An “agitated” Van Morrison wants Stormont to explain a delay in permitting live music which forced him to cancel shows in Belfast, the High Court heard today.
Counsel for the singer-songwriter also confirmed he is ending his legal challenge to the Covid-linked ban on performances at venues in Northern Ireland.
Judicial review proceedings were dropped following the decision taken last month by the Executive to allow the return of indoor music events.
But a judge was told Sir Van still had to cancel a series of concerts at the Ulster Hall because the anticipated relaxation was deferred for reasons unknown to him.
Frank O’Donoghue, QC, said: “It will not surprise you, My Lord, to know that my client is particularly agitated by this course of conduct on the part of the Executive, which requires an answer.
“It will be the subject of separate correspondence, but certainly at the moment my client is far from convinced. He requires an explanation as to why it happened in this way.”
Sir Van issued proceedings against the Department of Health over the prohibition introduced under Covid-19 rules. He has been an outspoken critic of the blanket ban on live music, questioning the scientific and medical evidence to support the restrictions.
In June he took to the stage – where he was joined by Ian Paisley Jnr – amid controversial scenes at Belfast’s Europa Hotel after other planned gigs were cancelled.
With the ban now lifted, his barrister formally requested permission to end the legal challenge.
“There is nothing he can do about the judicial review because the relief he sought has now been effectively granted by the conduct of the Executive,” Mr O’Donoghue acknowledged.
“In those circumstances the application is to be discontinued with no order on costs.”
Agreeing to the move, Mr Justice Colton said: “I will make that order.”
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