Van Morrison now has taken legal action against the indoor music venues in Northern Ireland that are prohibiting shows due to COVID-19.
Morrison’s attorney Sarah Symington says the star filed a “pre-action protocol letter” back on January 12th with the Department of Health “challenging the blanket ban on live music [and] giving them 21 days to respond.”
Symington says if they don’t receive a response within 21 days, they will "issue proceedings immediately to the High Court.”
Northern Ireland is now in a six-week COVID-19 lockdown, forcing venues to close.
Another of Morrison's attorneys Joe Rice, says, “Many people in the music and arts world in Northern Ireland have been devastated financially, socially, and artistically by this complete ban. This differs from the law in England and Wales and the evidence behind such a negative decision in this jurisdiction is far from obvious.”
Morrison created his Save Live Music Lockdown Financial Hardship Fund, in support of musicians who have endured financial difficulties during the pandemic.
Morrison has also written four protest songs -- “Born to Be Free,” “As I Walked Out,” “No More Lockdown,” and "Stand and Deliver," which was recorded by Eric Clapton.
[courtesy of Classic Hits Today]