Van Morrison is the WB Yeats of music, say friends

Friends of Van Morrison have said he is the WB Yeats of the music world after he was honoured by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth for services to the industry.

The East Belfast-born singer/songwriter was named in the queen birthday honours list as he nears his 70th birthday.

His poetic lyrics have immortalised the streets of his childhood, and former bandmates, fellow musicians and critics have lauded his “unique” contribution.