26-June-2025
Malahide Castle
Malahide, Ireland

 

 Irish Examiner (Source)

 

Van Morrison, Neil Young, Malahide Castle, Dublin ★★★★☆
The electric guitar is alive and well. Neil Young, who is back touring in Europe for the first time in six years with his new backing band, Chrome Hearts, jabbed manically on Old Black, his trusty guitar, to glorious effect at the castle gardens in Malahide on Thursday night.

Before the Canadian star took to the stage, we were treated to a set from Van Morrison, as part of possibly the best double-bill you’ll see this year. Both singers turn 80 in 2025, although they’re acting like men half their age.

The Belfast Cowboy hit the ground running with a heart-lifting rendition of Into the Mystic to open his set. Looking debonair in a blue suit and trilby hat, and clutching his gold mic like a weapon, his voice is as strong as ever. He was in an ebullient mood, even chuckling (yes, sir) as he ebbed and flowed his way through classics from his canon, including Bright Side of the Road and Wild Night. 

 

Van the Man even had time for a bit of improvisation as he got close to the exit ramp: “We’re near the end game here,” he said, casting around to his band. “What about some Summertime in England. Will we do it? Will we do it? Let’s go.” Morrison went out in a blaze of glory with a stomping version of Gloria.

-Richard Fitzpatrick

 

Setlist
Into The Mystic
Cutting Corners
Only A Dream/No Prima Donna
Bright Side Of The Road

Days Like This

Ain't Gonna Moan No More 

Precious Time
Crazy Jane On God

For Mr. Thomas

Wild Night

Summertime In England

Gloria

Big Hand For The Band!

Dave Keary (Guitar)
Nicky Scott (Bass)
John McCullough (Keyboards)
Neal Wilkinson (Drums)

Dana Masters (Vocals)
Jolene O'Hara (Vocals)

Christopher White (Saxaphone)

Matt Holland (Trumpet)

Richie Buckley (Saxaphone)
Guy Barker (Trumpet)