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VAN MORRISON is to be granted the Freedom of Belfast.
The 67-year-old singer-songwriter, who is from Hynford Street, Bloomfield in the east of the city, is likely to receive the accolade next year.
Belfast City Council is expected to agree to the honour, the highest it can bestow, at a meeting next month.
The shipyard electrician’s son has sold millions of albums worldwide, his live performances have been described as ‘transcendental’ and his album Astral Weeks regularly features in lists of the best albums of all time.
Drawing inspiration from his home city, some of his best-known songs include the hit ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ released in 1967, ‘Jackie Wilson Said (I’m in Heaven When You Smile)’, ‘Domino’ and ‘Wild Night’.
Here’s ‘Days Like This’:
endesp/YouTube
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He deserves it…just for been so grumpy!!!!!!!!!!!
Probably walked off stage during the presentation ceremony…if he went on stage at all…
The epitome of pleasurable music.
I love Van, grumpiness and all!!!
Well done Van the Man
vans music is superb ,what van does in his spare time is actually none of anybodys business ,the man is sharing with you guys a talent he was bestowed with,love it or loathe it im sure van couldnt give a rats arse what anybody thinks ,and good on him
About time, in fairness.
Deadly think he’s superb!
He deserves it well done belfast!
Genius of a man
Check out the songs
“Steal my heart away”
&
“Street Choir”
Amazing stuff!
Is he 67 or 68? He’s both according to the start of this article….
Just delighted!
He deserves a knighthood too. Sir Van has a nice ring to it.
Sir Vandeman…
At least you saw him…I was at a concert that he didn’t even appear on stage…and we didn’t get a refund either…
Saw him at the very first trip to Tip, 89? /90? Great gig, tight with no chit chat between nrs. Played Moondance for around 20 mins w full moon rising to the side of the stage, ah the memories of youth….
Its a marvelous night for a moondance!
In to the mystic always make me want to LIVE
Check out cover by Madison Avenue – tribute to the man Van!
Clapton said he stole the show at The Last Waltz, back in the day. He did and he continues to. Well deserved
I love Van Morrison, such a talented man and he deserves any honour that comes his way but nothing would be an honour from Belfast City Council after their utterly appalling cruelty & treatment to Lennox & family! :(
One of my favourites from Veedon Fleece, The Streets of Arklow, beauty http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAzgSRlvpbQ
Be careful now that van doesnt come after you for the royaltys!
You mean Van could get even angrier than he already is?
Must be one of the best artists of all time, and ugliest
Great songwriter/singer. Not the best lyricist though – he’s said as much himself. Tupelo honey was a great early album. He was only a kid when he released it.
23 when he did Avalon sunset, world would be worse off without that album
Pardon my spelling royalties maybe
Oh ha up the van say ho ha up the van! Yo the man
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