The Day The Music Died: The Story of Don McLean’s American Pie

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Grammy-award honoree, Songwriters Hall of Fame member, and BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Don McLean remembers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. Richardson – “The Big Bopper” – and the pilot, Roger Peterson on the anniversary of the deadly plane crash just after their concert at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. The fateful day was coined ‘The Day The Music Died’ by Don McLean in his hit “American Pie.” The song was released in 1971 and spent four weeks at No. 1 in 1972. In 2001, thirty years later, the Recording Industry of America named it the fifth greatest song of the 20th century.

“I am honored to know that the phrase ‘The day the music died’ from my song “American Pie” has been applied as a tribute to Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens on this day, February 3rd every year,” shares McLean. “They were my heroes and I always want to take the time to honor them.”

McLean will be bringing his American Pie 50th Anniversary Tour to Australia and New Zealand in 2023. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of the most iconic songs and albums ever this year, McLean will entertain fans across the two countries, proving that “bye-bye, Miss American Pie” will forever remain a classic staple in music. He will be supported by one of Australia’s most revered singer/songwriters, Andrew Farriss, and his band as they take you on an acoustic, boundless journey through his catalog of hits, including selections from his time with the legendary rock band, INXS (who sold over 80 million albums, notched seven Top 10 sings) through his current solo, self-titled Country/Americana album (which produced a Top 40 single on the Billboard’s indicator chart).

50TH ANNIVERSARY ‘AMERICAN PIE’ NEW ZEALAND TOUR DATES 2023:
Saturday 1st April – The Fortitude, Brisbane*
Sunday 2nd April – Kings Theatre, Coloundra*
Monday 3rd April – Empire Theatre, Toowoomba*
Wednesday 5th April – Twin Towns, Gold Coast*
Friday 7th April – Twin Towns, Gold Coast*
Saturday 8th April – Twin Towns, Gold Coast*
Sunday 9th April – Twin Towns, Gold Coast*
Wednesday 12th April – C.ex Coffs, Coffs Harbour
Friday 14th April – Town Hall, Tamworth*
Saturday 15th April – The Station, Newcastle
Sunday 16th April – Llweellyn Hall, Canberra
Thursday 20th April – Hurstville Entertainment Centre, Hurstville
Friday 21st April – The Concourse, Chatswood
Saturday 22nd April – Sydney Coliseum, West Sydney*
Monday 24th April – West Point, Hobart*
Wednesday 26th April – Princess Theatre, Launceston*
Friday 28th April – Win Entertainment Centre, Wollongong*
Saturday 29th April – The Palais, Melbourne*
Sunday 30th April – Costa Hall, Geelong*
Tuesday 2 May – Trafalgar Centre, Nelson
Thursday 4 May – Civic Theatre, Invercargill
Friday 5 May – Town Hall, Christchurch
Sunday 7 May – Regent Theatre, Palmerston North
Tuesday 9 May – Town Hall, Auckland

About Don McLean
Don McLean is a legendary singer-songwriter known for his timeless classics that have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. With a career spanning several decades, he has left a lasting impact on the music industry and continues to inspire new generations of artists. McLean’s songs are known for their poetic lyrics and emotional depth, reflecting universal themes of love, loss, and the American experience. His music has a timeless quality that appeals to listeners of all ages, transcending cultural and generational divides. Don McLean’s contributions to the world of music will always be remembered and celebrated, and his songs will continue to be cherished for generations to come.

Don McLean is a Grammy award honoree, a Songwriter Hall of Fame member, and a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, his smash hit “American Pie” resides in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry and was named a top 5 song of the 20th Century by the Recording Industry of America (RIAA). A New York native, Don McLean is one of the most revered and respected songwriters in American history. After paying his dues in the New York club scene in the late ‘60s, he went on to score mega-hits like “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night),” “Castles in the Air” and many more. His catalog of songs has been recorded by Madonna, Garth Brooks, Josh Groban, Drake, “Weird Al” Yankovic and countless others. In 2015, McLean’s handwritten manuscript of the lyrics to “American Pie” was auctioned by Christies, selling for just over $1.2 Million. 2019 honored Don with a star on the Las Vegas Walkway of Stars and his song “And I Love You So” was the theme for Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s wedding. Don landed a new recording contract with Time Life in 2020, with whom he released a catalog of recordings as well as a new album Still Playin’ Favorites. 2021 brought Don’s “American Pie” features in the Avengers’ Black Widow and the new Tom Hanks movie Finch. Don received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, celebrated the 50th anniversary of “American Pie,” recorded a version of the song with a cappella group Home Free, a children’s book has been written, and much more! And when you think things are slowing down, not so for Don McLean!