American Pie’s Don McLean to play Toowoomba in final Australian tour

One of the most legendary American songwriters of all-time will play Toowoomba one final time in just a few days. Here’s how you can get tickets:

Music legend Don McLean, one of the most celebrated American songwriters of the 20th century, will hit Toowoomba in just a few days as part of his final Australian tour.

McLean, known for his evergreen ballad American Pie and the mournful biographical song Vincent, will play The Empire Theatre as the third date in the American Pie 50th Anniversary Tour.

The 77-year-old shot to fame in the early 1970s thanks to his sophomore record American Pie, which is now considered a classic album.

While Vincent, The Grave and Empty Chairs have become influential tracks over the years, its eight-and-a-half minute title track is what is considered McLean’s magnum opus.

Don McLean is playing Toowoomba on April 3.

Chronicling the cultural shifts of the 1950s and 1960s, American Pie has become infamous for its cryptic lyrics that leave it open to countless interpretations.

It is considered one of the most famous and best songs of the 20th century, a distinction that has carried to this day.

Handwritten lyrics to American Pie were auctioned off for more than $1.2 million in 2015, and the composition was added to the Library Of Congress National Recording Registry two years later.

Nearly 20 records and countless tours late, McLean is preparing to play another 19 shows over 16 Australian cities.

Don McLean from the 1980s. Picture: supplied

He said Aussie fans would not leave disappointed by his set lists.

“I am thrilled to be getting back to Australia with my band,” McClean said.

“2022 marks the 50th anniversary from when American Pie landed at the number one spot on the Billboard chart, and we will be celebrating.

“We’ll be performing songs from the American Pie album plus many of the other hits that fans will be expecting to hear.”

Supporting McLean is INXS keyboardist and primary songwriter Andrew Farriss and his band.

Farriss will be playing cuts from both his most famous project and his current self-titled country album.

“I’ve admired Don McLean since I was a teenager, he is a legendary troubadour, and I am very excited to tour with him and perform for the Australian fans,” he said.

Don McLean will play the Empire Theatre on Monday, April 3. For tickets, head to the website.