20 Sep 2009

Cohen collapses on stage

6:37 am on 20 September 2009

Singer Leonard Cohen is recovering after collapsing on stage in Spain.

Cohen, 74, became ill during a concert in Valencia and was taken to hospital as a precaution.

A spokesman for his music company says he has been discharged and is said to have had food poisoning.

Organisers say his final Spanish concert will go ahead in Barcelona on Monday.

The BBC reports Cohen was in the middle of singing Bird On The Wire in Valencia when he fainted, prompting the band to stop playing and rush to help him.

The Canadian singer was treated first by stadium medical staff and then taken by ambulance to hospital. He was given an all-clear early on Saturday.

A band member told the crowd Cohen had suffered stomach cramps and vomiting fits.

Cohen resumed touring last year after a lengthy break.