By cave Van Morrison – Koningin Elisabethzaal – 26 april 2025
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Van Morrison proved in the stately Queen Elisabeth Hall in Antwerp that his musical fire is far from extinguished. Backed by an impressive band and delivering a surprisingly lively set, the now 79-year-old Northern Irishman offered a concert brimming with craftsmanship, atmosphere, and musical richness.
A Musical Chameleon
From the first notes of “Only a Dream,” it was clear Morrison wasn’t planning to coast on routine. Throughout the show, he effortlessly switched from piano to trumpet and saxophone, and even picked up the harmonica and maracas. This not only highlighted his musical versatility but also gave the evening a sense of spontaneity and dynamism.
Between Classics and Surprises
The setlist was a well-balanced mix of original songs and carefully chosen covers. Beloved tracks like “Into the Mystic” and “Days Like This” were warmly received, but it was the less expected choices—such as “Green Rocky Road,” a traditional song that turned out to be one of the evening’s highlights—that truly surprised. Covers of Ray Charles and Hank Williams were delivered with both respect and a personal touch, making the show feel like a tribute to musical forebears as well.
Few Words, Plenty of Music
As is typical for Morrison, his interaction with the audience was minimal. Yet he spoke more than usual, offering the occasional brief introduction or offhand remark. It was just enough to build a connection with the audience without detracting from the musical intensity.
An Energetic Finale with “Gloria”
The evening reached its peak with a fiery rendition of “Gloria,” during which Morrison invited the audience to sing along. His band then carried on for another fifteen minutes, delivering powerful solos and a striking vocal outburst from one of the backing singers—evoking the best of soul music, both impressive and moving.
An Evening to Treasure
In Antwerp, Van Morrison once again proved he remains among the greats. While his voice may have grown rougher with age, his sense of timing, emotion, and musicality remains as strong as ever. For those in attendance, it was an evening of warm sounds, nostalgia, and surprises—a concert that will linger in memory for a long time.
Setlist
- Only a Dream
- You Gotta Make It Through the World
- Someone Like You
- Northern Muse (Solid Ground)
- Days Like This
- Down to Joy
- Steal My Heart Away
- Enlightenment
- No Other Baby (Dickie Bishop and His Sidekicks cover)
- What Would I Do Without You (Ray Charles cover)
- Cold, Cold Heart
- (Hank Williams With His Drifting Cowboys cover)
- Green Rocky Road ([traditional] cover)
- Into the Mystic
- Real Real Gone
- Have I Told You Lately
- Ain’t Gonna Moan No More
- Snatch It Back and Hold It (Junior Wells cover)
- Help Me (Sonny Boy Williamson cover)
Encore: Gloria (Them song)
Venue
