Singer-songwriter and folk-rock icon Don McLean is set to perform a one-off North East concert this summer when he rolls into Teesside as part of his current transatlantic tour.
McClean, responsible for the global and timeless classic ‘American Pie’, will head to Middlesbrough Town Hall on Thursday 29th August, representing a major coup for the region.
With over 40 gold and platinum records worldwide, Don McLean is one of America’s most beloved country artists and is widely regarded as one of the most prolific songwriters of all time.
Having received global acclaim for his recently released 19th studio album, ‘Botanical Gardens’, McLean is back on the road again with new material and promises to deliver classics from his substantial back catalogue which boasts ‘American Pie’ – officially crowned as the fifth greatest song of the 20th Century – and other chart-topping hits such as ‘Crying’, ‘Vincent’ (Starry Night), ‘Castle in the Air’ and ‘And I Love You So’.
Speaking about his forthcoming show on Teesside, Don McLean, said: “I am always excited about returning to England. It’s like a second home to me and has been for 50 years. I’ve toured every highway and byway and I’ve loved it all. At this point in my career, I tour with a four-piece group from Nashville who have been with me for many years.
“Those looking to see how we sound need only look us up at Glastonbury on YouTube or Stagecoach, two of the biggest festivals in the world, which we headlined.
“I’m looking forward to seeing you all very soon at Middlesbrough”.
Lorna Fulton, Head of Middlesbrough Town Hall, continues: “For many, Don McLean’s songs have formed the soundtrack to the lives of so many of us and we’re honoured to be able to have him here in our beautiful main hall as part of our ambitious summer programme. Don is only playing two UK dates on this tour and we’re delighted one of them will be happening here in Middlesbrough.
“We’re committed to providing first-class live entertainment at the Town Hall and they don’t come much bigger than Don. This is a chance to see a true music legend, with a staggering song-writing pedigree in action. For fans of his music and of the man, this is a show fans can’t afford to miss and we’re confident people of all ages will see something truly memorable in August.
“If people want to attend the show, we encourage them to think quick as we don’t expect tickets to stick around for too long!”
Since first hitting the charts in 1971, the New York born star continues to inspire and has seen his songs performed by artists as diverse as Madonna, Fred Astaire, Chet Atkins, Weird Al Yankovick, Elvis Presley, Josh Groban and Coolio.
Since bursting onto the global musical landscape in the early 1970s, Don continues to tour North America and the rest of the world – including capacity shows at Glastonbury Festival, Times Square in New York and Hyde Park in London – and is poised to make his mark on Middlesbrough in less than eight weeks time.
Tickets for Don McLean in Concert at Middlesbrough Town Hall are on sale now priced at £37.50 (subject to booking fee)
