Cork songsmith, poet, storyteller and musician John Spillane has been releasing music for two decades – becoming an integral figure in the country’s traditional-folk world. Spillane is gearing up to release his first independent album in 20 years, 100 Snow White Horses, inspired by his travels around Ireland and exploring themes of poetry and mythology.

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"I was drawn to covering ‘Cleaning Windows’, 'cos I have a connection to the song from when I used to listen to it on my lunch break in 1979: I was listening to Van singing about himself listening to Jimmy Rodgers on his lunch break years before. And so it goes on. The song is also metaphorical for me. I can hear William Blake in the background saying that if we cleansed the doors of perception, we would see the infinity in everything: 'What’s my line? / I’m a working man in my prime / Cleaning windows.'"

Read more in the new Van Morrison Special Issue of Hot Press, and watch John Spillane perform 'Cleaning Windows' 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.