TIME Magazine Interviews: Van Morrison | TIME

[@mapletonsteve]

Van has long been known to be shy, almost introverted, even while on stage (not a crime). To read some of the comments below is laughable, they don't know the man (nor do I), so just enjoy a talented musician and his band instead of embarassing yourself further. And I will be buying this cd soon and thanks for putting these videos on the net.

[@ronaldwhitehand2832]

I had. Very good experience when meeting the Man. He was breakfasting next to us in a hotel in Florida several years ago. We decided to talk to him and he was gracious and pleasant even though we interrupted his meal. He even signed his new cd that we had bought at the airport. He was playing nearby that evening so we got tickets for a concert that blew us away. Van is The Man.

[@janhensley5410]

Say it out loud! Say it like you’re proud! “I’m not a download artist” I love you over and over and over again! ❤️

[@joelmcnultymusic]

The man just exudes pure joy.

[@tristanhurley9071]

Joel Mc joy?

[@nedaal-saadi3523]

LOL. Great songwriter though, and music is a tough business. Love his music.

[@jersmith1486]

Lol

[@canadianroot]

He's an old Irish drunk. Being crotchety all the time comes with the persona.

[@sohooded]

hahahahahaha

[@mtease9247]

Yes ! At least 300 more awesome songs ! Luv this artist !! His music is transcendental for me. Hymns to the Silence, Poetic Champions Compose, Veedon Fleece, Astral Weeks, Enlightenment, Philosopher’s Stone, Tupelo Honey, Listen to the Lion, Avalon Sunset, ect ect. I’ve been gifted so many of Morrison’s CD’s & they are my prized possessions. His music soothes my soul. ❤

[@IanMcCansey]

What people need to understand is that Van doesn't need to promote his personality, like so many others, because he's a friggin' legend. He can say whatever he wants, his music will always be loved.

[@moonstar2335]

Thank you for sharing Van Morrison ❤️❤️❤️

[@perkyporkpie]

I thought I would share a little story. I was about 17 and saw him at a café having a coffee. Nowadays I wouldn't bother anyone BUT I was young and thought Astral Weeks was the bees knees. I got as far 'Mr Morrison..' when without looking up he said 'F**k off' So that's what I did. You just have to love the old bugger!

[@tryharder75]

+perkyporkpie That's a beautiful story.

[@perkyporkpie]

Hey thanks

[@manoneal1724]

Do you guys still talk?

[@perkyporkpie]

Man O'Neal Oddly enough I did see him a few weeks ago-I did not approach!!

[@crackedblackpepperandrocksalt]

lmao. this is great.

[@irishelk3]

Not only is he one of the best there ever was or will be in the world, but here in Ireland too, we have many great musicians and artists here but rarely do they take off the way that Van did, writing Brown eyed girl and Gloria aged 19 with a voice like a blizzard and then moving on to very thoughtful profound lyrics with Astral weeks, there will never be another Van, happy birthday Van a few days after mine, what a man.

[@tryharder75]

+irishelk I like that he gave credit to all the musicians he was working with in NI pre-Them. They just didn't want to leave their home, and I did.

[@cherylg63]

Darby O'Gill. He is indeed a brilliant artist. I’ve been listening to him a lot lately. Sheer brilliance.

[@dddev641]

Astral Weeks is a great album with beautiful songs ...I could listen to it everyday ... I love Van ..incredibly talented and beautiful humble man .

[@brianchidester3334]

These were refreshingly straightforward answers and not at all what one would expect of a guy promoting a new album.

[@Gottesfreunde]

Van is one of the greatest songsmiths of our time... of ANY time. He is certainly the most soulful musician I have ever had the pleasure of listening to... truly transcendental. That he seeks to be a private person is admirable, even his gruffness is admirable. He seems quite down to earth to me. That he has shared his musical talents with us is sufficient. There is not another musician like him. He is one of only a hand full of musicians who is in a class of his very own.

[@debcarrier7335]

I absolutely LOVE this man!!! His wonderful liturgy of music throughout the years has been a staple in my life. There is nothing wrong with him expressing his thoughts and feelings, whether it's what his public wants to hear or not. I am grateful that he shared his music with the world.

[@delbertmol]

Love the gruff Northern Irish accent. As a Scotsman I love the sound of the Celtic tongue.

[@guitquick]

So straight forward and honest -makes me respect him all the more

[@tennisbum3686]

I agree

[@gmoney8915]

Van is the man with the talent. Just like going on a vacation to hear his voice.Love it when he was younger and love it as his voice has matured. The exuberant heart felt tunes are a huge gift. Van, keep singing; the music style and your talent is rare today.

[@nicolejttmom6061]

Van the Man speaks the truth: he yas created so much beautiful music, he is not a one and done artist. I listen to his albums, and I can never stop at one❤.

[@alanlane3670]

A musical genius for over five decades.....

[@jmm1000]

i adore his moodiness - its great when hes happy, but its equally , differently entertaining when he's detached from the crowd and just performing the songs and watching his clock to get the show done. The disconnection is so severe, yet his voice still so great, that his apathy becomes great entertainment in and of itself. I love you any ol way van.

[@tennisbum3686]

Interesting observation

[@cluxseltoot]

Well said Van, let's hear it loud and proud. 'I'm not a download artist'. Great, there is nothing like holding a CD and reading the liner notes.

[@rayvaughan3197]

cluxseltoot There's something a whole lot better.....holding a vinyl cover and reading the notes while the record plays on your turntable and through a set of monitors

[@haveagreatday2823]

@@rayvaughan3197 - I was going to write the very same thing!!

[@ronaran8420]

That's exactly why I was so disappointed not to find more than just 5 cds including 2 compilations of Van in that big shop after crossing Europe to arrive in Belfast! They could give The Belfast Man a higher profile. For God's sake!...

[@anke6908]

A fascinating artist, a fascinating man.

[@josiecameron3395]

Love this 💕 first time I have heard Van speak! Thank you for posting this 🤲

[@NuNegus]

I've never seen an interview with him; I'm so happy I got to. I've been listening to him since I was little; his music really inspires me. He doesn't seem to have an attitude; he appreciates his fans, he just doesn't seem to like fame or being categorized by others, but I guess all of us here are kind of doing that. Really, I love how honest matter of fact he is in his answers. And it doesn't shock me that he doesn't like our generation's sound. We'll say the same thing in twenty years.

[@nicw3251]

He is notorious for being rude to fans and often plays with his back to the audience

[@ofeliabacaro9457]

It’s not rudeness, he really does have social anxiety and stage fright.

[@tennisbum3686]

@@nicw3251 turning his back to the audience can mean different things. It's easy to be shy in front of an audience, possibly distracting the artist from getting in the zone while performing. Possibly can focus while you're not facing the audience, even Johnny Carson said he always had butterflies in the stomach before going on stage, some people never lose that fear, possibly having people judging you, and Van probably is very self-conscious about his size understandably

[@StratBurst92]

Gloria, a all-time classic.

[@JohnCusley]

the way he repeats "it's not what it seems" is so heavy

[@bobsteinzig]

"It's Not Why it just is"

[@7deniseable]

Simply beautiful concert! Simply beautiful man! Truth is beauty and beauty is truth. I was blessed to be at this concert to experience the genuis of Van Morrison. I can't wait to see him again at the Greek Oct. 2010. Thank you, Van for bringing me endless joy!

[@daviddarcy782]

A voice that touches the soul if it doesn't you're not listening

[@I7275-p2d]

I’m a taxi driver. He got in once and said “take me to Mayfair”. I said I could believe I was about to ‘transit van’. He didn’t laugh.

[@thibaults8065]

Haha sounds just like him

[@calum66]

No he wouldn't , any more than e would have laughed at my wee joke - My name is Morrison and I used to have a camper Van ( A Transit ) guess what it was called ? Of course - Van Morrison!

[@Mystery-q8e]

He is not known for his charm. I've known people who worked with him.

[@bustermot]

I'll still love him. Even though I hate old cold bastards like myself.

[@WickedGravityVideo]

VM is a legend's legend.... completely original... not for sale.... not impessed with fame.... my all time favorite songs are by either VM or Neil Young. Long live the spirit and soul of VM.

[@jimagent1826]

Saw Van for the 4th time in Chicago May 2022. He's the best. His songs touch your soul. Van's voice is still great. The group of musicians are top notch. There is no artist alive today that has the catalog of songs he has or matches the same depth. Van is right that none of these newer artists have done anything that hasn't been done before. Most aren’t worth listening to either.

[@Elisa-im6ll]

Really a legendary artist.

[@jwray6150]

I am thankful that I have Van Morrison's music to listen to . He is one one the greatest ! I will always have him in my top ten to listen to. As most of our best musicians they deserve more than was ever received. Even his latest songs are very good, i cant believe Van Morrison just amazes me. Love him!

[@greymurdock2]

He didn’t even hesitate to answer no, when asked if anyone new bands excite him... hahaha brutally honest

[@rubenpequeno2790]

Ok k l8tr l Liu l linux l l l l l ok lol k k k lk l l l 'll l o.k. lk l 'll 'll l p.m. ll l 'll l llkll loo 'll ll lol.lol Lou ll ll loo Loki lo Kim look lk lk l 3oo6 lk Lily lolol kooky l.p. ll l l Kirkuk li ll l.p. 87pomlkllo look l ll k lllo llll lky 'll ll l 'll ll ly l l l kll ll ll

[@tennisbum3686]

I feel the same way

[@gracie30ish]

He's right though.

[@paullynch928]

As he is so talented and has so much experience and knowledge of the industry, can anyone say that was a rude reply. I think not Van knows his game. 👌💪😁

[@janhensley3617]

It’s the truth❤

[@Nico62384]

@DesertDood Its called honesty. You may not recognize it, since so many today say what they think you want to hear, or what they are told to say. Thank you Van :) for the interview, and for so much more.

[@jimcorcoran5650]

I respect real honest people like Van everyone is false today

[@shannonsmith1522]

I seen him do Astral Weeks live at the Hollywood Bowl, was a beautiful emotional experience. Love him x

[@MichaelJ44]

4:26 love the honesty and the straight “No”

[@rogerthompson1622]

I appreciate his right to privacy but, oh, for just ten seconds face to face so that I could humbly thank him for the decades of joy and comfort that his music has given me.

[@tpcass]

There are a few, a very few, that can transport you to "that" place. Van Morrison is one of the very few. Words cannot describe it. If you are a Van fan, get the Astral Weeks DVD its great. You will return to it time and time again. You may even get to "that" place you may be transcended.

[@redhead5150]

Van was always shy performing live and had a hard time with it. Van is still a musical legend.

[@TIME]

thanks for watching! HD option should pop up soon above Views...

[@mikeheap7978]

Van the man, plays every gendre of music in the last 50 years. He doesn't seem too precious about his music, doesn't look back always looking forward to new music new challeges. Great attitude, a genius of the 70's and 80's and made some great stuff since.

[@sassyschoolmarm]

Sorry to disappoint you Steve from Norway. He has obviously been listening to the critics and holy crap, his voice was great - not a bum note and his diction was much improved to the point where you could actually hear the lyrics. He had complete mastery over the material and the band and it was sonic perfection. At one point when he took the music down low and slow, you could have heard a pin drop in a hall of 2,000 people. Wonderful - my heart was in my mouth. Go see, you won't be disappointed

[@janhensley3617]

“I’m not a download artist”. So true. Love the way he expresses himself ❤ G.O.A.T. 💚🍀

[@haskellbob]

At 4:25 he's asked if there are any artists today that excite him, and he just flat-out says, "no". That's telling it like it is! I feel the same way.

[@Theodorej1960]

I have always loved Van Morrison's music and the poetry in his work. The Irish have tended to make language colorful and this really speaks to me. He is a "word weaver" who has a serious knack for a tune, too!!! Van rocks!!!

[@edwardchai2753]

“are there any groups today that excite you ?” Van (no hesitation ) “No ..”

[@janhensley3617]

Gotta love Van’s honesty ❤

[@noelrogan4058]

GENIUS,,end of story,, 🇮🇪❤🇮🇪❤

[@desmodood1]

Van is simply the best singer/songwriter alive today. Anyone who thinks differently does not count. An honest Christian who doesn't hide his light. The man has run the gamut and his music is timeless. Van is truly THE MAN! Gloria, Domino, Brown Eyed Girl, all classics but the Enlightenment album is full of them. I never get tired of his music nor should you.

[@911insidejo8]

Wow, I've nearly worshipped his music ever since I was in high school, went back and bought almost all his 70s catalogue on Warner and a lot of his more contemplative 80s and 90s as well but I've never heard him interview. He is certainly one of my absolute all-time favorites.

[@AnnihilatingAngel]

What a fascinating interview. I didn't know Van's speaking voice was that much higher than his singing one.

[@shellyboy9]

This rare and almost undefinable talent cannot be taught, and rarely can it be cultivated. Whether you like these peoples music (Elvis, The Beatles etc). or not, think of Van's accomplishment. As arrogant and antagonistic a character he portrays, people still love him! This takes a remarkable personality to do this.

[@chrispaws9294]

great interview, and even if the interviewer maybe was not a van fan, he asked decent questions. real honest answers too. van in jovial mood, telling it like it is. cheers for vid

[@wwtory]

I'm happy to know about honest and wise people as Van. :) I'm a new fan! I love your music and your honesty!

[@hellraisersteve]

In Ireland Van is not only the man but the true KING!!

[@bobby70077]

Awesome interview, thanks Mr. Morrison!

[@billbergendahl2911]

Van is the man!

[@jorgejohnson451]

4:26 Can’t argue with that. “And the Grammy goes to… no one. Kay, that’s the show. Good night everyone.”

[@wildchild2866]

I’d literally cry if I saw him perform astral weeks

[@2shooz]

My all time favorite, a reluctant musical genius and icon for the ages. In a way, his phobias make him even more interesting. The record companies in his early career were brutal to him. I don't think he'll ever get over that. This is a great album (Astral Weeks Live), don't miss it! No Van collection can be complete without it. Van IS "The Man" and always will be!

[@keatsgipsy]

Vancouver will WELCOME VAN MORRISON! I can not wait - to see 'THE MAN... Bravo - Van is TIMELESS

[@holladaycummings7884]

Exactly, my expectation of him from an interview; I adore Van & feel his reality. So insightful & beyond, Love you so much and appreciate your music...you touched my soul. Van is really cool, smart & real.

[@deja75m]

I love this man..musician.martyr..a real musician and true artisan...love you..VAN the Man....so many wonderful years of your amazing creativity..thankyou..I own so much of your discworld...

[@marygilbertson5347]

I feel for Him ... When asked if He knew then what He knows now what would He change And He said " I wouldn't have been famous " ... So many people want Fame But I can't image how hard that would to be treated differently by people because of Your Name ... Never knowing if it You they care about ... This must be particularly hard for Van because He is so sensitive And genuine He puts His Soul onto what He gives Us ... My Grandma use to say ' fame is a Curse ' ... It must have been so Hard for Van having the Music business to deal with too pushing for the almighty buck ... They can take the Joy out of someone Who just wants to Sing Play Entertain And Create like Van does ... Anyway I hope He knows He is Treasured for Himself for His Heart .

[@dorothyhawkins8780]

I’m a DJ in Kansas City ,Van is my all time Favorite Artist He is Magic “The Voice does the Buddha,s Work”

[@Mystery-q8e]

Jesus what a strange mixture of Belfast and West Coast USA accent wise

[@elsiecroker1509]

Did he move to America?

[@kieransavage3835]

It’s a Belfast thing.....we don’t speak with an English accent , American,s speak with a version of a Belfast accent,more so,than we speak ,with an English one.

[@ednicholson7839]

He was living and working in Boston, New York and California when he recorded his most famous albums

[@MadDogMcQ]

I love Van and his music, but boy, I wouldn't want to interview him. That looked like hard work, lol.

[@haveagreatday2823]

He never wanted to be famous. Said so himself!!

[@andrewmair7371]

MadDogMcQ - It was fine, the interviewer handled it well … just o.p’s questions anyway 🤷🏻‍♂️ Van’s not a vaudeville ‘act’, he’s honest & direct, he does his thing, like it or lump it… he’s not here to “please people”, particularly those who expect it -

[@andrewmair7371]

David Robinson - You don’t have to love someone personally to appreciate their art … hopefully it transcends something as trivial as to whether they’re “liked” or “approved of”…😊

[@savedfaves]

Have a Great Day! “Want in one and and 💩 in the other and see which gets full first.” - This Boy’s Life quote.

[@gemstone1992]

Hahahaha oh Van, he's such a grumpy old git but we love him.

[@paullynch928]

Can't help but love his grumpy ways

[@kieransavage3835]

Noooo,he’s as soft as putty,on the inside.

[@rose61au]

Than you for this !!! Rose

[@sharonanne116]

You don't know him, none of us know him, from a single stupid interview. He makes me laugh really because no one can be that humorless. There's a Van we've never seen, a person we will never know because he doesn't want to be known, he wants to sing and have the music be its own individual spirit, apart from him. I think that's why he bristles at the adoration, the personal questions, because it seems as if he feels the music stands on its own and he is merely the shepherd, the piper at the gates of dawn. That's my humble opinion anyway, since I don't know the man either but I'm damned glad he made such beautiful music and I hope he keeps doing it. Rock on Van.

[@johnlaplante8626]

Ditto!

[@markswindon4630]

I think you really nailed it here. He is such an individual and a genius artist he does not feel the need to explain anything to anyone. Just listen to his music and take in the wonder of what it is. He is a crusty old bastard on appearances, but who really cares with his legacy of incredible music and lyrics.

[@mwkop39]

sharonanne116 0i

[@imannonymous7707]

Tru that...i feel bad now lol yer right!

[@haveagreatday2823]

Van has a private humor - I can see it - I can feel it. It's there. He couldn't write and perform the way he does if he were a one-dimensional man. There's SO much to this incredible man. Private, yes, but has such an expansive soul. How I'd love to meet him some wonderful day!

[@Blackoutproject]

Saw Van last night in London, he was incredible! Very much a get-on-stage-do-your-thing-and-leave artist though, not that i'm complaining but with all the extroverted artists around now it may seem old fashioned to have such a reserved live show; he's still got it though.

[@onebluemoon.268]

I read an article once ,He has really bad stage fright he really would rather play very small venues is where he is more comfortable ,in watching his concerts in a big setting it really shows So I look at it as he is truly only playing for his fans he would rather just write and play music and have it produced and skip the big shows Thank you van we love you !!

[@albeleo1177]

"I'm not a download artist." Thank you for saying that. It sometimes feels like people have forgotten the art of the album. Now all music collections feel like compilations. Albums are journeys. It's impossible to capture that when you just download individual songs, it seems.

[@MrDanee22]

I get you friend 👌

[@jillcopeland5551]

Thank you Sir Van kept me loving every brilliant note had ticket to O2 arena 26/10/18 couldn’t get there to sick so so sad been to your gigs 1978~Manchester 2016 hope I can get to another Common One live bootleg Mr Laurence Germany wonderful could listen 24 /7 Jill

[@tangogirl100]

Van Morrison is the greatest - everything he does is pure magic to me, I load up my car with his CD's & take off - I love his music...

[@shellyboy9]

Back in the 70's I had the pleasure/toil of seeing him 4x. Van remains the most antagonistic performer I've ever witnessed.. The only time I ever heard him do Caravan, Domino, Brown Eyed Girl, and Moondance during the same performance was at the ill-fated Randall's Island concert where he was his most surly. It was a short performance and he continually complained about how he wasn't getting paid. But he still performed. To me, that is really the essence of Van Morrison.

[@chrisy6707]

Love this guys honesty, and his music.

[@jchepeus]

he is one of my very favorites. flew to san fransico to see him and saw him here in glendale arizona. always be a fan.

[@StephenKane]

Pearl of the interveiw: "It's not what it seems, being famous". It's this reluctance of Van Morrison to be idolized that helps make him an all time favorite musician-songwriter-recording artist of mine. His songs tell the story he wants to tell and the asperger's side is left for rare interviews like this. But to really understand the story of the musical genious and the poetry of Van we need just to listen to On Hyndford Street off his Hymns to the Silence record. It's all there.

[@manconoo]

I love this guy- he is just so straight up no bullshit. He is all about the music he hates all the crap that goes with it.

[@brotherben4357]

I grew up with his music but I know nothing about the man. I’m happy that way.

[@snuffyballparks6501]

Honest straightforward approach to life. Very unique talent both as a performer and songwriter.

[@bpatrickhoburg]

Excellent. Love Van!

[@sniffableandirresistble]

Van Brown Eyed Girl is a Masterpiece!!

[@DeborahStJohn-c1h]

@@sniffableandirresistble As a brown eyed girl I am happy the record company promoted it.

[@sniffableandirresistble]

@DeborahStJohn-c1h ok enough brandy for now 🤣

[@TeresaCAUBLE]

Love ❤️ love ❤️ his music 🎼

[@ekahiway]

as a musical artist he's a genius and probably one of my favortie musicians of all time. 'brown eyed girl'? i can understand why he regards it as a throw away song because he has so many others. my favorite is 'redwood tree' a relatively obscure one of his. i'm from hawaii, some years back he was here and had his guitars ripped off from the home he was staying in... he vowed to never return to perform and unfortunately for many of his fans here... he's been true to his word.

[@rupertmcnaughtdavis3649]

Brave man to interview Van!

[@davido3026]

Van the Man

[@robertlittlebury1316]

Van is absolutely correct - there is NOTHING today.

[@dougplarson]

He doesn't do many interviews. Although brief, its kind of cool to hear him answer a few questions. You can certainly tell that he doesn't feel comfortable doing it, but I think the guy is genius & sounds great on the Astral Weeks concerts.

[@TheLdudley]

Nice to hear he's staying true to his self. Love the man. I wonder if ppl realize how hard it would be to be famous and your life ripped off and it's no longer yours. Private lives folks.

[@rumikallenbach]

thank you terry

[@lmcgowan28]

interesting interview but like he says it's not what it seems. Give the dude a fricking break and just listen to the music. You'll be blown away. I do appreciate the honesty with which he speaks. It aint eloquent, it aint pretty, it aint diplomatic. But it is real. Like his music.

[@donaa.6996]

We love you Van!

[@Katy51844]

Nothing to do with this video, but a number of years ago, Halloween night, I saw a TV show with Van Morrison and Bob Dylan playing outdoors. It seemed to be on some clips, maybe Scotland, Maybe Greece. It was pretty interesting. They both seem to be quite a bit alike. Neither of them seem to care what anyone thinks or says. But that video has stuck in my brain for years.

[@Blixen4444]

I LOVE that song. What a beautiful memory for you.

[@billd3060]

He’s one of my favorites but seems like such a grouchy man! Lighten up Van, look at the Bright side of the road

[@klunny998]

Great artist and underrated

[@STR82DVD]

I wonder if he's still not a download act.

[@reneekronberhaa]

We won't have him forever; after he is gone he will become a classical inspiration for countless musicians.

[@giannicarati7472]

My lovely van,the Man

[@sohooded]

Love you Van Morrison!!

[@zitzerman]

I'm going to see him perform Astral Weeks tonight at the Royal Albert Hall London tonight. I can't wait.

[@LookHereFilms]

Taciturn. But I love how he has no filter. There simply is no BS with Van the Man.

[@ms.felonystrutter2472]

nor any gratitude to his fans....he sounds like a true asshole...sad..shame

[@thibaults8065]

No filter, apart from wearing sunglasses and a hat indoors.