The Night He Played “Into The Mystic” Under A Sky Full Of Lightning

April 1, 2025

The night was electric—not just because of the thunderstorm raging overhead, but because of the raw energy that filled the air around the small stage in the park. Van Morrison stood before a modest audience, drenched in anticipation, as dark clouds seemed to part for brief moments, revealing intermittent flashes of lightning. It was August 1970, a memorable evening when he would play “Into the Mystic,” a song that was not just music but a piece of his soul. The clouds roared and the winds howled, but neither he nor the crowd retreated. Instead, they were drawn closer together, united by the magic of music and nature.

As Van began to strum the opening chords on his guitar, something incredible happened. The first bolt of lightning cracked across the sky just as he sang the words, “We were born before the wind.” The timing was almost supernatural, fueling his passion and igniting the hearts of those listening. He poured his emotions into every note, each lyric becoming a heartfelt expression of longing and yearning. It was if the spirit of the storm itself wrapped around him, giving him strength and lifting his voice higher with each clap of thunder.

With every verse, the crowd was entranced, swaying together as though they were in a dream. The storm became a backdrop, enhancing the beauty of the moment rather than overshadowing it. For Van, this performance was a turning point. He had struggled for recognition and yearned for acceptance in the music industry, often battling self-doubt and the weight of past failures. But that night, as he played “Into the Mystic,” he began to feel the spark of hope ignite within him. The audience responded with cheers and applause that echoed against the thunder, reminding him that he was not alone. Music had the power to connect souls, and he was finally being embraced for who he truly was.

As the final notes rang out, a brilliant flash of lightning illuminated the scene, and for a fleeting second, it felt as if the heavens approved of this union between artist and audience. The storm passed as quickly as it had come, but the impact of that performance lingered long after. Van Morrison, once seen as an underdog, began to rise to recognition in the years that followed. “Into the Mystic” became a timeless classic, a song that would resonate through generations, capturing the essence of love, journey, and the mystique of life itself.

That night was a testament to resilience and the transformative power of music. Van learned that despite the storms that life throws our way, passion and determination can lead to something beautiful. His message was clear: music can take us places, both physically and emotionally. The storm that night didn’t deter him; instead, it propelled him forward, reminding him that in both music and life, it’s essential to embrace the unpredictable.

Looking back, Van often spoke about that performance as a defining moment in his career. The connection forged between him and the audience under a sky full of lightning became a powerful reminder that no matter how tempestuous life gets, music can light the way. He continued to write and perform, pouring his heart into every song, inspired by that night—a night when he truly found his voice amidst the chaos and beauty of a storm.