As the lights dimmed in Belfast’s Waterfront Hall, a hush fell over the audience. Bob Dylan, the enigmatic folk legend, had taken the stage for the second night of his Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour. Fans eagerly awaited what surprises Dylan had in store for them.
True to form, Dylan decided to pay tribute to the local music scene by performing a song by none other than Belfast’s own Van Morrison. While many may have been expecting classic hits like “Moondance” or “And It Stoned Me,” Dylan opted for a lesser-known track. He chose to perform “Going Down to Bangor” from Morrison’s 2016 album Keep Me Singing, much to the delight of the crowd.
This unexpected choice by Dylan added a fresh twist to his performance and showcased his knack for surprising audiences. It’s not the first time Dylan and Morrison have crossed paths musically. In a nod to their mutual admiration, Dylan sang Morrison’s “Into the Mystic” in Alicante, Spain in 2023, while Morrison has regularly covered Dylan’s songs since 1966.
Dylan’s rendition of “Going Down to Bangor” may have caught some fans off guard, but it’s consistent with his recent trend of revisiting lesser-known classics. From Bo Diddley to Bob Weir, Dylan has been delving into the archives of music history to bring unique performances to his audiences.
For those unable to witness Dylan’s Belfast performance in person, a fan managed to capture audio of the unexpected cover. The response from YouTube commenters was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their surprise and delight at the tribute to Van Morrison. One commenter remarked, “When I listen to this Van Morrison special, it makes me smile. A nice gesture towards Van and the audience in Belfast.”
As Dylan continues his tour, fans in Ireland still have the chance to catch him at the Gleneagle Arena in Killarney on November 23 and 24, and at Dublin’s 3Arena on November 25. Despite the ban on phones at Dylan’s shows, one fan’s recording of the performance captured the essence of the unforgettable night in Belfast.
In a world where music trends come and go, Dylan’s timeless performance of Morrison’s “Going Down to Bangor” serves as a reminder of the enduring power of musical collaborations and the magic of live performances.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.