Both Van Morrison and Bruce Springsteen undeniably fall into the folk-rock category. That being so, there are of course going to be some musical and lyrical similarities between the two. The masses likely believe this parallel to be incidental, however, Van Morrison does not, as he thinks Bruce Springsteen deliberately ripped him off.

Deliberate or not, there are certainly some overt similarities between Springsteen and Morrison’s music. And given that Springsteen views Morrison as a major inspiration, it’s not surprising that Morrison’s style comes out through Springsteen. Well, Van Morrison doesn’t think this is a coincidence whatsoever and verbalized his opinion when Bruce Springsteen was at the height of his career.

Bruce Springsteen undeniably ruled the music scene in the ’80s, thus Van Morrison was always being asked if he’d seen him play. Van Morrison did, but he didn’t have very nice things to say about “The Boss.” In a 1985 interview with New Age, the Northern Irish singer/songwriter tore into the then 36-year-old commercial success.

Van Morrison told the publication, “For years people have been saying to me–you know, have you heard this guy Springsteen” and “[He] came on the video, and that was the first time I ever saw him, and he’s definitely ripped me off.” “There’s no doubt about that. Not only did Springsteen…I mean, he’s even ripped my movements off as well. My ’70s movements,” added Van Morrison.

He candidly concluded his story by stating, “Well, I feel pissed off now that I know about it. I’d never seen it before, so I didn’t know.” Of course, there is no way to confirm whether or not Bruce Springsteen actually did intentionally rip off Morrison’s style. However, Springsteen did confirm one thing, and that was his admiration for one of his biggest inspirations.

On BBC’s Desert Island Discs, Springsteen divulged just how much Van Morrison and his album, Astral Weeks, meant to him. Springsteen stated, “‘Astral Weeks’ was an extremely important record for me. It made me trust in beauty, it gave me a sense of the divine” and “The divine just seems to run through the veins of that entire album.”

Needless to say, it seems Bruce Springsteen and Morrison share an entirely one-sided relationship. Nonetheless, it seems his comments didn’t taint Bruce Springsteen’s love for the infamous singer/songwriter and his iconic album, Astral Weeks.

Celtic Soul: Van Morrison Tribute Band to Keep On Gigging After Passing of Lead Singer

The music world is no stranger to the heartbreak of losing iconic figures, but few things are as deeply felt as the passing of a beloved bandleader. For fans of Van Morrison, the legendary Northern Irish singer-songwriter, the impact of his music stretches across decades, influencing not only listeners but also artists who have chosen to pay tribute to him. One such tribute band, Celtic Soul, has embodied the spirit and music of Morrison for years. However, as of recent events, the band’s future took an unexpected turn after the untimely passing of its charismatic lead singer.

Despite the tragic loss, the members of Celtic Soul have decided to keep performing in Morrison’s honor, determined to keep his legacy alive for the fans who have supported them for so long. This article explores the journey of Celtic Soul, the challenges they face in moving forward without their lead singer, and their commitment to keeping Van Morrison’s music alive on stage.

The Formation of Celtic Soul

The roots of Celtic Soul go back to a shared love and admiration for Van Morrison’s profound and timeless body of work. The band was formed over a decade ago, with a core group of musicians drawn from various backgrounds, each sharing a deep appreciation for Morrison’s blend of folk, rock, blues, jazz, and Celtic sounds. As the members worked to replicate the magic of Van Morrison’s concerts, they realized that a tribute band could offer not just renditions of his songs, but a true experience that encapsulated the unique atmosphere of Morrison’s live performances.

From Brown Eyed Girl to Moondance, Into the Mystic, and Gloria, Celtic Soul quickly became a beloved fixture in the tribute band scene. They toured extensively, recreating Morrison’s style and energy, performing his timeless hits with an authenticity that left audiences captivated. With their dedication and passion for his music, Celtic Soul built a reputation as one of the best Van Morrison tribute bands in the world. But the journey was not without its trials.

The lead singer of Celtic Soul, whose powerful voice was often compared to Morrison’s own distinctive vocal style, was the heart and soul of the band. His ability to channel the spirit of Van Morrison, both in his vocal performances and stage presence, made him the perfect choice to lead the tribute band. But, as is often the case in the music industry, even the strongest forces are subject to the unpredictability of life.

The Tragic Passing of the Lead Singer

In the spring of 2025, tragedy struck Celtic Soul and the wider Van Morrison fanbase when the band’s lead singer passed away unexpectedly. The news hit hard for both the band members and their fans, leaving a deep sense of loss and uncertainty about the future. The lead singer had not only been the voice of the band but also a key figure in shaping its direction, managing its performances, and fostering a strong bond with the fan community.

His death left a void that seemed impossible to fill, particularly given the personal and emotional investment he had in bringing Van Morrison’s music to life. However, as the shock began to settle, the remaining members of the band were faced with a critical decision: would they disband and retire the project in honor of their fallen leader, or would they continue their mission to celebrate Morrison’s legacy?

In the days following the singer’s passing, the remaining members of Celtic Soul came together to honor their colleague’s vision and talents. After much discussion, they made a collective decision: they would continue performing, not only because they owed it to the fans but because they knew it was what their lead singer would have wanted. His dedication to the music, his love for the fans, and his unwavering belief in the power of Van Morrison’s songs all pointed toward one conclusion—Celtic Soul must carry on.

Carrying the Torch: A Tribute to the Legacy

Continuing without their beloved leader was no easy feat. Tribute bands, especially those based around a larger-than-life figure like Van Morrison, thrive on authenticity. The question of how to proceed without the key element of Celtic Soul‘s sound was both emotionally and logistically daunting. The band faced the challenge of finding a new lead vocalist who could capture the essence of Morrison’s vocal style while respecting the identity and energy that had made Celtic Soul so special.

The remaining members of Celtic Soul were adamant that they would not settle for anything less than a singer who could bring their vision to life. They spent months auditioning vocalists who could take on the mantle, all the while ensuring they would maintain the original sound that fans had come to love.

During this transition period, they turned to their loyal fanbase for support, keeping them updated on the search for a new lead singer. Social media platforms and fan clubs became central hubs of communication, where fans expressed their heartfelt condolences and, more importantly, their enthusiasm for the band’s decision to keep performing.

Finally, after an exhaustive search, the band found a new frontman who not only had the vocal chops to match Morrison’s distinctive style but also understood the deeper emotional resonance behind his songs. The new singer, while still honoring the past, brought his own energy and interpretation to the role, carefully preserving the soul of Van Morrison’s music while infusing it with a fresh perspective.

The Road Ahead: A New Chapter for Celtic Soul

The decision to continue gigging after the loss of their lead singer marks the beginning of a new chapter for Celtic Soul. The band’s commitment to honoring the legacy of Van Morrison is unwavering, but it’s clear that the road ahead will be a challenging one. However, the group remains determined to honor the memory of their late bandmate while delivering the authentic experience fans have come to expect.

Their upcoming tour, dubbed A Tribute to Van Morrison’s Soul, will showcase both the familiar hits that made Celtic Soul famous and a mix of more obscure tracks that pay homage to the depth of Morrison’s catalog. Fans are eagerly anticipating this new chapter, as they understand that the tribute band is not just a group of musicians—it’s a collective of individuals who genuinely care about the music they are playing and the people they are performing for.

Beyond the new lead vocalist, the band has also made it a point to keep the spirit of their original band member alive by incorporating his ideas and inspirations into the setlist and show production. Each performance will be marked by a special moment in the show, where the band reflects on the contributions of their lost leader. This tribute within a tribute will serve as a poignant reminder of the personal bonds that existed within the band and how those bonds were reflected in their music.

Van Morrison’s Legacy: More Than Just a Sound

The decision to continue after the loss of their lead singer also speaks to a larger point about Van Morrison’s legacy. The Irish singer’s music, with its deep introspection, soulful melodies, and emotional depth, has resonated with people from all walks of life. His ability to merge elements of jazz, blues, and folk into a unique sound created an enduring catalog of songs that transcend time and genre. Celtic Soul’s tribute is not merely a musical imitation but a celebration of Morrison’s artistry—a way of ensuring that his music lives on, even as the world continues to lose its greatest musical talents.

The band’s continued performances will remind fans of the transcendent power of Van Morrison’s songs. Songs like Astral Weeks, Tupelo Honey, and Bright Side of the Road will continue to echo through the halls and clubs of the world as they find new audiences through Celtic Soul‘s renditions. What makes this tribute even more remarkable is the fact that Celtic Soul is not simply an imitation; they are passionate followers of the music, interpreting it in their own way while always holding true to the roots of Morrison’s compositions.

Conclusion: A Tribute to Perseverance and Passion

In a world where musicians and tribute bands come and go, Celtic Soul’s decision to keep on gigging after the passing of their lead singer is an inspiring testament to their commitment to the music, to each other, and to the legacy of Van Morrison. Though the road ahead is undoubtedly filled with challenges, the band’s passion for keeping his music alive remains a driving force.

For the fans of both Celtic Soul and Van Morrison, the tribute band’s continuing performances are a bittersweet reminder of the resilience of music and the enduring impact of a musical legacy that will never fade. As the band marches on, they honor the spirit of their lost leader, ensuring that his soul lives on—through their music, their performances, and their unwavering devotion to the magic of Van Morrison’s art.

Van Morrison lands another win in the United Kingdom this week. It’s impressive that someone who has been working as long as he has can still score smashes, even if minor ones, as most artists see their ability to sell new work dwindle after only a few years.

The legendary singer-songwriter, who hails from Belfast in Northern Ireland, is back on the charts in the U.K. thanks to a short, focused release that fans quickly embraced. Despite its brevity, “Be Just and Fear Not” has become a bestseller, though it’s classification is a bit strange.

Morrison appears on the Official Physical Singles chart, a ranking that tracks the bestselling songs in the U.K. available on physical formats like CD, cassette, and vinyl. His latest release, “Be Just and Fear Not,” starts off at No. 47, landing near the middle of the tally.

“Be Just and Fear Not” isn’t just one tune, even though it appears on the Official Physical Singles chart. It’s actually a trio of tracks packaged together into a compact release. Because the collection is so short, the Official Charts Company classifies it as a single rather than an EP — a technicality that matters only because it determines where a project ends up charting.

The three tracks featured on the effort were originally intended for Morrison’s Live at Orangefield album, which dropped last summer. However, according to a Record Store Day announcement tied to this new release, Morrison ultimately felt that the compositions worked better on their own, and together.

By debuting at No. 47, “Be Just and Fear Not” gives Morrison his twelfth appearance on the Official Physical Singles chart. It’s his first new entry on this list in several years, his last being “Broken Record” back in 2017. That track eventually rose to No. 12 and lingered for four frames.

With this latest bestseller, Morrison has now placed on the ranking in three different decades. His first win came back in March 1995, when he teamed up with the group The Chieftains for a reworking of his beloved classic “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You.” That version only reached No. 71, but it marked the beginning of Morrison’s run on this chart.

Van Morrison releases ‘Cutting Corners’ from upcoming album, ‘Remembering Now’

Van Morrison has released another track off his upcoming album, Remembering Now.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer has shared the new single, “Cutting Corners,” the second track released from the record following “Down to Joy.”

“Cutting Corners” is available now via digital outlets.

Remembering Now is made up of 14 original tracks and is Morrison’s first album of all new material since 2022’s What’s It Gonna Take? The album will be released June 13 digitally and on black double vinyl, orange double vinyl, CD and cassette. It is available for preorder now.

Morrison has several European dates on his schedule this summer. The next shows are June 4 and June 5 in Madrid. He’s also set to open for Neil Young at his BST Hyde Park show in London on July 11 and will wrap his tour with two 80th birthday shows in his hometown of Belfast, Ireland, on Aug. 30 and Aug. 31.

London, May 1, 2025 — In a twist that echoes the bluesy heartbreak of his own songs, legendary singer-songwriter Van Morrison has officially filed for divorce from his long-time partner, former model and television personality Michelle Rocca. The news comes after years of an on-again, off-again marriage that has played out largely away from the limelight but now finds itself in the spotlight—this time, not for love, but for legal proceedings.

The Golden Couple of Irish Celebrity Culture

Van Morrison, now 79, is known around the world for his poetic lyricism and soulful sound, having penned iconic hits like “Brown Eyed Girl,” “Moondance,” and “Into the Mystic.” His legacy in the music industry is undeniable, with a career spanning over six decades and multiple accolades, including six Grammy Awards and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Michelle Rocca, 63, rose to prominence as a beauty queen and TV presenter in Ireland. With striking looks and a poised demeanor, she captured public attention when she won Miss Ireland and later became a co-host of the Eurovision Song Contest. But her fame took a different trajectory when she entered into a romantic relationship with the notoriously private Van Morrison in the early 1990s.

The couple married in 2006 after years of courting and shared more than two decades of life together, raising two children in the relative seclusion of their homes in Dublin and Belfast. Despite Van Morrison’s public persona as a solitary musical genius, he and Michelle had, for a long time, been seen as a symbol of quiet resilience and mature love.

Trouble Behind Closed Doors

Yet, as with many relationships under the weight of fame and personal complexity, the marriage was not without its turbulence. While the pair largely kept their personal affairs private, insiders and long-time associates hint at long-standing tensions between the couple. According to sources close to the family, the union had been under strain for years, with emotional distance, career-related pressures, and philosophical differences becoming increasingly hard to bridge.

“Van is an intense personality—he lives and breathes music. That passion doesn’t always translate well into domestic life,” said a former bandmate who requested anonymity. “Michelle was incredibly patient, but after so many years, it seems like they both grew apart.”

The tipping point reportedly came in early 2025, when Morrison initiated legal proceedings in a London family court, citing “irreconcilable differences.” According to leaked court documents, Morrison is seeking dissolution of the marriage and a formal division of assets, including shared properties, financial investments, and intellectual property interests that Michelle may have a stake in.

A Second Divorce Between Them?

What makes this divorce all the more surprising is that it isn’t the first time Morrison and Rocca have gone down this path. In 2013, tabloids reported that the couple had quietly filed for separation, but reconciled shortly after. The details of that split remain confidential, but several sources suggest that there was a formal divorce that was later annulled or reversed through legal action.

“It’s been a rollercoaster,” says Dublin-based family law attorney Ciaran Hughes, who is not involved in the current proceedings but has followed the case closely. “It’s rare to see this kind of back-and-forth in high-profile marriages, especially when there are substantial estates involved.”

The Legal Stakes: A Battle of Estates and Royalties

The looming divorce raises serious legal and financial questions. Van Morrison’s estate is worth an estimated $90 million, including publishing rights, recording royalties, real estate, and art collections. Michelle Rocca, who stepped away from public life to focus on her family and academic pursuits in philosophy and psychology, has been a consistent presence in the background of Morrison’s business decisions for decades.

Under UK and Irish law, Rocca may be entitled to a substantial portion of the marital assets, particularly if she can prove long-term contributions to Morrison’s career or management decisions. Legal experts speculate that the divorce could become one of the more expensive celebrity separations in recent Irish history.

“It won’t just be about property or money,” said family lawyer Fiona Carney. “It could also affect legacy rights—Michelle may have had a role in managing the brand that is Van Morrison. If she has documentation or proof of managerial influence, that will count for something.”

The Children and the Emotional Toll

While much of the media focus will likely be on the financial implications, the emotional fallout cannot be ignored. The couple shares two children, who are now in their late teens and early twenties. Though they have remained largely out of the spotlight, it is believed they have had to navigate the same emotional rollercoaster as their parents.

“The children have always been Michelle’s focus,” says a friend of the family. “She sacrificed a lot—her career, her privacy, even her ambitions—to ensure they had a grounded upbringing. This divorce will be especially hard on her.”

Van Morrison, known for his stoic and often reclusive demeanor, has made no public statements about the filing. Michelle Rocca, similarly private in recent years, has declined to comment through her legal team. Still, those close to the pair describe a profound sadness on both sides.

A Legacy in the Balance?

Beyond the legal and personal drama, some fans wonder what this means for Morrison’s musical legacy. The artist has always channeled his life experiences into his work, and it’s possible that this heartbreak could inspire a new creative chapter. Already, speculation is growing that his next album—rumored to be in production—may reflect the emotional depth of his current struggles.

“This man has written some of the most moving love songs in history,” said music critic Seamus Quinn. “But his breakups have also given us his darkest, most soul-searching material. Don’t be surprised if this ends up producing some unforgettable music.”

Final Notes: When Love Turns Litigious

Ultimately, the end of a long marriage is always a tragedy—celebrity status notwithstanding. Van Morrison and Michelle Rocca’s story was one of passion, perseverance, and complexity. It now enters a final chapter colored by courtrooms and legal documents instead of romance and poetry.

Whether the divorce proceeds amicably or devolves into a high-profile courtroom drama, it marks the end of an era for two of Ireland’s most recognizable names. Fans, observers, and legal analysts alike will be watching closely—not only for the legal outcomes but for what this means to the enduring mystique of Van Morrison.

For now, the man who once sang about “someone like you” must reckon with the painful reality that even the deepest loves sometimes end—not in music, but in litigation.

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here is no musician alive quite like Van Morrison. The 79-year-old is almost a folkloric figure at this point, a curmudgeon of such bizarre and specific idiosyncrasies that nearly everyone in music seems to have their own Van Morrison story to share.

His mercurial, often dysfunctional behaviour has birthed a million whispered anecdotes – some funny, some baffling, some surely apocryphal. (I remember a radio call-in segment years ago in which someone claimed that Morrison had been sat reading the paper at the venue where they were celebrating their nuptials; refusing to budge, the singer is supposedly pictured scowling in the background of their wedding photos.) And yet, Morrison’s music, a joyous, expansive offshoot of Rhythm and Blues, is nothing short of transcendent. One minute he’d be terrorising his bandmates with an impossible perfectionism, the next he’d be singing about the beauty of “days like this” with a voice that seemed to channel some ancient magic.

At least, this used to be the case. The Irish singer’s latest album New Arrangements and Duets – his 46th studio LP, out this week – is a reminder of what late-era Van Morrison means. A musically proficient but plodding elevator-ready mix of duets, throwback covers and re-recorded originals, it falls desperately short of his earlier brilliance. It’s by no yardstick the worst record in Morrison’s back catalogue: that dishonour may well go to Morrison’s dismal post-pandemic albums, which featured original protest songs such as “They Own the Media” and “Fodder for the Masses”. Or perhaps to the 30-odd nonsense songs he recorded to petulantly fulfil an unwanted record contract, available now on Spotify under the title The Infamous Contractual Obligation Recordings Of ‘67. (Whatever you’re imagining – it’s somehow weirder than that.) In any case, New Arrangements and Duets is no fresh nadir for Morrison. But it is a continuation of a decades-long decline: the lapsing of a career from something vital and captivating to something staid and ultimately dispensable.

Whether he would admit it or not, Morrison’s latest album reads like an attempt to shrug off the stigma of the last few years. During Covid, his public image took a battering; his dogmatic anti-establishment and anti-lockdown outbursts (which did not, he insisted, equate to anti-vaxxerism) seeped into his songwriting and his stage performances. He was never “cancelled” in any meaningful way – Morrison continued to perform in big venues, with typically sky-high ticket prices – but the backlash risked tipping his reputation from legendarily grumpy to outright toxic.

By contrast, New Arrangements and Duets is tame and apolitical, and – significantly – was recorded before the pandemic. Old big band covers are never going to bring Morrison back into music’s mainstream, but among his loyalists, this album might well deflate some of the lingering discomfort over his radical pandemic re-brand.

It’s a shame that this is the case at all. That the new measure of a Van Morrison record is whether it is politically problematic, or simply dull. Any real hope of a comeback album, a bona fide late-era classic, dissipated years ago. It’s not a matter of being too old: Bruce Springsteen, a mere four years Morrison’s junior, still releases new records to rave reviews. On tour, too, he puts on forceful, triumphant shows. Meanwhile, a new Morrison record is greeted with a halfhearted shrug, and his live performances tend to be as erratic as they are unenthusiastic. His reputation as a crank – a difficult and quarrelsome bandleader/interviewee/celebrity – is starting to outstrip his reputation as a musical genius.

This is sad – because “genius” really is no overstatement. What’s galling about the framing of Morrison as a rock’n’roll has-been is that it fails to acknowledge the full extent of his achievements. Across the Sixties, Seventies, Eighties and (to a lesser extent) the Nineties, Morrison recorded more genuinely great albums than most septuagenarian rockstars have albums in total. The canonisation of “Brown Eyed Girl” has often led to Morrison’s smearing in the popular imagination as someone who is overplayed at weddings, a little cloying, a little cheesy – but dig into his catalogue, and the depths and intricacies of his musicianship are incontrovertible, across a huge range of genres and sounds.

Even if we ignore his widely celebrated early work (the epochal Astral Weeks and the diamond-tight Moondance among it), there’s no shortage of beguiling detours. There’s his languid, spiritual 1980 album Common One, built around the coruscating, 15-minute-long “Summertime in England”; the trad music of his 1988 Chieftains collaboration Irish Heartbeat; and the glorious It’s Too Late to Stop Now, one of the finest live albums ever committed to record.

There may yet be a positive addendum to the waning arc of Morrison’s career. Among the myriad anecdotes of feuds and interpersonal quirks that trail Van the Man’s reputation, there’s another type of rumour – reports of music that he recorded under more felicitous circumstances. The sessions he’s said to have recorded with BB King’s backing band. The folk album supposedly sat in a vault somewhere.

In the world of commercialised music, few vaults stay sealed forever. And it would be nice to think that Morrison has one last great album left in him. Despite his efforts to obliterate all goodwill, Morrison, one of the 20th century’s great musicians, still deserves a victory lap. He just needs to start running.