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I've just read the EDP review of the Van Morrison concert at the Theatre Royal on Friday 23rd. Having attended the following night here's my two pennorth:
While his voice was as good as I've heard it and the band were absolutely superb, Van seemed utterly oblivious of the audience. There was no greeting, no introducing the songs, no banter, no engagement, no eye-contact, not even acknowledgement of the applause. A song would end, there'd be fulsome applause during which he'd turn his back, say something to the band and the next song would start, all within 5 seconds. Somehow it seemed a little impersonal, an almost uncomfortable contrast with the content and delivery of what he was singing.
There can be no doubt the man's a genius, but Saturday night was more like watching a video than being at a live performance. A veteran performer like Morrison ought to know that no matter how well he does it, a live audience expects a bit more than just going through the motions.
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