Van Morrison at Battle, East Sussex, UK

[Petergull]

Van 'The Man' played (at the scene of the 1066 battle of Hastings) at the weekend. He was in good form. Chris Farlow accompanied him, and their version of Dylan's 'It's all over now Baby Blue' was superb. Thanks Van.

http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/data/500/1692VanBattleAug06272ppi.jpg?7318
http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/data/500/1692VanBattleAug06172ppi.jpg?9772
http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/data/500/1692VanBattle372ppi.jpg?4160
http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/data/500/1692VanBattle472ppi.jpg?9204

[PEACHMAN]

Oh...Man...!!! Great captures of a guy who is legendary around my house...!! One of my all time favorites and he just keeps getting better...(although it's still pretty hard to do better than his Moon Dance album...I get all twitchy just thinking about those days...Lucky you! (is he really grumpy?)

[wu_wei0]

Thank you for sharing these great captures with us! I am like peachman- VM is a legend in my house and has always been one who could touch my heart and soul with his words and style. I have such fond memories of times in my life when Van was the soundtrack. Think I better go find a cd to work by now.

~wu

[rab_cilbup]

Ah, Van The Man, subject of my favourite ever rock and roll story which you'll forgive me if I reproduce below (from The Rocking Vicar newsletter)

"Van Morrison insists on his band turning up to rehearsals at bang on 8.30am, although Van himself often doesn't turn up until ten, and then goes straight to the toilet with a copy of Exchange & Mart to have a dump. One day, the band got so cross that they waited until Van was engaged and then, one by one, tip-toed over to Van's Sacred Harmonica Bag, full of harmonicas Van has collected from around the world, picked a specimen, and rubbed it in their anal clefts. Even now, when you see Van perform on 'Later With Jools Holland', his band seemed particularly delighted when he does a harmonica solo."

:)

[PEACHMAN]

Ah, Van The Man, subject of my favourite ever rock and roll story which you'll forgive me if I reproduce below (from The Rocking Vicar newsletter)

"Van Morrison insists on his band turning up to rehearsals at bang on 8.30am, although Van himself often doesn't turn up until ten, and then goes straight to the toilet with a copy of Exchange & Mart to have a dump. One day, the band got so cross that they waited until Van was engaged and then, one by one, tip-toed over to Van's Sacred Harmonica Bag, full of harmonicas Van has collected from around the world, picked a specimen, and rubbed it in their anal clefts. Even now, when you see Van perform on 'Later With Jools Holland', his band seemed particularly delighted when he does a harmonica solo."

:)Ha! Slander as you may, he is still the Man and if his little toadies have trouble paying the price to live under his umbrella or bask in his sunlight then sit tight and and try getting the fame and recognition themselves thru their own tallents and connections.......ungrateful little goblins...There is a price to pay and commitment to prove to work with a Master!:p

[Petergull]

Thanks for your commments. Yer Man was on good musical form, but never addressed a single remark to the audience. I've just finished reading a fascinating biography "Van Morrison: No Surrender" by Johnny Rogan (Vintage Books). It's quite an eye-opener re Van's reported tendency to have 'difficult' professional and personal relationships.

By chance I was on a business trip to Belfast in July, and couldn't resist making the trip to Van's old house (Hyndford Street) - and, best of all, strolling down the delightful Cyprus Avenue. Here's some dodgy pics (taken on my camera):

http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/data/500/1692CyprusAve2.jpg?9859
http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/data/500/1692CyprusAve1.jpg?660
http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/data/500/1692sOldHouse.jpg?1283

[Ballen Photo]

Ah, Van Morrison. Conjurs up notes of "Brown Eyed Girl", etc. ;)
I like the image of Him playing the Sax. :D
-Bruce

[Photodawg1]

Oh I am sooooo jealous! I missed him when he was just in the states, but really wanted to make his show. Thanks for sharing your shots...