemble of accomplished performers, blending rich harmonies, elegant arrangements, and deeply expressive musicianship. The show features a masterful lineup including Will Merrigan (bass), Dave Clancy (keys), Matthew Berrill (brass), and Eamon Murray on drums, creating a full and immersive sound enhanced by lush strings and atmospheric staging. The Whileaways — Noelie McDonnell, Noriana Kennedy, and Nicola Joyce — are among the most respected voices in Irish roots music, known for their stunning harmonies and critically acclaimed recordings, while the overall production brings together some of the finest talent on the Irish music scene. Together, they explore and reinterpret Cohen’s iconic catalogue, performing classics such as “Hallelujah,” “Suzanne,” and “Bird on the Wire” with sensitivity, depth, and authenticity. The result is an emotionally charged live experience that honours the spirit of Cohen’s work while offering a fresh and powerful perspective. Having played to sold-out audiences across Ireland and the UK, Bird on the Wire has received rave reviews and is widely regarded as one of the most fitting and respectful tributes to one of the greatest songwriters of all time — a truly unforgettable night of music
