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With a catalog of songs that reaches back 50 years, Van Morrison always delivers a concert that’s impossible to predict for his many ticket buyers. The iconic Northern Ireland native has, of course, recorded classic albums like Moondance and Astral Weeks, and timeless singles like "Brown Eyed Girl," "Domino," and "Wild Night." But he's released well over 30 albums during the course of his career, building a repertoire that veers from Celtic music to folk to blues to covers of standards. His focus on any given night could switch on the dime as he follows his muse wherever it takes him. Fans fill seats to see Van Morrison on tour because the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is a master of making his own whatever genre or song he tackles. His unmistakable voice is a reedy and expressive growl, and his delivery -- which is constantly evolving -- conjures elements of jazz, blues and gospel. His latest album, 2012's Born to Sing: No Plan B, marked his first batch of original songs in five years and was hailed by many critics as recalling his much-heralded recordings of the late '60s and early '70s. It peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 chart.
amazing show, Van Morrison is a true performer, no glitz, no over the top stage sets, just pure feeling music performed with soul. My 3rd time seeing him and he just gets better. Wish all the 'popular' stations would appreciate him
I bought tickets for September 30th at Massey Hall as soon as they were released to the public. Very much looked forward to this event. The band was amazing - some fantastic solos. Such talented artistry in the variety and flexibility of instrument playing. Unfortunately the main attraction mumbled all the way through his classic songs. Many of the words were completely incomprehensible. I was so disappointed - I'd really looked forward to singing along with such classics as Brown Eyed Girl and Gloria but with the exception of a few chorus words it was impossible to hear what he was singing. After 90 minutes, mid way through a rendition of Gloria - Van Morrison just walked off stage left, leaving the band to finish the song, take a bow and race off stage. Barely was the last note complete before the stage manager and crew had the lights full up and were packing up the stage - with the audience shocked that the concert finished so abruptly! There was no "thank you" "good-night" or even a chance to fully appreciate the band. The music playing was flawless, but the song performance was not what I had hoped for. On top of that, I was astounded that I'd paid over $200 a ticket to sit in the most uncomfortable seats in the house - right in the nosebleeds - as far away from the main event as could be possible. Not what I would expect for my money and definitely NOT an experience worth repeating.
The band was exceptional, Van was in fine voice, but the continued highlighting of instrumentals by the band members throughout almost every song became somewhat lame after a while. I would have preferred a half dozen other songs in the time used up by the solos. At the ticket prices, a simple Thank You would have been nice as well. I understand Mr. Morrison is an artist as opposed to an entertainer, ie. him vs say Rod Stewart, but manners transcend art! That said, he is still amongst my favourite artists!
Band was tight and lived up to all our expectations. Van Morrison however is becoming harder to understand. Anyone who didn't know the lyrics from older recordings wouldn't have a clue what he was singing about, but he still has the pipes and can belt it out as well as ever. Two hours of solid tunes without a break, without a word from him, and without an encore, but we loved it anyway. Wrapped it up with "Gloria".
He came out on stage sang 16 songs then left. No encore, no speaking to the audience, not even a hello. He sang Brown Eyed Girl as his second song, and it wasn't his best job. Frankly, he mumbled so much I thought he had forgotten the words to a lot of the songs. I really wanted to hear Moondance and he didn't sing it. Massey theatre is such an intimate venue it could have been so much better. His band accompanying him was really good.
With full command of his amazing range and a vocal sound that seemed as if to not need amplification, Van Morrison performed his classic album "Astral Weeks" to perfection. An awesome backing band taking their cues sometimes seemingly according to Van,s moods performed brilliantly and shone in their featured solo opportunities, of which there were many. Van's reputation as a performer who doesn't much care for his audience was silenced last night as the crowd responded enthusiastically to his energetic approach to the material. I must admit I closed my eyes at many times during the show and let Massey Hall's acoustics showcase the bands talents. A wonderful show, a rare opportunity and what could best be described as a once in a lifetime chance to see Van weave his magic.
poor choice of classics, sounded tired and all songs sounded similiar , very little emotion
Just as my title says,$220 canadian for a single ticket in The Gallery !! And he played 10 or 12 songs? not sure Either way it worked out to $20 per song And he didnt even play an encore song or 2
I expected more "greatest hits" from Van. He also played a paltry 1 hour and fourty minutes with no encore-despite the great response form the crowd. While I enjoyed the concert overall, for the price of the tickets I paid, my expectations were higher.
Van's voice is still strong and sounds good, but Dylan is now more understandable, and has more stage personality (that's not why I came to see him). Thank God I know the songs by heart! The band was great, a totally different sound than the previous 6 times I saw him. Last time was at the Molsen Amphitheatre where his set lasted only 80 minutes and featured his daughter's vocals far too much. I decided to go to this concert due to the promise of Astral Weeks, which did not disappoint! Still, at the high price of this ticket, 100 minutes with no encore was a bit of a ripoff. The crowd cheered long after the lights came up, but no more Van. Last time I saw him at Massey Hall, 20 years ago, he did 10 encores. That was one of the best concerts ever! The high point for me was the song The Mystery from Poetic Champions Compose. That was an unexpected treat. All things considered, he is still a legend and is worth seeing. With a better work ethic, he would still be the best!
I have long wanted to have the experience of seeing Van Morrison perform live but had never done so until last night. I was part of the eager and supportive, close to capacity audience in Massey Hall. Signage stated bluntly that there would be no opening act or intermission, which made me wonder about the personal comfort factor in the famous Massey Hall seats, but time flew. The concert began with classic tunes woven in his signature lyrical, eclectic style. It was to be a mellow evening. Even though there was no overt conversation with the audience, it was clear that the performer was sharing his music with us in a very personal way. He was clearly in control of the stage and yet let his talented ensemble share it and let the music flow as I hoped he would. Did I purchase a $35 t shirt? No. Did the concert exceed my expectations? Yes.
Not one word spoken to the audience... seemed like he didn't want to be there and was certainly not enjoying himself. Musicians were fabulous, Van's voice has held up over 40 years, we were expecting better/different "classic" songs Two sets would have been better - just one long set, no banter, no encore (finished with "Gloria" and walked off - version not great and it really isn't a classic Disappointing
For an old guy, he still can belt it out but he's not one for putting on a show. He came out in black suit, hat and sunglasses and started right up at 8:05, played for 1.5 hours and walked away. No encore, no "thank you Toronto", just walked away. Disappointed that he did not play "Have I Told You Lately", "Bright Side of the Road" or "And it Stoned Me". But the quality of the ensemble with him was fabulous.
$250.oo gets you 90 minutes from a performer who doesn't acknowledge the crowd, plays his music and leaves. Disappointing, shock and the feeling of being ripped-off are the emotions you get when you see Van Morrison. Van played only two songs from his greatest hits album. i will never buy a ticket to see him again.......very disappointing especially after we were looking so forward to hearing his greatest hits. He needs a reality check....he isn't a super star
There was good news & bad news about this concert... Good news--- great hall accoustics (Massey) , music was fabulous...Van the Man still has a great powerful voice and passion when he sings...band behind him was outstandiing..one and half hours of a great choice of songs! Bad news --- Van reminded me of a wart hog with hemorrhoids...as usual he had no personal connection with the audience...he just walked on the stage began to sing and when he finished his last song he just walked off the stage...no verbal communication at all with the audience as though he couldn't wait to get this job over with...and no encore songs at all...but...if you know the Belfast cowboy you know this is all you ever get from him...too bad...I feel part of being a great entertainer (and he really is a great singer/musician) is that you must let the audience know that you love your work...Van the Man is not a great entertainer! but I will still probbly go again to hear his beautiful music.
Although the concert was just shy of 110 minutes and no encore, Van Morrison was simply fantastic. This was my first time to see him live and he didn't disappoint. I loved that he just sang his songs with no introductions - none were necessary. His band was fabulous too. They are all individually talented as well. I'm no music expert for sure, but I felt Van's voice was in top form. Every song was perfect. Massey Hall appeared to be sold out. I must say though, I was seated in the gallery (3rd level) and for the age group for Van Morrison, those seats are not meant for us. Several people had to get up and stand at the back. Still, I would not have missed this performance for anything.
The concert itself was fantastic - his voice and orchestra was great but the concert was only 1 hour 30 mins for the price we paid $434.00 and drove 4 hours to Toronto and back. Glad to have saw him but won't do it again.
I have been a big fan of Van Morrison, since the Moon Dance LP came out. I saw him shortly after the LP Tupelo Honey came out at the Vancouver Queen Elizabeth Theatre, and was blown away by his music live. Everyone knows Van is a musicians musician, but to do a concert of my least favourite LP was a big disappointment to say the least. Granted Astral Weeks was totted to be an amazing LP when it came out, but to do a whole concert of his music in 2009 is unbelievable. I still love the man's music, as it has been part of my life and that of many others that I know. Massey Hall is in a need of doing something about it's uncomfortable seating, and sound as I could hardly understand over half of the lyrics that Van sang. I can't believe that I just wrote this type of review for one of my musical hereos, but it is what it is!
I have never been to a Van Morrison concert before and have heard all sorts of things about his disdain for his audiences, but if last night was anything to go by, Van rocks!! His incredible orchestra mixed with the great sound at Massey Hall blew me away and I admire his professionalism, his gorgeous voice, and the fine musicians that surrounded him. He also looked seriously cute in his fedora , black blazer and sunglasses [I'm showing my age]. I wish he had played longer although I was mesmerized with the packed line-up of songs that he did have, and of course I wish he came back for an encore. But for me, Van is the man and I'm going out to pick up Astral Weeks today! Van...for $250 we deserved an encore!! Avalon Sunset baby!!!!!! Come back!
My first Van Morrison concert...and definitely not my last. I'll be on the lookout for further concerts to attend. What a fabulous experience. Totally blew me away -- the talent was unbelievable. He did not disappoint. Excellent excellent musicians, a real treat. He was amazing. He did Tommy Edwards' "All in the Game"--especially memorable. And "In the Garden". I am an avid concert goer, and this beats anything I've ever been too -- totally different experience; really about the music. Fabulous!
