Thanks to James T for sending in setlist & his review:
So it had been 4 years since I had seen VM perform at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester and I remember that it was quite a lackluster affair. I have very fond memories meeting up with Dan Murray and having a good chat with him and other Fans after the show.
4 years later VM had brought us Astral Weeks Live, a news scandal, a year long absence from the scene and just recently some UK shows. Birmingham, Liverpool (which I attended), Bristol and Cardiff. Van was due to play in Blackpool on the Friday night but for whatever reason the show was cancelled! The jury is still out on that one! So how would Van play on this chilly night in Manchester?
The simple answer: very well!
The band was noticeably more relaxed and tighter than Liverpool and Van was leading them in a very positive way. His arm movements were clear and direct; there was little confusion of who was in charge!
The set list was very similar to recent shows so I won’t go in to too much detail.
The highlights were:
Jay Berliner – what an amazing guitarist, he really lifts VM game and the whole band responds to him. His frantic style and technique is awesome to behold. VM keeps him on his toes – at point Jay repeated a technique and Van stared at him blankly as if to say “yeah, you already did that earlier!” Jay responded with another brilliant improvisation. Vans face cracked a smile. A Lovely moment!
Fair Play – another early stretch out – a great showcase for the band, all members getting solos. The show took off from this point.
The Mystery – great to hear this live. I would have liked Van to have built the vocal more but his singing was forceful from the very beginning.
I Can’t stop loving you – A surprise, although there have been better versions. This was very welcome and the crowd responded well.
All in the game – there has been much discussion about the mantra at the end of recent versions of this song. Hats off to Van, he did it again! I didn’t think it was possible after Liverpool’s relentless performance clocking in at nearly 12 minutes. Well this was equally jaw dropping and the pinnacle of tonight’s performance for me. No plan B – No safety net. Brilliant to hear this new material – will it end up on an album? Fingers crossed!
In the Garden – Sheer magic! Nuff said!
Help me – No encore tonight but I wasn’t surprised as Van must have started this song after the 90 minutes anyway. This was an intense and souring version which left the band to wrap up with a rousing and loud finish.
Lowlights – The audience was up and down like Yo-yos – do these people have money to burn?
I don’t personally care about the cost. As long as Van continues I will try to see him live. He has well and truly proved that he’s still got it!
-James T.
Setlist
Baby, Please Don't Go
Here Comes The Night
Brown Eyed Girl
Higher Than The World
Magic Time
The Mystery
Fair Play
Real Real Gone
I Cant Stop Loving You
Crazy Love
Young Lovers Do
Moondance
All In The Game
In The Garden
Ballerina
Into The Mystic
Help Me
4 more shows in UK theatres early next year:
