Initially coming to prominence as a member of fellow Belfast native Van Morrison’s touring band, Brian Kennedy is one of Ireland’s most celebrated solo talents – appearing as the featured vocalist in Riverdance on Broadway; performing at George Best’s funeral; featuring as a coach on the first series of The Voice of Ireland; and representing Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006.

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"I feel connected to Van for all kinds of reasons. We’re both from Belfast, albeit from opposite sides of the city, and from completely different generations. I used to love hearing him talk with Georgie Best at our shows in Manchester, about a Belfast I didn’t know. I’ve only known my home place through the lens of war – whereas he and Georgie knew it in peacetime, when people sang under streetlights at night, and there was an incredible music scene in the town."

Read more in the new Van Morrison Special Issue of Hot Press, and watch Brian Kennedy perform 'Days Like This' below:

See the action-packed programme for Van's Big Day on Monday, August 31, below:

• President Michael D. Higgins with Bill Whelan – ‘Rave On, John Donne’ (7pm)
• Bob Geldof – ‘I'm Tired Joey Boy’ (7.15pm)
• Moya Brennan (Clannad) – ‘The Beauty Of The Days Gone By’ (7.30pm)
• Paul Casey & Friends feat. Terri Hooley – ‘In The Days Before Rock ’n’ Roll’ (7.45pm)
• Brian Kennedy – ‘Days Like This’ (8pm)
• Mary Coughlan – ‘Warm Love’ (8.15pm)
• John Spillane – ‘Cleaning Windows’ (8.30pm)
• Altan – ‘Whenever God Shines His Light’ (8.45pm)
• Malaki – ‘Someone Like You’ (9pm)
• Glen Hansard – ‘Astral Weeks’ (9.15pm)
• Hozier – ‘Caravan’ (9.30pm)

Each 'Rave On, Van Morrison' performance premieres every night on the Hot Press YouTube channel. To make sure you don't miss out on any of our upcoming videos, subscribe to our YouTube here!

Hot Press is also publishing a Van Morrison Special Issue, to coincide with ‘Rave On, Van Morrison’, featuring written contributions from the legendary likes of Hozier, Sinéad O’Connor, Gary Lightbody, Damien Rice, Imelda May and Damien Rice, as well as special homages from international artists Brandon Flowers, Steve Van Zandt and Matt Berninger. In addition, you'll find the highlights of our recent exclusive interview with Van – who discusses the Belfast he grew up in, ‘Gloria’, Jim Morrison, Lenny Bruce, the real inspiration for Astral Weeks and his extraordinary work as a songwriter.

This historic publication is a must-have for Van Morrison fans all over the world, and is available to order now.