"He once made the fascinating comment about his long version of 'Van Dieman's Land', "That's a long old song, but it was a long old journey" - for me, a perfect example of a singer relating to his song."

Depending on the singer and the context that might be a perfect example of inconsiderate self-indulgence. If it's a Walter concert, then he can be expected to sing as he sees fit, but at a singaround ..?