Van Morrison at Frome, Somerset

9th July 2005

Here are a few of the photographs I took at this amazing gig.

My first feeling on arrival was delight on hearing that PeeWee was to open for Van - I asked one of the road crew if it was likely that PeeWee would do a number or two with Van and he said probably not as Van was not in the best of moods (Salmon is NOT fish!!!! - long story).

PeeWee did a great set, short but up tempo, and a nice, tight, little backing band. The horns were not just decorative - some really nice support from them.

Then I got my first glimpse of the man back stage - he was laughing and joking with the crew, so his mood had obviously been tempered somewhat. I shan't go into the set-list (others have done it better than my memory could) but it struck me as more of a "Greatest Hits" set than I have ever heard before - perhaps it was because of the audience type there - not your died-in-the-wool Van fans, but mostly local people who would have turned out for just about anything (including the two tribute bands the night before).

Into The Music

Starting with the two most accessible tracks of the latest album, and then ripping through his back catalogue Van was on top form, vocally relaxed, and playing some excellent sax and guitar. Moondance was cool, and some nice solos, with lovely harp on Bright Side of the Road.

PeeWee appeared for a couple of numbers (and was well received by the crowd) Wild Night - probably well into my top 20 Van numbers, was excellent, and I couldn't help singing along, (sorry to all those near me!!!!)

Van really became animated when powering through (Sonny Boy II's) You Gotta Help Me, on the Gob Iron -

Blow Man, Blow

- wonderful stuff - could never work out why the harp was conspicuous by it's absence on this track on Too Late To Stop Now - it was written and originally performed by one of the finest harmonica players of all time.
The Healing Has begun (er - sorry, but that is Our Tune - a few tears here) was spectacular, and the finale of B.E.G. and Gloria (Thankfully with NO excrutiating elocution lessons....) ended a great set.

We spent the night in the car park in our little motorhome and sat under the stars reminiscing about a great nights entertainment.

Loved it to bits....

You Guys had better be in C!!!