Music legend Van Morrison set for gig at Hippodrome

LEGENDARY singer Van Morrison has announced a Bristol concert on his forthcoming UK tour – one of only seven shows in the country.

One of the world’s most celebrated and inspirational artists, Morrison is a music icon, his influence and legacy spanning generations. He will play at the Bristol Hippodrome on January 24.

Among his many awards and accolades are six Grammys, a BRIT Award for Outstanding Contribution To Music, an Ivor Novello, an OBE and a coveted knighthood.

The Northern Irish artist has been inducted into The Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.

Rising to fame in the early 1960s as the lead singer of Irish R&B/rock band Them, Morrison became a runaway success with timeless classics including Gloria and Here Comes The Night.

He went on to establish himself as a hugely successful solo artist with classic albums such as Astral Weeks and Moondance.

The 76-year-old has released 42 albums and his latest, Latest Record Project Vol 1, delves into his ongoing love of blues, R&B jazz and soul. But it has been criticised for its content sparking controversy and a Rolling Stone review said it “bears a strange resemblance to the unhinged, rambling feel of the pandemic-era internet”.

Morrison said he supports personal freedoms, and has been an outspoken critic of Covid-19 lockdowns, and started judicial review proceedings in Belfast against regulations that prohibited live music in indoor venues.

He has performed recently at venues with Covid entry requirements. A Hippodrome representative said current Covid pass entry requirements would apply to this event. The venue’s website says: “To ensure the continued safety of our visitors and staff, currently, all attendees over the age of 18 will be required to provide proof of their Covid-19 status to gain entry to the venue.” Morrison will play Bristol’s Hippodrome on January 24 and tickets went on sale at 9am today. They cost £75, £65 and £45 from www. ticketline.co.uk or by calling 0844 888 9991.