Van Morrison Bootlegs May 2026

Van Morrison is one of the most bootlegged artists in history, and his unauthorized recordings are prized by collectors for a very specific reason: he refuses to play a song the same way twice.

While most artists use tours to promote a specific album, Van Morrison uses live performance to deconstruct and rebuild his own mythology. Here are the most interesting features of Van Morrison bootlegs: van morrison bootlegs

5. Van vs. The Bootleggers

Van Morrison’s relationship with bootlegs is hostile. He is one of the few major artists who has managed to scrub YouTube of almost all unauthorized live footage, issuing copyright strikes aggressively. Van Morrison is one of the most bootlegged

He has famously called bootleggers "parasites." Yet, his rigid refusal to release his massive vault of live archives frustrates fans. He often soundchecks songs he hasn't played in decades, and if a fan in the audience tapes it, it becomes news on fan forums. Morrison is known to change setlists or stop songs if he spots recording equipment, creating a cat-and-mouse dynamic at his concerts. Essential bootleg: “The Lost Tapes – The Rainbow,

1. The Caledonia Soul Orchestra (1973–1974)

Peak period for many fans. Large band with horns, strings, multiple vocalists. Setlists pulled deeply from Moondance, Tupelo Honey, St. Dominic’s Preview, and Hard Nose the Highway.

Essential bootleg: “The Lost Tapes – The Rainbow, London 1973” (multiple titles exist). Features stunning “Listen to the Lion” > “Caravan” medley.

Golden Eras for Bootlegs

Avoiding Fakes & Poor Sources

• Skip “The Van Morrison Tapes” – generic title, often poor quality compilations.
• Be wary of “Astral Weeks – Complete Sessions” – many are just the official album plus one alternate take.
• Check setlists online (e.g., vanmorrisonbootlegs.blogspot.com or Ivan’s Van Morrison site) before buying/trading.

Key Bootleg Titles / Names to Look For

Bootlegs often have artistic or misleading names. Search by venue + date for reliability. But some well-known titles:

• “It’s Too Late to Stop Now” – ironically, the official album’s title is used for unauthorised outtakes from the same 1973 tour. Extra songs, alternate takes.
• “The Belfast Cowboy” – various compilations of rare radio sessions 1971-1974.
• “Philosopher’s Stone” – before it became an official outtakes album (1998), that name was used for boots of unreleased studio material.
• “Live at the Boarding House, San Francisco 1978” – famous show with long versions of “Moondance” and “Cyprus Avenue.”
• “The Calexico Soundboard 1973” – a pristine-sounding boot from the Caledonia Orchestra’s peak.