Orangefield Schallplatten & CDs

Review: In 1959, Van Morrison made his debut on the stage of Orangefield Secondary School, performing with the skiffle group Midnight Special, featuring John McCullough on tea-chest bass, Cyril Downey and Billy Ruth on guitars, Walter Blakely on washboard, and Van on guitar and vocals. Fast forward to August 2014, Morrison returned to Orangefield for three farewell performances as the school prepared to close its doors forever. These shows were recorded for the album Live at Orangefield, capturing the mood of this significant event. Opened in 1957, Orangefield initially served as a boys' school before merging with the girls' school. It remained an educational and social hub for thousands of students from East Belfast and beyond until its closure in 2014 and subsequent demolition three years later. This double heavyweight black vinyl album not only celebrates Morrison's formative years but also shows his ability to imbue his memories with energy, poetic reinvention, and a sense of timelessness. The album is about a exhilarating, poignant, and romantic musical journey.