It’s no secret that music legend Van Morrison has been itching to get back on the road ever since COVID-19 shut everything down.
Last year, the “Brown Eyed Girl” icon infamously dropped a trio of songs that ridicule the UK’s lockdown policies—later followed by “Stand And Deliver,” another anti-lockdown anthem featuring God himself, Eric Clapton (actually Slowhand spent lockdown seeing past racist statements resurface). These songs were in support of VanMo’s “Save Live Music” fund, which was supposed to give back to the performers who couldn’t hit the stage in 2020. One-time grants of £500 were given to certain applicants who were eligible. Surely, the 75-year old Irishman meant well, but the guy actually challenged legal action against the whole Northern Irish government earlier this year. Take it easy, Van.
Whether or not you can still listen to “Moondance” without thinking about Van’s views, you have two rare chances to see him live at Clearwater’s Ruth Eckerd Hall—on February 14 and 15. He returned to the Hall for the first time in 20 years back in 2017, with a fully sold-out, three-night stint, so you definitely don’t want to miss this experience—even if ticket prices start at $98.75. Tickets go on sale June 18.
To hold you over, Van released a new, 28-track album on May 7, with titles such as “Why Are You on Facebook?” and “Love Should Come with a Warning.” It’s basically a two-hour long collection of Van Morrison doing what Van Morrison does best: Telling it like it is, in as straightforward a fashion as possible.
See a list of Tampa “Safe & Sound” live music venues here.
Support local journalism in these crazy days. Our small but mighty team is working tirelessly to bring you up to the minute news on how Coronavirus is affecting Tampa and surrounding areas. Please consider making a one time or monthly donation to help support our staff. Every little bit helps.
Follow @cl_tampabay on Twitter and subscribe to our newsletter.
