Van M is a better recording artist than live performer. Saw him a couple of times. Seemed to disdain the audience by putting his back to us the majority of the time. Sort of like Linda Ronstadt, one of the most marvelous singers ever (until her illness) who had such stage fright that she stared at the ground during most of her performances.

And speaking of her, catch her interview (2 parter) not long ago with Tavis Smiley.

Van has his issues with performing, but at his peak, he was a pretty incredible live performer (based on the recordings and footage from the 70s). However, he was always sort of drawn inward.

This kinda rules:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hRFgSzBzzg