Van Morrison was featured in this blog back in June 2014 because he is my favorite contemporary musician. Well, it is time to revisit the Lion of Belfast, as I recently had the opportunity to see him at a concert in Madrid. I had not been to a Van Morrison concert since the mid-2000s!
My dear friend Paco notified me, and I immediately bought a ticket, without knowing if I would be in Spain by June 4th. Fortunately, I was. A couple of days before, Paco’s wife pulled out of the concert, so I invited my sister, Rocky. We had a blast.
The concert was held at the university’s botanical garden, which features a large amphitheater-like stage area in the center. Surrounding it, they have placed all sorts of food trucks and bars, making for an awesome, cool (literally) experience on summer nights. They host a variety of concerts (see photos).
Van played a few of his big hits, such as “Days Like This,” “In the Afternoon,” or “Raincheck.” He also played a couple of his new songs, including “Cutting Corners.” He played a few covers, including Ray Charles’ “What Would I Do Without You” and Hank Williams’ “Cold, Cold Heart”.
Van had an amazing 9-piece band with him, which shone at the end of the concert, when they performed “Gloria”. Van then left them to each do their solos, which was mind-blowing and amazing!
Van sang for a very respectable hour and a half in the beautiful Madrid evening and light. This was my fourth time seeing Van the Man, and it was certainly my favorite concert. With his melodies, he takes you on wonderful spiritual journeys, letting you daydream in the beauty of the songs, he is really unique and unparalleled.
This was the playlist (thanks to setlist.fm)
Only a Dream
Cutting Corners
Back on Top
What Would I Do Without You (Ray Charles cover)
Days Like This
Real Real Gone
In the Afternoon / Raincheck / Sittin’ Pretty
Cleaning Windows
Green Rocky Road (traditional cover)
No Other Baby (Dickie Bishop and His Sidekicks cover)
Cold, Cold Heart (Hank Williams With His Drifting Cowboys cover)
Ain’t Gonna Moan No More
Broken Record
Wild Night
Help Me (Sonny Boy Williamson cover)
Gloria
Antonioyrocinante's Blog 
Hey Antonio,
I just wanted to tell you how much I admire Van Morrison as an artist — and I think you’d appreciate him too if you haven’t already dived into his music. He’s not just a singer-songwriter, he’s a force of nature. From his early days with Them and the explosive hit “Gloria”, to his solo work that blends soul, jazz, folk, blues, and mysticism — the man has carved a path like no one else.
One of his biggest milestones was the 1968 album Astral Weeks. Critics didn’t know what to make of it at the time, but now it’s considered one of the greatest albums ever recorded — deeply emotional, poetic, and transcendent. It’s not just music; it’s like entering another dimension.
Some of my favorite Van Morrison songs? Definitely “Into the Mystic” — it’s warm, timeless, and spiritual. Every time I hear it, it feels like a hug for the soul. Then there’s “And It Stoned Me”, a nostalgic trip back to childhood memories, delivered with such authenticity and ease. And of course, “Moondance” — that groove, that voice, that mood — it’s perfection.
What makes Van Morrison so unique is his ability to sound both raw and refined, spiritual and earthy, spontaneous yet deeply crafted. He doesn’t care much for fame or trends — he just follows the music wherever it leads. And that’s what makes him a true artist in every sense.
Anyway, just thought I’d share that with you. I think great music is meant to be passed along.
Take care,
“The Pipe”
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