Richard Bodin
Matt LuceyThousands of people gathered at Malahide Castle on June 26th to see not one, but two living Rock ’n’ Roll legends going back to the ’60s: Van Morrison and Neil Young. The crowd was multigenerational—original hippies were rubbing shoulders with nostalgic millennials and Gen-Z fans, many with their own children in tow. Matt and Richard were among them, ready for an unforgettable night.
A Warm-Up with a Wink
The festivities kicked off around 6:30 p.m. with a band entering the stage to the sound of Ennio Morricone spaghetti western music. After a song, the singer announced, “Hello! We’re Everybody Says Hi”, to which the whole crowd responded, “HI!” That is, in fact, the band’s actual name.
It quickly turned into a game between the band and the audience. Between songs, the singer would re-introduce the band from Leeds, prompting another cheerful “Hi!” from the crowd. Everybody Says Hi played about six songs of upbeat, enjoyable pop, ending their set with a high-energy rendition of “Brain Freeze” from their debut album. As they exited, a small army of roadies swarmed the stage to prep it for the next act: Van Morrison.
Van the Man
Van Morrison was announced to be playing alongside Neil in the evening’s concert, though the structure of the evening remained a mystery. Following the opening act, a brief intermission took place while people waited, warmed up, for the next act.
Van Morrison, accompanied by an incredible ensemble, took to the stage, launching quickly into their set. Opening their portion of the evening with “Into The Mystic” Van set the tone for the show. This absolute classic was met with thunderous cheering as they were transported back in time. Suave and well put together in his suit and hat, Van’s musical ability hasn’t wavered in these many years of performing. While he does have a reputation for not enjoying his own live performances, Mr. Morrison seemed entirely invested in his performance that evening.
The Show continues
The band surrounding him backed him up perfectly, reminiscent of the classic sound. With backing singers that understood their role perfectly, to drums, bass guitar and wind instruments, everyone worked phenomenally in unison. Van himself played saxophone through many tracks, matching his singing ability with his skill on the instrument. While I was standing far back in the crowd, I could feel the energy brought on by this entire act. Every song was accompanied by an eager and enthusiastic audience, singing through the beginning of rain. The energy of the evening was living up to the incredible venue and the atmosphere became increasingly electric.
Finally, Van ended his set with an exceptional rendition of Gloria. The crowd by this time was entirely invested, loving every minute of the show. While some rumours were going around before the show that Van Morrison would only have a short role in the evenings show, he performed a full hour of classics and made the evening one to remember, before it had even really begun.
The Godfather Arrives
By 9:30, a gentle rain was falling over a crowd that couldn’t have cared less. Mostly protected under rain gear and plastic ponchos, they barely noticed the drizzle—especially as The Godfather of Grunge stepped onto the stage with his new band, The Chrome Hearts.
Spooner Oldham took his place behind the keyboard on stage left, Anthony LoGerto settled behind the drums, and guitarist Micah Nelson and bassist Corey McCormick flanked stage right and centre. Neil Young opened the evening with “Be the Rain,” singing behind what looked like a modern sculpture—part art installation, part microphone rig. The structure resembled a trident, with a mic on each branch, one of which was connected to a rotating megaphone at its centre.
Still Young at 79
Looking back over 79 springs of life, Neil Young is still in fine form—ready to launch into raw, energetic jam sessions with his bandmates at centre stage. The band clearly enjoyed themselves, and the crowd responded instantly—cheering, nodding, and dancing in the summer rain. On or off pitch, everyone sang their heart out as the band powered through a raucous setlist: “When You Dance I Can Really Love,” “Cinnamon Girl,” “Fuckin’ Up”…
Then came a riff I know so well—one of my all-time favourites—and I wasn’t alone. The crowd moved as one and shouted the lyrics to “Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)”. I was hoping we’d get the acoustic counterpart—“My My, Hey Hey”—later in the set, but it never came. Then again, “unfortunately” is a strong word for a set this good.
Emotion and Intimacy
After that amped-up number, the band quietly exited, leaving Young sitting alone on a corner of the drum riser for an intimate, emotional performance of “The Needle and the Damage Done.” The band returned for a beautiful version of “Harvest Moon,” and the crowd swayed, smiled, and sang along—some with tears in their eyes. Riding this emotional wave, they moved into “Looking Forward” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
From there, the set turned electric again, with extended, stormy renditions of “Sun Green” and “Love and Only Love.” The powerful “Like a Hurricane” was another emotional high, featuring a blistering guitar solo from Young. This was followed by “Name of Love” (another CSNY track) and the much-anticipated “Old Man.”
The band left the stage as the crowd erupted into the traditional chant: “We want more!” And indeed, we did.
A Thunderous Finale
Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts returned for an epic, crowd-shaking version of “Rockin’ in the Free World.” Everyone was singing along with full-throated passion during the choruses. The band stretched the song over a dozen minutes, tricking the audience with multiple false stops—each one sparking fresh waves of cheers and applause.
Eventually, even the best things must end. The band stepped forward for a heartfelt curtain call.
Rock ’n’ Roll Will Never Die
Van Morrison and Neil Young, both 79, proved without a doubt that rock ’n’ roll is here to stay. They didn’t just play; they owned the stage like the legends they are.
This wasn’t just a nostalgia trip. It was a reminder that music, at its best, transcends time, age, and even weather. With guitars in hand and voices still burning with spirit, these two legends delivered more than a concert — they delivered a testament to resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of music.
As the crowd dispersed into the misty night, buzzing from one last chorus of “Rockin’ in the Free World,” there was no doubt left in the air: rock ’n’ roll is alive and well — and it still matters.
