van morrison concert at waterfront

elliemoo

Bah, humbug, what a pile of moaning minnies.

I live in Belfast, pay my rates and I think it is a great idea.

We spend so much time in NI criticising our own. This man is a great musician and respected worldwide, only here in NI would we moan about honouring someone who is so creative.

nickcc

Don't think its moaning just a difference of opinion.

NAR

He is a millionaire and could easily have forgone all fees. He has absolutely no thought for the ratepayers (many of whom can't afford their rates). Hope the grumpy old man's Ltd company chokes on the £35k!

vido

Just a quick update - went to the concert, stood at front of stage and he actually was brilliant. I've seen him a few times and as mentioned above he didn't want to be there but he actually seemed to be enjoying the occasion last Friday.
By the way Ken Reid, Tara Mills and Maggie Taggert were all there ... amazing how so many local reporters managed to win tickets in the ballot, all good citizens of Belfast too I'm sure ...???

Honkycat

I wonder how many council employees were "lucky" as well….

jeffer

elliemoo wrote: »

only here in NI would we moan about honouring someone who is so creative.

That's rather a sweeping statement. What research have you done to come to that conclusion?

GlynD

Those fees which are being discussed didn't go to Van. They went to pay for equipment hire, the men who played in the band and the crew.

You wouldn't get Van to wave a finger for 36 grand lol.

warmhands.coldheart

Honkycat wrote: »

I wonder how many council employees were "lucky" as well….

They didn't have to be "Lucky".... a load of tickets were put aside for council members and employees....

NAR

GlynD wrote: »

Those fees which are being discussed didn't go to Van. They went to pay for equipment hire, the men who played in the band and the crew.

They went to Van's Ltd company (of which he is the only Director). No way of anyone knowing what was actually paid out, or more importantly how much was left in coffers.

tommie

NAR wrote: »

They went to Van's Ltd company (of which he is the only Director). No way of anyone knowing what was actually paid out, or more importantly how much was left in coffers.

Ah, ok, so Van could have done it for free, but chose to accept the kind offer for his own Ltd. Co.

.. nice work if you can get it