The legendary Van Morrison released an iconic live double album in 1974 titled, ‘It’s Too Late to Stop Now.’ Flanked by an eleven-piece band called ‘The Caledonia Soul Orchestra, ’ Van Morrison delivers an incredible performance for the ages.
Sporting huge sideburns, he performs his hit song ‘Brown Eyed Girl.’ He rarely moves in front of his microphone on a stand, yet he snaps vigorously throughout the tune.
He’s wearing a white collared shirt and light-colored pants. His band features a saxophone, trumpet, bass player, guitar player, drumset, and even strings. They are obviously having a great time on stage together. The bass player even takes a nice solo midway through.
The horn players and drummer add the harmonies to Van’s lead vocal. The song is paced much faster than the recorded version leading to the box set featuring many alternate versions of the songs.
Van’s guitarist Platania said, ‘Van was changing his phrasing with each performance and would be directing the band with hand gestures onstage. We could take the songs anywhere Van wanted to take them.’
This legendary performance by Van Morrison and The Caledonia Soul Orchestra was filmed at The Rainbow in London in July 1973. It is regarded by many as one of the greatest live shows by any band.
Van Morrison is highly-regarded as one of the most fantastic vocalists of our time. His ability to deliver each song fresh at every live performance made him unique. His timeless hit ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ rocks harder than ever in this 1973 performance.
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