To commemorate the 75th birthday of the man widely considered to be the greatest songwriter and performer of the past 60 years on the island of Ireland, the August issue of Hot Press – out today – is a bumper Van Morrison Special, which looks back over his amazing career and pays tribute to the extraordinary genius of his work.

A galaxy of Ireland’s leading artists and performers, including Sinéad O’Connor, Hozier, Imelda May, Damien Rice, Una Healy, Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol, Tim Wheeler of Ash, Moya Brennan, Bronagh Gallagher, Wallis Bird, Andy Cairns, Cathal Coughlan, Mick Flannery, John Spillane, Mary Coughlan, David Keenan, Brian Kennedy are Liam Ó Maonlaí are among the artists who reflect on Van’s genius and write about what he personally means to them. There are some very special words from the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.

Joining the party are such international admirers as Steve Van Zandt, Jimmy Webb, Mark Knopfler, Matt Berninger and Brandon Flowers, who credits Van with delivering perhaps the greatest vocal performance of all time - but to which song does The Killers mainman refer?

Fans can find out in the special Rave On, Van Morrison issue of Hot Press, which also includes a look back at an earlier landmark interview with Van by Niall Stokes; a remarkable, in-depth conversation with legendary Van photographer Norman Seeff, who gives his view of what makes The Man tick artistically, and also reflects on his own equally fabled photo sessions with Ray Charles Jr., Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon, Steve Jobs and The Rolling Stones.

We publish the full text of the marvellous tribute Bob Geldof delivered when Van was inducted into the Irish Music Hall of Fame in 1999.

There’s also amazing insights from thriller writer and music agent Paul Charles, who went from chain-listening to Van’s music to booking some of his most legendary concerts, including his magnificent 1979 Belfast homecoming show – which we also have a full eyewitness account of, written by then Hot Press' reporter John McKenna (now food writer extraordinaire).

Our man Pat Carty takes deep dives into Veedon Fleece; and the groundbreaking twists and turns his music took in the 1980s, including the masterpiece No Guru, No Method, No Teacher.

Plus:

· The Van tracks you might not know but have to hear!
· Exclusive photos from the Hot Press archives.
· From The Last Waltz to Astral Weeks Live At The Hollywood Bowl, the best of Van on the big and small screen.

Add in the usual heady Hot Press mix of news, reviews, interviews and Frontlines news reports – Bright Eyes, John Connolly, Gregory Porter, Robert Pattison and Gemma Dunleavy are just some of those featured – and it really is a very special issue that's not to be missed!

Pick up your copy of this historic special issue in shops now, or order online below:

Meanwhile, Rave On, Van Morrison – in which 75 Irish artists contribute covers of 75 Van Morrison songs – continues nightly on the Hot Press YouTube channel.

See the schedule for the upcoming performances on 'Rave On, Van Morrison' below:

• Thur Aug 27 Mary Stokes Band Roll With The Punches (7pm); Wyvern Lingo Domino (8pm)
• Fri Aug 28 Beoga Scandinavia (7pm); Reevah Ballerina (8pm)
• Sat Aug 29 Luka Bloom Madame George (7pm); Conor Marcus Rough God Goes Riding (8pm)
• Sun Aug 30 David Lyttle feat. Liam Neeson On Hyndford Street (7pm);Paul Brady Cry For Home (8pm)

Plus – an action-packed programme for Van's Big Day on Monday, August 31:

• President Michael D. Higgins with Bill Whelan – ‘Rave On, John Donne’ (7pm)
• Bob Geldof – ‘I'm Tired Joey Boy’ (7.15pm)
• Moya Brennan (Clannad) – ‘The Beauty Of The Days Gone By’ (7.30pm)
• Paul Casey & Friends feat. Terri Hooley – ‘In The Days Before Rock ’n’ Roll’ (7.45pm)
• Brian Kennedy – ‘Days Like This’ (8pm)
• Mary Coughlan – ‘Warm Love’ (8.15pm)
• John Spillane – ‘Cleaning Windows’ (8.30pm)
• Altan – ‘Whenever God Shines His Light’ (8.45pm)
• Malaki – ‘Someone Like You’ (9pm)
• Glen Hansard – ‘Astral Weeks’ (9.15pm)
• Hozier – ‘Caravan’ (9.30pm)