Music history of Belfast
In recent years, the development of world class venues like the Waterfront Hall and the Odyssey has meant that Belfast now regularly attracts big name stars who previously would have played in Dublin or Glasgow.
Van Morrison, one of the most influential vocalists in Rock and Roll history was born and grew up in Belfast. His prolific and ongoing career spans over five decades. Growing up with Morrison on Hyndford Street, George Cassidy (jazz musician) taught Morrison tenor saxophone and music notation lessons. Cassidy, who specialised in tenor saxophone, also played clarinet, hurdy-gurdy and lap steel guitar. Belfast is also home to Brian Kennedy, a popular singer-songwriter, and the punk group Stiff Little Fingers. Derry rockers, The Undertones were regular visitors to the University of Ulster's student union building. They made their name when Belfast record shop owner Terry Hooley released the Teenage Kicks EP on his Good Vibrations label in September 1978.
Belfast has a growing club scene. David Holmes has represented the city as a DJ, musician and composer and Colin Murray has previously been a regular DJ on BBC Radio 1. Belfast has a longstanding history of underground clubs mainly orchestrated by DJ/promoter Christopher McCafferty. The city's rich industrial heritage provides the venues for the scene
In the classical arena, the Ulster Orchestra, Northern Ireland's only professional symphony orchestra, has been running since 1966. Belfast musicians, Sir James Galway, The Man With the Golden Flute and Barry Douglas, a classical pianist have both made an impact on the world stage.
Also the band Snow Patrol made their song "Take back the city tonight" which was inspired by the city of Belfast. They lived not far away in the town of Bangor.