The Don McLean concert will certainly take place. Don is already on the old continent, his musicians however are stuck in the United States. The reason being the Icelandic ash cloud of course. Don McLean will thus play a solo gig, which this born troubadour is more than capable of!
'Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry...' A super phrase from 'Don McLean, America's legendary singer-songwriter'. We should put it in neon on the facade. Because you'll immediately be singing along again to masterpieces like 'American Pie' and 'Vincent', two hit singles from the early 70's that will forever belong to our collective heritage for ever. Not that this means 'the Don' would start acting like an idol. On the contrary: this is still the American singer-songwriter who was initially inspired by Pete Seeger but who also neatly allowed himself to be covered by Madonna and Weird Al Yankovic, according to the logic: there is no satire without genuine appreciation. We're now about 30 LPs and CDs and compilations further and there's a new album awaiting for early 2010. In April the likes of a prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London and Carré in Amsterdam are planned but now also, finally, a more than cosy Flex in the AB, with band! Ready for a new classic in your personal series of 'Starry, Starry Nights'?
Or this fine contemplation as well, by Don McLean on his very own site: 'I have been singing since I was a small child but once I began to play the guitar, I formed in my mind the idea that perhaps I could write songs. Simple rock songs like ‘Teenager in Love’ could be played with the same chords over and over. I’ve taught my young daughter how to play this tune, it’s that simple. Folk songs were also everywhere in the fifties and the guitar was perfect for them. A simple, beautiful song will inspire most musicians to try to write. Complicated, pretentious and non-melodic music is a turn-off. So are lessons. Keep music in your life and have fun with it and after a time it will grow on you and you will understand the language of song.' Exactly, and thank you, Don!