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Potent Quotables: Morrison Disses Rock Royalty


"If you had more knowledge of music, [The Beatles] didn't really mean anything." --Van Morrison

In a recent interview, the seasoned Irish singer dismissed the Liverpool legends, adding, "To me, it was meaningless."



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carolynrichman

With all due respect Mr. Morrison . . . what planet have you been living on to say that The Beatles and their music "didn't really mean anything" and that, "To me, it was meaningless." REALLY?!?! Well, I used to like your music but now ... maybe not so much. I can't imagine how full of yourself you have to be a musician to say that The Beatles and their music are meaningless. Shame on you. Makes me wonder about just a little touch of narcissism perhaps on your part or maybe jealousy and envy?

July 25 2011 at 10:19 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
BUCKWHEAT

IS THIS JIM MORRISON"S GAY BROTHER?

April 16 2010 at 11:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Stewart

It’s quite funny that you mention that he has only had a few hits – just so you are aware of what Van Morrison has done in his career I thought I would mention the following;
Morrison has received considerable acclaim, including six Grammy Awards, an induction into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Morrison has also appeared in a number of Greatest lists, including the Time magazine list of The All-Time 100 Albums and Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Singers of All Time (November 2008). I think even most of us would agree that Rolling Stone seems to know what they are talking about right? One of you mentioned that he didn’t have any real hits other than Brown Eyed Girl – let’s not forget the kind of garbage that’s taken claim as a number one "hit" through the years - ICE ICE BABY by Vanilla, HEY YA by Outkast, and Livin La Vida Loca by Ricky Martin.
“Number one” is just a popularity contest for the flavor of the minute. Most number ones or even "hits" for that matter fade quickly - that said check your facts; Van Morrison has appeared 24 times on the Billboard Charts through the years with his most recent appearance being in 2009. This “Clown” doesn't want to be part of the main stream world so why persecute him for that? Maybe if he was running all over Hollywood showing his junk showing or doing drugs in a popular LA night club he would make the rank in your eyes instead he continues to produce some of the most poetic and articulate music that the industry has ever seen. He, much like the Beatles deserve recognition for their obvious talent – not their opinions. When did having an unpopular opinion give people the right strip someone of their natural genius?
You don’t have to like him and you can even label him in the way you want, as an Irish Drunk (real original!! Good one) but the fact is this SOBER, musician has made his mark in music history and he did it how it should be done – by sharing his gift with those that care to recognize it. Just like the Beatles did.

February 10 2010 at 8:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
guitarfiend

This comment reminds me of another comment that got completely taken out of context made by John Lennon.Remember that one people ??

September 27 2009 at 12:28 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
deano

this is probably the most disgusting thing i have ever heard in my life. The Beatles are BY NO MEANS "useless." Not only is their music beautiful, but it has also influenced countless other bands, even today.

July 01 2009 at 1:48 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
dee

Van is great. He's just grouchy.

June 03 2009 at 10:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
aimsusie

Obvious jealousy. I'm sure he never attracted crowds of thousands of screaming young fans, sold millions of albums, sold out stadium concerts, appeared on Ed Sullivan, etc. Climb back under that rock, Van, and suck on your sour grapes.

May 16 2009 at 11:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
blackpox

Van who? The Beatles, the Greatest band of all time. how many bands of the 60's, 70's, and 80's and beyond have been influenced by the beatles. and how many of those band can say they have been influenced by Van Morrison?on the one hand we have a few thousand, on the other, we have 3 or 4 drunken fools trying to coherently shout "Van the Man!" The Beatles are still selling records. Van morrison can't give them away.

April 12 2009 at 7:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
David

It's sad and funny..., Van Morrison is now a bitter old fart....lol lol

April 10 2009 at 8:47 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Eric

Lost his mind because of his age and drug use.

April 07 2009 at 11:22 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply