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Irish Examiner

Neil Young review: Canadian star and Van Morrison turn back the years in Malahide, Dublin

Van Morrison, Neil Young, Malahide Castle, Dublin ★★★★☆ The electric guitar is alive and well. Neil Young, who is back touring in Europe for the first time in six years with his new backing band, Chrome Hearts, jabbed manically on Old Black, his trusty guitar, to glorious effect at the castle gardens in Malahide on Thursday night. Before the Canadian star took to the stage, we were treated to a set from Van Morrison, as part of possibly the best double-bill you'll see this year. Both singers turn 80 in 2025, although they're acting like men half their age. The Belfast Cowboy hit the ground running with a heart-lifting rendition of Into the Mystic to open his set. Looking debonair in a blue suit and trilby hat, and clutching his gold mic like a weapon, his voice is as strong as ever. He was in an ebullient mood, even chuckling (yes, sir) as he ebbed and flowed his way through classics from his canon, including Bright Side of the Road and Wild Night. Van Morrison on stage at Malahide Castle, Co. Dublin. Picture: Gareth Chaney Van the Man even had time for a bit of improvisation as he got close to the exit ramp: 'We're near the end game here,' he said, casting around to his band. 'What about some Summertime in England. Will we do it? Will we do it? Let's go.' Morrison went out in a blaze of glory with a stomping version of Gloria. Young, wearing a trademark check shirt and Maple Leaf T-shirt, powered his way through largely a hits set, with the odd surprise, including a couple of obscure Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young numbers. There was time for a stand-still, sing-along The Needle and The Damage Done, and a rambunctious Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black). An extended guitar solo filled out Like a Hurricane. It was then that his sidekick, the legendary organist Dewey 'Spooner' Oldham Jr (and one-time keyboardist for Aretha Franklin), came alive. He goes back the trail a long way with Young. There were ponchos everywhere in the crowd, as the rain came milling down. An older demographic, including more than one grey ponytail and the actor Stephen Rea, refused to have their spirits dampened by the persistent rain. Neil Young at Malahide Castle, Co. Dublin. Picture: Gareth Chaney Young had no time for grandstanding or political messages. He kept his banter to 'Good to be here with you all' sentiments, asking at one stage, 'People at the back, can you hear us? How are you doing?' 'We're wonderful, Neil,' came the eager response. Young left the ecstatic crowd with Rockin' in the Free World for his encore. Next stop on the road – Glastonbury for a headline show on Saturday. They're in for a treat. Out and about at Malahide Castle Faye Clague from Clonakilty and Yvette Daly from Kerry during the double bill concert of Van Morrison and Neil Young at Malahide Castle, Co Dublin. Pictures: Gareth Chaney Brendan Tangney and Cian O'Mathuna from Macroom, with Jim Theehan, Kilkenny. Amie O'Dowd and Elena O'Dowd from Boston at Malahide Castle. Kevin Keeler and Louise Keeler from Adelaide Australia at the gig. Audrey Darcy from Bettystown.