Interview and poetry reading for "Van Morrison and Me" on BBC World Service 21 Jan 2017

I was asked to take part in a radio program "Van Morrison and Me", hosted by journalist John McCarthy. It spoke not only to Sir Van Morrison about his creative journey but to other writers and artists about the impact Morrison's work has had on them.

It was a pleasure and an honour to meet John McCarthy, and discuss the effect Van's iconic album Astral Weeks has had on me. I also read The Way Young Lovers Do for the program. It was humbling to hear John McCarthy and Brian Keenan discuss how Van Morrison's music had helped them keep their faith and memories alive during the five years they were held hostage by Islamic Jihad terrorists in Lebanon.

Testament to Morrison's music and the power that music and poetry have. It can be life changing and life saving and these seemed to be the touchstones for all of us taking part in the programme. Dr. Eamonn Hughes was interviewed, and also crime novelist Ian Rankin, who also spoke of the power Morrison's music has had on him at crucial points in his life. Musician Glen Hansard also took part in the programme and performed Into The Mystic a song of Van Morrison's that he was particularly moved by.

Click here to listen on BBC iPlayer (before Tuesday 21st February 2017)