I know this sounds crazy but I heard a rumour that Van got fed up with the celebrity life in the mid-70s and hired a little known Northern Irish singer named Vince McConaghy to replace him. He does look different after he remerged three years later. Look at his ears. You can't hide the ears you're born with. Also, his voice sounds different. Then there's Mrs. McConaghy's famous quote - "He went out for fags and hasn't come back in 35 years". What's the truth behind all these pieces of the puzzle? Is Van really in hiding? What have you heard?