Leonard Cohen Turns 75, Recovers From On-Stage Collapse In Spain

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The legendary Canadian musician, singer and writer Leonard Cohen is celebrating his 75th birthday today. During a career that spans five decades, Cohen was highly regarded for producing quality written work and music. Cohen has been inducted into Canadian Music Hall of Fame. The Montreal-native also holds one of the highest civilian honours in Canada -- the Order of Canada. He is widely recognized in the United States as well, having been inducted into the American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

However, Cohen's 75th birthday was marred by a collapse he suffered on Saturday, September 19, during his concert in Valencia, Spain. After fainting on stage during his rendition of Bird On the Wire, Cohen was taken to hospital, but was discharged shortly. It is now believed Cohen had food poisoning. Despite the short-timed illness, Cohen will proceed with his concert in Barcelona that will take place today. Cohen resumed touring after a decade-long break.

Cohen is scheduled to perform in Tel Aviv later this year, causing an uproar among Palestinian support groups calling for Cohen to cancel the concert. Cohen's concert in Ramallah, Palestine, was canceled over these disputes. Many of the celebrities were urging Cohen to cancel Tel Aviv performance, calling the concert a "propaganda campaign for Israel."

Birthday celebration

While Cohen will be celebrating his birthday in Spain, many of his fans will be honouring the singer in his native Montreal, Canada --