Van Morrison - Live At Orangefield

2024

Live archive release.

The Christmas of 1959 saw Van Morrison take to the stage of Orangefield Secondary School for his first ever live performance. Midnight Special, a skiffle group, consisted of fellow pupils, John McCullough, tea-chest bass, Cyril Downey, guitar, Billy Ruth, guitar, and Walter Blakely on washboard with Van on guitar and vocals. In August 2014, Van Morrison returned to perform three shows as a fond farewell to his alma mater as it prepared to close it's doors for the final time. Live at Orangefield is a specially curated album, of recordings from these very shows. This very special live album on double heavyweight black vinyl & CD is a celebration of his formative years, giving us a vivid access to the past. But much more than that. The energy and drive, the poetic reinvention Morrison brings to his recollections stand out against the ravages of time. His is a voice of exhilaration and dance as well as poignancy and romance.