Van Morrison at 80: The Grumpy Genius still doing it his way
Van Morrison just turned 80, and he's proof that legends don’t mellow with age. Still recording, still selling out shows, and still playing by his own rules...
He’s the grumpy genius who gave the world Brown Eyed Girl, Moondance and the otherworldly masterpiece Astral Weeks. And on August 31, Van Morrison hit the big 8-0 - still touring, still recording, and still refusing to play by anyone’s rules but his own.
Born George Ivan Morrison in east Belfast in 1945, Van grew up surrounded by his father’s blues and jazz records. By his teens he was blowing sax in skiffle bands, before fronting Them and penning the garage-rock anthem Gloria. His solo career soon eclipsed it all – with Astral Weeks in 1968 hailed as one of the greatest albums of all time, followed by the chart-friendly Moondance that made him a household name.
The self-styled “Belfast Cowboy” has churned out more than 40 albums across six decades, blending Celtic soul, jazz, R&B and folk in a way nobody else dared. Bruce Springsteen calls him a hero, Bono has tried to copy him, and Elton John says he’s one of the finest singers alive. At Hyde Park just weeks ago, fans roared along as that unmistakable voice - still part growl, part honey - rang out across the summer air.
Away from the stage, Morrison has lived a fiercely private life. Twice married, with two children including daughter Shana who often joins him on stage, he has always bristled at fame. “The man doesn’t stop for birthdays – he works every day,” said one friend, summing up his relentless drive.
To mark the milestone, Belfast lit up in his honour with concerts, a trail through his old haunts and plans to turn his childhood home into a museum. Meanwhile, his latest record Remembering Now – featuring Oscar-nominated single Down to Joy – shows he’s not finished yet.
At 80, Van Morrison remains one of music’s great originals – moody, elusive, and timeless.
The 10 Greatest Van Morrison Songs – Ranked
1. Brown Eyed Girl (1967)
The one everybody knows. A jangly, irresistible pop hit that became his calling card — even if Van himself grew tired of playing it.
2. Astral Weeks (1968)
The title track of his visionary album. Hypnotic, stream-of-consciousness poetry fused with folk and jazz. Critics still hail it as one of the most important recordings of the 20th century.
3. Moondance (1970)
Swinging, romantic, and endlessly replayed at weddings — this jazzy gem proved Van could be both mystical and mainstream.
4. Into the Mystic (1970)
A soaring, spiritual ballad about sailing and transcendence, full of yearning and wonder. One of his most beloved live numbers.
5. Domino (1970)
A brassy, upbeat tribute to Fats Domino that hit the US Top 10 — showing Van’s knack for rhythm and R&B fire.
6. Wild Night (1971)
Gritty, soulful and bursting with energy, later covered by John Mellencamp. Proof of Van’s gift for rock ’n’ roll swagger.
7. Jackie Wilson Said (I’m in Heaven When You Smile) (1972)
A joyous salute to one of his musical heroes, blending doo-wop bounce with sheer exuberance.
8. Caravan (1970)
Immortalised in The Last Waltz when he stole the show with a high-kicking performance. A fan favourite full of groove and spirit.
9. Have I Told You Lately (1989)
A tender love song later turned into a massive hit by Rod Stewart. Sentimental yet timeless.
10. Days Like This (1995)
A late-career anthem of optimism and serenity. Adopted in Northern Ireland as a theme of peace, showing Van’s words could unite as well as inspire.
