Ryan Walsh: Van Morrison and Boston in 1968

The Media Narrative

When historians talk about the importance of 1968 in U.S. history, Boston isn't necessarily the first city that they discuss. But thanks to a new book by Ryan H. Walsh, readers have a chance to learn about some of the ways the national tumult manifested in Massachusetts. Walsh's primary focus is on Van Morrison and how he spent several pivotal months of his young career working on a set of songs while living in Cambridge. But the book, Astral Weeks: A Secret History, also tells the story of a cult leader, a media scene that seemed as influenced by psychedelics as it was truth telling, and a long list of characters and strange events.

During our conversation, Walsh talked about the significance of Astral Weeks (1:30); reasons behind Van Morrison's decision to move to the Boston area (6:00); Mel Lynam and the Fort Hill Community (10:45); the flopping of the Bosstown Sound (19:00); Walsh's process of researching and writing the book (22:45); the Van Morrison Controversy (24:00); recording sessions in New York for Astral Weeks (26:00); the quest for the Catacombs live recordings (27:30); Boston's place in 1968 history (33:00); and Walsh's interviewing process (36:00).