Comments on: Van Morrison :: Astral Weeks @ Hollywood Bowl

By: Rick

Rick — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 23:17:16 +0000

Expecting Van to make small talk is a little like expecting Angus Young’s school cap to stay on. I’ve been following his touring for the last four years and have been to perhaps ten shows. Some have been spectacular and others merely decent, but he’s always attempting, reaching, improvising, and believing in the music. And that voice .. well what can you say? I suspect that not everybody who caught these Los Angeles shows fully appreciated what was going on, but it sounds like he did indeed soar on occasion. The chance to see his live take on Astral Weeks at this time in his career is unmissable, and I plan on being at Madison Square Garden if I can hustle some tickets. As sublime as this album is, there are days when I’m equally impressed by Veedon Fleece. He’s still operating on another wavelength – not Mr. Congeniality perhaps – but a hell of a talent.

By: Sam

Sam — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 00:04:39 +0000

I did a 24 hour trip from Pittsburgh for this awesome show. I can’t believe I actually almost decided not to go. Van is the man, and made the trip worthwhile. Thanks to the three great ladies who shared my terrace box and shared their incredible cheeses with me.

By: robert muszynski

robert muszynski — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:46:37 +0000

Most of us who have seen Van over the years put up with his grumbling demeanor and, frankly, find it endearing. How many performers have you heard say, “you are a wonderful audience” or “Hello…Portland”? Not Van, he is strickly business while on stage.

On the other hand, I have had the opportunity to talk to him on five different occasions after the shows and he is friendly, funny but serious and really smart. Not one much for small talk.

I just wish I could have gone to LA to see the Hollywood Bowl show.

By: jon

jon — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:08:02 +0000

“Why, was there no dialog?”

usually he only talks to the crowd to berate them for talking or making requests, so maybe this was a good thing?

And VanFanfromMemphis heard him say something, so maybe you just missed it.

By: zack

zack — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:37:47 +0000

I think this is possibley the greatest album of all time. The music is stunning in its dynamic range as are Van’s vocals and lyric play. The man was 22 years old when he created this album. It is tantamount to the greatests work of any other artist in any art form.

By: Scott Chappell

Scott Chappell — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 02:40:40 +0000

Here’s what I have to say: Van Morrison is my guru, no religion. I cannot comprehend why he did not visit with us. He did not introduce one song. He did not introduce one member of his band. His voice and performance was much better than I expected, but where was the personality? I know that both nights were being filmed for a DVD, but film editors can do their job.

Why, was there no dialog?

By: Hippies Are Dead

Hippies Are Dead — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 02:04:46 +0000

Fucking killer. Totally jealous.

By: VanFanfromMemphis

VanFanfromMemphis — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:08:06 +0000

I could not miss this show. I was able to get one fantastic seat to this unbelievable show. I took a 24 hour trip from Memphis. I meet Van fans from England, Austrailia, and Canada. THIS SHOW WAS THE VAN SHOW TO SEE………No new stuff at this show. He played most of the greatest Van songs. He also seemed to be enjoying himself. He was smiling and at one point said “Thank You, You make a happy man very old”

Setlist:
1st set:
Wavelength
St. Dominic’s Preview
Caravan
It’s All In The Game / You Know What They’re Writing About
Here Comes The Night
And The Healing Has Begun
Summertime In England
Brown Eyed Girl
Gloria

2nd set:
Astral Weeks
Beside You
Slim Slow Slider
Sweet Thing
The Way Young Lovers Do
Cyprus Avenue
Ballerina
Madame George
Listen To The Lion (Encore)

Sorry if you missed this one, the CD/DVD will be a must have.

By: jon

jon — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:12:05 +0000

i was damnc close to booking a 24 hr round trip flight for this. very jealous you got to go.