Northern Ireland

Van Morrison faces stinging criticism for trio of protest songs about lockdown restrictions

The image of Van Morrison in east Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann
The image of Van Morrison in east Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann The image of Van Morrison in east Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann

SINGER Van Morrison last night faced stinging criticism over a trio of protest songs calling for an end to lockdown restrictions, which he claims "enslave" people.

The Stormont health minister and a leading virologist at Queen's University Belfast were among those to criticise the musician, with Robin Swann describing the lyrics as "dangerous".

A Belfast councillor has also called for Sir Van to be stripped of the freedom of the city following his controversial coronavirus intervention.

The east-Belfast singer (75) is releasing three protest tracks calling for an end to rules aimed at stopping the spread of Covid-19.

The musician will release 'Born To Be Free' next Friday and later 'As I Walked Out' and 'No More Lockdown', which labels those who are "disturbing our peace" as "fascist bullies".

He also claims that scientists are "making up crooked facts" in a bid to control the public.

"The new normal, is not normal," he sings.

"We were born to be free".

He also sings: "No more taking of our freedom/ And our god-given rights/ Pretending it’s for our safety/ When it’s really to enslave".

In a statement announcing the release of the songs, Van 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."

Launching a campaign to "save live music" on his website last month, he said socially distanced gigs were not economically viable.

"I call on my fellow singers, musicians, writers, producers, promoters and others in the industry to fight with me on this," he said.

"Come forward, stand up, fight the pseudo-science and speak up."

But there has been an angry backlash against the artist following news of his new tracks.

The health minister said "I don't know where he (Van Morrison) gets his facts.

"I know where the emotions are on this, but I will say that sort of messaging is dangerous," Mr Swann told the BBC.

"Our messaging is about saving lives.

"If Van wanted to sing a song about saving lives, then that would be more in keeping with where we are at the minute."

He added: "If Van Morrison has counter-scientific facts that he's prepared to stand over, and have that debate with the chief scientific adviser, then I think that's how he should do it".

Ultan Power, a virologist at QUB, said on Twitter:

"Does he really think we virologists sit around conjuring up ways to remove freedoms.

"My daughter is a singer/actor based in London -hasn't worked since March! Wouldn't I be perverse to plot against her return to work?? Seriously??

"I invite Van Morrison to come visit my laboratory to see our research on fighting Covid-19. Happy to address all his questions.

"Perhaps he might even consider contributing to our research efforts to help accelerate our COVID-19 drug discovery research."

Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan also wrote on social media that "Van Morrison exposes himself as a Covidiot".

Belfast City councillor Emmet McDonough-Brown also said the council should consider withdrawing the 2013 freedom of the city honour from the musician.

"Van Morrison was given the freedom of Belfast, the highest honour the city can bestow," he said.

"His most recent lyrics undermine the guidance in place to protect lives and are ignorant of established science as we grapple with Covid-19.

"So I've asked Belfast City Council to consider revoking it."

He added: "I think we should withdraw the endorsement".

But Ulster Unionist councillor Jim Rodgers said: "I did not agree with what he said but nevertheless I would not be prepared to go down that road to support removing that freedom of the city.

"We all say and do things that in hindsight we regret."