Two sell-out audiences meant nearly 3,000 people packed York's Barbican Centre on Friday and Saturday evenings to see rock and blues music legend Van Morrison.

Opinions on his performances are deeply divided and the arguments linger on.

But there was no difference of opinion on what a fine and flexible venue the Barbican Centre is for concerts of this calibre.

Only a week ago every seat was taken for the Festival of Remembrance when a "cast" of 200 used every inch of stage and theatre walkway for a ceremonial, singing, dancing and marching performance.

At the weekend it was Van the Man, and this Wednesday the Barbican will host one of the all-time greats of pop music, Tom Jones.

One devoted fan was so impressed by the Barbican's facilities after the Van Morrison concert, he phoned the Evening Press to congratulate City of York Council for providing a venue with the best acoustics in the country, including Wembley Arena.

A dozen American fans flew in specially for the concert because they learned through an Internet fan club that York was so beautiful.

The Barbican does not have the charm of Bradford's Alhambra or even York Theatre Royal. It is 1990s utilitarian-gymnasium in character which gives it the versatility to host either a Christmas concert, a fashion show or, when the front seating is rolled right back, a young pop band.

Whatever the Barbican's physical and technical deficiencies, its booking policy is spot on. It is drawing the mega stars and the stars are drawing capacity audiences from all over the region, sometimes from all over the country and even the world.

It was the contacts of new events manager Craig Smart who helped bring about the Van Morrison booking, though Craig is not responsible for the autumn season's events.

But he must have already been impressed by the Barbican's pulling power and can build next season's programme accordingly.

Evening Press Review 7/11/98...

Singer leaves York fan cold

by Bill Hearld

For what you are about to read, may the Lord make me truly repentant.

It may mean ex-communication from a 20-year membership of the Van the Man fan club. It could mean being ostracised by a legion of fanatically-loyal supporters. But, I have to say, he left me cold.

I had remained totally loyal to Van Morrison through the LP, CD revolution, without ever having seen him live. My six-foot-tall hero last night turned out to be a surprisingly diminutive character in a pork pie hat and unflattering grey business suit who had the stage presence of a microphone stand and who at one point actually said "Good night" to his capacity audience at York's Barbican Centre. He certainly offered no other form of intimate communication to those who had come to worship from afar.

Van Morrison's choice of numbers was awe-inspiring. At least we think it was, because many sounded the same, with identical pitch, tune and incomprehensible words.

He still has a voice to die for, though, with power unlimited. But to a disciple brought up on Beautiful Vision and other popular numbers, the selection was arrogant, repetitive and self-indulgent. It was the Red Oktober of music - a blues singer ready to seek asylum in the alien world of jazz.

Two girls who had turned out for the occasion but then sought sanctuary in the foyer, clinched it. They were Van the Man fans, they said, but frankly they were bored with the concert. "It would be really nice if it was a CD so we could fast-forward the boring bits," said one. Amen.

See also LETTERS 'Van-tastic Saturday night with a legend'

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