When Van Played Cyprus Avenue

Original version

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

BBC Radio 4 LW

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Documentaries

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Music

BBC Radio 4 Extra - When Van Played Cyprus Avenue

Marie-Louise Muir explores the significance of Van Morrison's recent gigs in east Belfast.

4 Extra Debut. Marie-Louise Muir ponders the importance of Van Morrison's performances on a Belfast street, linked to his 1968 song. From 2015.

"And I'm caught one more time
Up on Cyprus Avenue..."
 
Van Morrison made a number of references in his songs to the east Belfast neighbourhood in which he grew up - none more directly than in Cyprus Avenue from his 1968 album Astral Weeks. 

Romantic images of leaves shaking on a tree, rainbow ribbons in a young girl's hair and a mansion on the hill evoke memories of Cyprus Avenue in the years before Van left Northern Ireland to pursue his career in the USA.
 
Cyprus Avenue - with its intricate arrangement of flute, harpsichord and strings - was recorded in New York, far from the well-heeled, tree-lined avenue along which the young Van would pass on his way home to the working class area of Hyndford Street. This was in the years before the Troubles. East Belfast was steadfastly loyalist and protestant.
 
When the arts broadcaster Marie-Louise Muir moved into the area, she was already aware of the iconic quality of street's name - not just from Van Morrison's song, but from the fact that the Reverend Ian Paisley lived on Cyprus Avenue. Marie-Louise was a Catholic ‘blow-in’. So, when Van announced that he'd be celebrating his 70th birthday by playing a gig literally feet from her front door, she was curious to see how the community would respond.
 
Producer: Alan Hall

A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2015.

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

When Van Played Cyprus Avenue

Genres

Formats

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4