For someone who claims to have been a fan of Van Morrison for 20 years Bill Hearld seems to know remarkably little about his music (Evening Press, November 7).

He is unable to name even one song in the set despite material spanning his whole career, including two numbers from Beautiful Vision, the album Mr Hearld professes to like so much.

Instead of the music Mr Hearld concentrates his reviews on Van's stature and fashion sense.

Those lucky enough to get tickets for the two shows witnessed an artist at the peak of his power, backed by superb musicianship from his band, giving us a sublime display of his own unique blend of jazz, soul and blues music. Magnificent! As for Van's height, well he is still six feet tall in my eyes - which is more than can be said for Mr Hearld.

Catherine Sleightholme,

Church Farm,

Youlthorpe,

Nr Bishop Wilton.

AFTER reading your article 'Singer leaves York fan cold' (November 6) I felt I had to write.

I am amazed that Mr Hearld calls himself a Van fan - even calling Van his hero.

Surely he would know from his 20 years membership of the Van the Man fan club that his "hero" was not six feet tall.

His stature and dress sense is irrelevant what is important is his vast talent. He comes on stage and sings, no he doesn't communicate with his fans, he doesn't need to - just sing Van - that's what we've paid for.

He may be diminutive in size, but what a huge talent he has.

His range of songs was awe inspiring..

I have been to many Van concerts and this one was easily among the best.

To sit and listen to such amazing talents from a band that doesn't need to dress in ridiculous clothing to detract from the music - was an absolute pleasure.

Caroline R Davies,

Copmanthorpe,

York.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.