VAN MORRISON - MORRISON BANS PHONES AND BOOZE FROM GIG

MORRISON BANS PHONES AND BOOZE FROM GIG

Veteran singer VAN MORRISON lived up to his fastidious reputation at a gig in Austin, Texas on Wednesday (12Mar08) - when he reportedly banned the sale of alcohol during his set and chastised cellphone users. The Brown Eyed Girl star's rare live appearance drew a massive crowd to the La Zona Rosa at the South By Southwest festival - and he sparked a chorus of cheers as he walked on stage in his trademark hat and sunglasses. However, the songwriter's impatient nature soon kicked in when he spotted a crowdmember chatting on his handset. He curtly told the audience, "We'd like to do the next album. If someone turns off that mobile phone we can start it." And fans who had hoped to mix the live occasion with a pint or two of beer were left disappointed, after the singer ordered the venue's bars to close during his performance, according to British website nme.com. Cameras and recording equipment were also banned from the venue.