Hold on to your soul. Netflix has just confirmed the project fans have been begging for — and it’s going to shake the music world to its core.
In an exclusive announcement picked up by *ESPN*, of all outlets, Netflix has revealed the upcoming release of *“Van Morrison: A Story of Grit, Glory, and Brotherhood”* — a sweeping, emotionally charged docuseries that digs deeper into the life of the enigmatic, Grammy-winning legend than ever before. For the first time in cinematic history, Van Morrison’s iconic voice isn’t just the soundtrack — it’s the story.
THE LEGEND UNVEILED: VAN MORRISON, LIKE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN HIM
From Belfast’s smoky bars to sold-out global stages, Van Morrison’s voice has carved its way into the souls of generations. But behind the raspy poetry of “Brown Eyed Girl” and the spiritual depth of “Into the Mystic” lies a man few truly know — until now.
The docuseries, directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney and produced in collaboration with Netflix Music Originals, pulls back the curtain on Morrison’s most guarded secrets, personal triumphs, bitter rivalries, and the unshakable brotherhoods that helped shape his musical journey.
“This isn’t just about the hits,” Gibney states in the trailer’s voiceover. “This is about the man who survived the chaos. The loner who created anthems for connection. The rebel who walked away from fame — and then built his kingdom on his own terms.”
FROM BELFAST TO IMMORTALITY: A JOURNEY OF FIRE AND FURY
Split into six gripping one-hour episodes, A Story of Grit, Glory, and Brotherhood” doesn’t waste time with fluff. Episode one opens in war-torn Belfast, 1964, where a teenage Van emerges from the rubble with a guitar in one hand and the blues in his blood. Gritty, grainy footage shows the young musician battling poverty, family pressure, and an exploding political scene — all while crafting a sound that would one day move millions.
The early years are harrowing. His rise with the band Them is portrayed as both meteoric and disastrous — rife with internal brawls, missed opportunities, and a near-fatal overdose in Germany that has never been publicly discussed until now.
“It was chaos,” says a former bandmate in a tearful interview. “But even back then, you knew Van had something none of us had. He wasn’t trying to be famous. He was trying to survive.”
BROTHERHOOD, HEARTBREAK, AND THE SONGS THAT SAVED HIM
But the heart of the docuseries — and what fans are already calling Netflix’s answer to The Last Dance— lies in the brotherhoods* that saved Morrison from destruction. Viewers are introduced to the unsung heroes behind the icon: long-forgotten session players, sound engineers, spiritual guides, and loyal friends who carried him through breakdowns, lawsuits, addiction, and industry betrayal.
In a jaw-dropping moment, legendary guitarist John Platania breaks down while recalling a night in the 1970s when Morrison nearly walked away from music forever. “He looked at me and said, ‘I can’t do this anymore.’ We sat in silence for three hours. Then he picked up the guitar and wrote ‘Tupelo Honey.’ That’s how close it came to ending.”
The docuseries also revisits Morrison’s bitter fallout with Warner Bros., his clashes with major music media, and his decision to flee the spotlight — even as his albums went platinum. “They never understood him,” says music journalist Greil Marcus. “And frankly, they never tried. This docuseries finally does.”
NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN FOOTAGE AND CELEBRITY COMMENTARY EXPLODE ONLINE
Fans are already losing their minds over the teaser trailer, which features *never-before-seen home video footage*, including a young Morrison performing an unreleased track in a smoky Belfast living room, plus backstage brawls, private recording sessions, and intimate moments with family and friends.
The internet has exploded with praise. Within an hour of the announcement, #VanMorrisonDoc was trending on X (formerly Twitter), and celebrities are already chiming in. Bruce Springsteen tweeted: “The soul, the shadow, the sound. Van taught us how to feel. Can’t wait for this.”
Taylor Swift also posted on Instagram Stories: “Van Morrison’s *Astral Weeks* changed how I write music. Beyond excited for this doc.”
ESPN’S SURPRISE INVOLVEMENT: WHY SPORTS FANS SHOULD CARE
In a strange twist, ESPN was the first major outlet to report the announcement — and for good reason. According to sources, Morrison’s music has long been a pregame staple for major athletes, from NFL legends to international soccer stars. His song “Gloria” was used as the pump-up anthem for multiple championship teams, including the St. Louis Blues’ 2019 Stanley Cup run.
An upcoming episode even features exclusive footage of Morrison backstage with iconic athletes, including Mike Tyson and Kobe Bryant, discussing how music influenced their drive and focus.
“It’s about grit,” says an ESPN producer. “Van’s story mirrors what we see in great sports — resilience, betrayal, triumph. And that’s why it belongs here.”
MORRISON HIMSELF RESPONDS: “THIS ONE TELLS THE TRUTH”
Perhaps the biggest shock of all is that Morrison — long known for shunning the spotlight — has endorsed the documentary himself. In a rare public statement, he said:
> “I’ve turned down plenty of these over the years. Most didn’t get it. This one tells the truth. It’s not always pretty. But it’s mine.”
The docuseries closes with a haunting acoustic performance filmed in 2023 — a visibly aged Morrison sitting alone with a guitar, performing a brand-new song inspired by the pandemic, lost friends, and finding peace in the noise. It’s raw, vulnerable, and unforgettable.
STREAMING DATE REVEALED — MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Van Morrison: A Story of Grit, Glory, and Brotherhood”* premieres July 12, 2025, exclusively on Netflix in all regions. The trailer has already racked up over 4 million views in under 24 hours.
Get ready. This isn’t just a music documentary. It’s a revelation.
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