VAN Morrison is usually known for his cheery song about a ‘browned eyed girl’.
But the iconic singer, 75, has decided to use his music to protest against the coronavirus lockdown.
Sir George Ivan “Van” Morrison OBE was born August 1945 and is a Northern Irish singer-songwriter, instrumentalist and record producer.
His career began as a teenager in the late 1950s, playing a variety of instruments including guitar, harmonica, keyboards and saxophone for various Irish showbands, covering the popular hits of that time.
Morrison rose to prominence in the mid-1960s as the lead singer of the Northern Irish R&B and rock band, Them.
His solo career began in 1967, under the pop-hit orientated guidance of Bert Berns, with the release of his legendary hit single Brown Eyed Girl.
In September 2020, Morrison accused the UK government of trying to “enslave” the population in a series of songs protesting against the coronavirus lockdown.
The Northern Ireland musician described the government as “fascist bullies disturbing our peace” who are “taking our freedom”.
He also claimed that scientists are “making up crooked facts” in a bid to control the public.
Northern Ireland health minister Robin Swann criticised the singer, telling BBC Radio Ulster: “I don’t know where he gets his facts. I know where the emotions are on this, but I will say that sort of messaging is dangerous.
In September Morrison announced he will put out three new tracks, starting with one called Born To Be Free.
It contains the lyrics: “The new normal, is not normal/ It’s no kind of normal at all/ Everyone seems to have amnesia/ Don’t need the government cramping my style/ Give them an inch, they take a mile,” according to The Telegraph.Advertisement
In a statement announcing the songs, Morrison said: “I’m not telling people what to do or think, the government is doing a great job of that already. It’s about freedom of choice, I believe people should have the right to think for themselves.”
