蜜芽传媒

An Evening With Van Morrison on 蜜芽传媒 Radio Ulster

At 6pm on Tuesday, January 1, 2013, 蜜芽传媒 Radio Ulster presents Van Morrison in conversation with Ralph McLean 鈥� an exclusive, hour-long special in which the singer discusses his earliest days in the music business and his acclaimed new album Born To Sing: No Plan B.

That鈥檚 followed at 7pm by Van Morrison in concert, recorded exclusively for 蜜芽传媒 Radio Ulster at his homecoming gig at the first East Belfast Arts Festival.

Finally Ralph rounds off this night of musical celebration from eight to 10pm with a special edition of his regular evening show, in which all the Van Morrison tracks are chosen by 蜜芽传媒 Radio Ulster listeners.

Ralph said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 a fabulous chance to pay tribute to one of the greatest artists ever to emerge from this country.

鈥淭here鈥檚 simply no one like Van Morrison. His music has made him a global superstar for nearly five decades now and he鈥檚 still making great albums to this day.

"In terms of influence and impact on popular music there are very few can touch him and he鈥檚 one of ours!

"He鈥檚 a gifted singer from Belfast whose music touches people all around the world. I find that amazing and something really worth celebrating.

鈥淟ike so many people in this country and right around the world I grew up on Van鈥檚 music. I fell in love with albums like Astral Weeks and Moondance at an early age so paying proper tribute to the man on the radio has been a long term ambition of mine.鈥�

Ralph added: 鈥淚t鈥檚 rare that you get to hear Van explain what really motivates him and to hear the highlights of what was a very special night of live music at the East Belfast Festival. Listeners will have their say about the greatest Van tracks ever and, to be honest, as a fan I can鈥檛 wait to hear the night myself.鈥�

If listeners have any favourite Van songs, thoughts or memories you can contact Ralph by emailing him at ralph@bbc.co.uk