Don McLean

…And the award for least likely career resuscitation goes to Don McLean! One of the more decent things to come from the very, very premature rise to fame of Jake Bugg is his namedropping of the highly influential, yet sorely underrated New York singer songwriter. Bugg claims that the first song he ever liked was McLean’s Vincent and hearing it on an episode of The Simpsons was what got him into music. It’s lofty praise indeed and richly deserved, especially because many artists deserve to have their back catalogue’s appreciated more than the one hit they’re known for, however McLean is still one of the alpha examples. Credit where credit’s due, if you’re going to be known for one song in particular, then it might as well be something as truly unique as American Pie. A near ten minute examination of American culture and pop music’s place in it in the wake of the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper, it’s as high art as anything that’s ever been in the pop charts. However, there’s still so much more to discover about McLean’s music and the best way of doing so is by catching him live. He’s the kind of consummate showman that only 45 years of experience in show business can create, effortlessly creating a warm, inclusive atmosphere that never tries to overshadow his iconic songs. As he approaches 70 the man is still performing live, and it’s only a matter of time before he hits your shores. So if discovering music from before you were born is your bag, or if you were there the first time around and what to relive it, you can’t go wrong with Don McLean.

I do sometimes wonder if it’s time for a reappraisal of the term ‘one hit wonder’; it’s certainly come to take on negative connotations down the years - perhaps partly because it evokes images of cheesy pop tracks, rather than classics of songwriting - but if the song in question falls into the latter category, does the musician in question really deserve to be slapped with an undesirable tag? It’s a question that certainly applies to Don McLean, for whom ‘American Pie’ has dwarfed the rest of his back catalogue in terms of significance. The RIAA consider it the fifth greatest song of the past century, and not without reason; the eight-minute-plus epic is one of the finest pieces of musical songwriting ever committed to tape. Despite the fact that McLean has never quite managed to capture that magic in the same way since, it hasn’t put him off continuing to work; his most recent album, Addicted to Black, was released as recently as 2009, and he’s kept himself on the road, too, touring frequently across America and playing career-spanning sets that include his signature song and a handful of covers - most recently, the likes of Johnny Cash’s ‘Guess Things Happen That Way’ and Billie Holiday’s ‘I Don’t Want to Cry Anymore’ have been making the cut. His most recent lap of the UK came in late 2012, so you might have to wait for another album release before he makes it back again; knowing McLean, though, it shouldn’t be too long a delay.

I have been waiting a very long time to hear Don McLean perform live and it was worth the wait. My seat was in the back of the venue, but thankfully I had a clear view to the stage. It was great to see him come to stage with his band. He told some great stories about his experiences with Clive Davis at Arista Records and performing with Garth Brooks. His live renditions of "Crying" and "Vincent" were incredible. The most memorable part of the night happened when he started singing "American Pie". Everyone was on their feet singing along. The kitchen staff and servers were all lined in the back enjoying the moment. It was an amazing collective event when we all joined in to sing the chorus. He is getting up there in years and I don't know how much longer he will be touring. I'm glad I had this chance to see one of my all time favorites and hope I have another opportunity.

I believe I honestly could see Don perform every week and not be disappointed! I have followed him since "tapestry" was released but honestly never thought I would get a chance to see him live. He performed old & new material consummately with grace & ease. His onstage band (I do them an injustice by not remembering their names) were GREAT & had as much fun playing as we did listening to them. Don played & sang s if he was starting a tour instead of nearing the end of one. My only regret was in not being able to tell him face to face what a National Treasure he is! Classics, Old Standards, Seldom Heard along with His Anthems made going to see him an event ! WHEREVER YOU ARE NOW make plans to see this GENIUS live!

This was my first.
I was surprised how well he can sing at his age of 74....

Surrounded by the similar generation crowd in a
very well cared Music Hall unlike the building looks from outside: I liked the cleanly cared bathroom- it was a very satisfying experience.

Though he looked tired but definitely he gave us the BEST he could as he said, "This could be the last". And audience gave the best, too.

Thank you.

PS: The guy who was selling the T-shirt and others told me that I could have his badge after the concert. But I did not bother him as he was very busy after the concert.....
I really liked that badge with Don Maclean's face.....

Thank you.

Don was excellent. He did a range of different songs and styles, displaying great range and breadth. His band included several veterans from Nashville, and they sounded great. Highlight was his version of Roy Orbison’s Crying and his classic Castles in the Air. He ended with his signature Miss American Pie, giving the audience its money’s worth. He sounds good and clearly loves what he does.

We had the added treat of Al Stewart as his opening act. Acoustic versions of several of his hits, including Time Passages and Year of the Cat. Wonderful night with two great performers.

This time he had a 5 man band with him. Two times before I saw him, he was just by his own. I prefer to see him on his own, with his guitar and his banjo. This was too much electric music. He doesn't need this. Next time for sure he can leave the drummer and bass player at home. A piano player and one or two acoustic guitar players together with his own acoustic guitar is enough. His voice is still strong. I liked it most when he sang songs from the American Pie album. I only missed the song Dreidel.

I really enjoyed seeing one of my all-time favorite poets in RL (real life). I realize he's a songwriter but his lyrics are so beautiful and his voice and music and sensitivity made him very special to me. Even though people change in 40 years, I just love him always.
City Winery is an elegant venue and I met very enjoyable table-mates.

It's always great to see a bucket-list icon. I just wish I'd seen Don 45 years ago when he wasn't road-tired and could still hit the notes. That said, I'm glad he sang American Pie, Vincent and Crossroads. The blues segment provided an excellent opportunity to go to the restroom.

The Arlington Music Hall is a terrific venue.

What a treat to see this American singer- songwriter who shared a night of song with us. His voice remains so pure and clear and his repertoire highlighted his versatility as an enduring artist! Vincent never gets old and of course, American Pie is as iconic as it was when it was written. Thoroughly enjoyable evening!