Don McLean chats to the Edinburgh Reporter ahead of Usher Hall concert
Edinburgh music fans have one last chance to hear arguably the greatest song ever written performed live on stage, when the legendry Don McLean visits the city next week.
The concert is part of his tour to celebrate 50-years since he released American Pie as a double-A single which quickly went to number one in the U.S. and sent him to international stardom.
Now, 50 years later, American Pie is one of fewer than 500 songs in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry, and was named by the Recording Industry of America (RIAA) a top 5 song of the 20th Century.
In 2015, the manuscript of the lyrics were auctioned by Christies, selling for just over $1.2 Million.
Don has performed the iconic song for numerous dignities including President Clinton at the Lincoln Memorial Gala in Washington D.C.
And on Tuesday September 27 he will perform it to his fans at the Usher Hall.
And there are still some tickets available.
The native New Yorker who is one of the most revered and respected songwriters in American history will also be preforming his other mega-hits such as Vincent (Starry, Starry Night), Castles in the Air, and many more.
It’s been a busy time for the American Troubadour who was recently awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which can be found in front of The Pie Hole Bakery, between Hollywood and Vine.
But he kindly took time from his hectic schedule to speak to The Edinburgh Reporter.
He said: “I’ve been coming to Edinburgh since the seventies, so I know the town well. I love Scotland. My father was from the Isle of Iona which I think is in the Hebrides although I’ve never been there but I still have relatives there including a cousin Jock who is the same age as me.
“The tour is to mark the 50th anniversary of American Pie and I have had some wonderful memories during that time.
“We don’t have a particular set so it’s a different show every night although the old favourites will be included. This is a strange time with the death of the Queen, the pandemic and the horrible situation in Ukraine so our goal is to make people happy when they hear us sing.
“And I never get tired of singing these songs. Ask Mick Jagger if he ever gets tired of singing Satisfaction. It’s what we do.
“The fans pay their hard-earned money and they want to hear their favourite songs.
“Money is becoming more expensive these days and we can’t do enough for them.
“But this is it. Anyone who wants to hear American Pie will have to come along to the Usher Hall on Tuesday. I’m 76 and soon to turn 77 so there will be no more big tours although I’d like to visit Scotland for a week or so just to look around.
“It’s been a busy time with the release of a number of children’s books based on my songs which were written by Judy Prosser.
“And Paramount Plus have also just a film called ‘The Day the Music Died, the story of Don Mclean’s American Pie’ which I would recommend.”
Don McLean’s 50th Anniversary of American Pie with support from Elles Bailey at the Usher Hall Edinburgh 7pm Tuesday September 27 2022
