The man, the myth and certainly the legend Van Morrison has welcomed the new year with the announcement of two shows in Belfast next month.

Morrison will perform Whitla Hall at Queen's University Belfast on the 21st and 22nd of February. Tickets go on sale this Wednesday, 22nd January, via Ticketmaster and the artist's website.

These intimate shows will see the iconic singer-songwriter perform a back catalogue of past hits like 'Brown Eyed Girl' and 'Days Like This' as well as songs from his later albums and collaborations, including his most recent album New Arrangements And Duets which released in September 2024.

Born in 1945, Morrison was immersed in the sounds of blues, country, and gospel from an early age, thanks to his shipyard worker father’s diverse music collection. Inspired by legends like Hank Williams, Jimmie Rodgers, Muddy Waters, Mahalia Jackson, and Lead Belly, he became a traveling musician at 15. By the time he formed Them in 1964, he was already playing guitar, saxophone, and singing in various bands. The group achieved instant success with hits like the timeless 'Gloria' and 'Here Comes The Night'.

Morrison’s unparalleled songwriting and musical artistry continue to evolve, as seen in his latest album New Arrangements and Duets. This collection features 15 tracks personally selected by Morrison from his vast catalouge, offering a career-spanning journey. From classics like 'I’ll Be Your Lover Too,' originally from 1970’s His Band and The Street Choir, to more recent works like 'Ain’t Gonna Moan No More' from 2018’s The Prophet Speaks, the album showcases both his enduring legacy and his constant creative growth.

The duets highlight an array of vocalists in the shape of Kurt Elling, Curtis Stigers, Joss Stone and Willie Nelson. The two Willie Nelson duets – ‘What’s Wrong With This Picture’ and ‘Steal My Heart Away’ – also showcase the guitar talents of Lucas Nelson of Promise Of The Real, which gives just a taste of what to expect from this unmissable event.