08-June-2013
Dunluce Castle 
Antrim, Nothern Ireland

News Letter

Night of Morrison magic at Dunluce

One of Northern Ireland’s living legends was back on home soil at the weekend for two open-air concerts on the north coast.

On Friday and Saturday nights, Van Morrison took to the improvised arena over-looking the ancient ruins of Dunluce Castle.

The Belfast songwriter delighted the sun-drenched crowds – belting out a string of his classic hits from a career spanning six decades.

Music fans began arriving at the site from mid-afternoon each day with a full programme of support artists on stage from 5pm.

On Saturday, US jazz singer Dana Masters and her band set the tone for an evening of high-class entertainment, including Morrison’s daughter Shana who performed her own short set as well as supporting her father on stage throughout.

English blues and soul veteran Chris Farlowe also joined Morrison for a couple of duets before rounding off the evening with his own, powerful rendition of several blues classics.

Thousands came to Dunluce over both nights and the concerts – the first to be held at the historic location – have already been hailed a huge success by those attending.

There was magic in the north Antrim air when two of Northern Ireland’s mystical icons unforgettably joined forces.

Van Morrison playing Duncluce Castle was always likely to produce something special and both delivered in some style.

The two concerts were in keeping with the Belfast legend’s relatively recent more crowd-pleasing displays.

His set was back-to-back Morrison classics from the opening Only a Dream, before he signed off on a high with a rousing rendition of Gloria on Saturday night.

It’s anyone’s guess what re-worked gems from such an extensive back catalogue will get an airing. Ignored for decades by the man himself as only a “pop song”, in recent years Brown Eyed Girl has become a staple of his live repertoire much to the crowds’ delight. Morrison can do no wrong in this form.
-Mark Rainey

Setlist
Celtic Swing
Only A Dream
Precious Time
Whenever God Shines His Light
Baby Please Don't Go
Retreat and View
Sometimes We Cry
Old Black Magic
Blues Medley
Hoochie Coochie Man
Stand By Me
Star of the County Down
Jackie Wilson Said
Brown Eyed Girl
Gloria