Van the Man and I go back a long way! I’ve been a fan for many years, since the early 70s when I saw him a few times at festivals and in Newcastle City Hall, once at a particularly triumphant show when he played with the Caledonian Soul Orchestra and was simply tremendous. My last encounter with the great man was on a cold August night on Newcastle racecourse during covid restrictions. It was an outdoor socially distanced “arena” concert and worked quite well. Van was, as he usually is these days, on top form that night.
For me, the guy is simply a genius. I rate him alongside seeing Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones and many other great artists from my past. Everyone I go to see is quite old these days, but then so am I, and like fine wine many of these artists have matured with age. They have come to terms with their back catalogues and frequently draw from them; whereas in the 80s they would often neglect some of their own excellent classic songs. Van has a very distinctive voice, and uses it to great effect. I have heard his voice described as transcendental, spiritual; he uses his voice as the true instrument that it is.
The Sage is packed, completely sold out, demonstrating the staying power of Van Morrison. We all know what to expect. The advertised stage times are 8 PM start; 9:35 PM finish and Van sticks to that more or less exactly. The set is a mixture of old favourites and some new songs from his Latest Record Project album. Van looks quite dapper in blue suit and matching hat. He is surrounded by excellent musicians and like any great bandleader a wave of his hand or a simple flash of his eyes signals to a band member to start, or finish, their solo spot. The band open the proceedings before they are soon joined by Van Morrison who is in fine voice and looks well. He plays quite a lot of saxophone, perhaps a little too much for me, but overall the mix is fine. His guitarist, female singer and vibraphone player are worthy of particular mention. The keyboard player also takes a lead on many of the songs, playing what looks to me like an old Hammond organ. The double bass player and drummer are also excellent (apologies if I missed any other band members!) Van accompanies his singing with his usual jerky up-and-down arm movements, choreographed in time to the music.
Classics like “Days like This” and “And It Stoned Me” sound as fresh as ever. Towards the end Van leaves
the stage, soon to return and delight the audience with the classic tracks “Brown Eyed Girl” and, finally, the Them 60s hit “Gloria”. Van leaves the stage again, this time for the last, and the band continue jamming on “Gloria” for 5 to 10 minutes, each member taking a solo. Of course we all know that that is the end, but everyone stays until the last note is played. As we file out, I see a lot of smiling faces: everyone enjoyed the show. After all, we all know what to expect and these days Van always delivers his best. Me, I would have liked to have heard “Into the Mystic”, “Moon Dance” and “Here Comes the Night”, but maybe I am just being greedy! The concert and the man were as great as ever. Long may he return to sing for us.
Someone once told me that Van Morrison returns home on his private plane back to Ireland every night after the show. I often wonder if this is true. The man is a genius, an enigma and we are lucky to be able to witness him perform his magic. Happy days.
Setlist:(Something like this) Caledonia Swing; Latest Record Project; Deadbeat Saturday Night; Double Agent; Days Like This; Someone Like You; Magic Time; Precious Time; Laughin’ and Clownin’; My Time After a While; Ain’t Gonna Moan No More; These Dreams of You; Sometimes We Cry; And It Stoned Me; Enlightenment; Broken Record; Brown Eyed Girl; Gloria
Many thanks to Jackie, photographer for the night, and Elaine for helping me into bed; the garage beat of “Gloria” still pounding in my head.
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Posted by John Hodgson on March 28, 2022 at 6:10 pm
I am a huge Van fan, I have everything he has ever released (plus a few that he didn’t!) and have seen him live many times – he rarely fails to deliver the goods, sadly I missed out on this date, but he is always on the road, so i’ll catch him next time. Must say I was a little put out with his comments about the Covid situation, he almost had a Morrissey moment, but he would have to say something really bad for me to abandon his music, he such a genius that I can forgive him almost anything.
Posted by vintagerock on March 29, 2022 at 11:47 am
I agree with you John. I often think that Van is underrated. As I mentioned, I rate him alongside Dylan, Bowie, the Stones and other truly world-class artists. Pure class. Thanks for your comments. Best wishes Peter
Posted by jeffollerton on March 30, 2022 at 3:32 pm
Hi Peter – if you’ve not seen it, the movie Belfast features a Van Morrison soundtrack. Great film and great music!
Posted by vintagerock on March 30, 2022 at 4:20 pm
Hi Jeff I quite fancy seeing Belfast – didn’t realise it featured Van Morrison music. I must make sure I see it. Thanks for the heads up. Peter
Posted by Tony Grey on March 31, 2022 at 6:21 am
My friend Tony in South Shields had four tickets to this gig, but unfortunately went down with covid a few days before it, hopefully he managed to move the tickets on as I believe it was sold out, he wasn’t a happy bunny at missing the gig, & catching covid.
Posted by vintagerock on March 31, 2022 at 12:04 pm
Hi Tony yes it was completely sold out and Van was on top form. Best wishes Peter