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Don McLean

Average rating:

4.5

34 of 37(92%)customers would recommend this to a friend.

Don McLean Fan Reviews - Ticketmaster

4 / 5

His poetry doesn't match his personality

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

Favorite moment: The anticipation before the concert sitting in a chair 30 feet from the stool where Don McLean would sit. @

Opening act(s): Kitty Donohoe was an entertaining storyteller and great musician @

Posted 11/18/2009

by OrphanOfWealth

Location: Arlington, VA

I closed my eyes when I was listening to Don McLean play songs that I listened to endlessly as a child. When I opened my eyes, there was an unenthusiatic 64 year old man sitting ona stool, singing songs that he has sung more times than he would like.

At the end of the concert, he did a small meet and greet where people could get his signature. He eventually accepted being in photos with people, but rarely smiled and just kept waving people in line to keep moving forward and he would sign his name as he has done so many times before. I sat 10 feet from him for 45 minutes as he did this and was surprised by his lack of enthusiam and gratitude to fans who have come to pay him homage for songs he wrote three or four decades ago.

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

Favorite moment: The anticipation before the concert sitting in a chair 30 feet from the stool where Don McLean would sit. @

Opening act(s): Kitty Donohoe was an entertaining storyteller and great musician @

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Review 2 for Don McLean

5 / 5

Don McLean is more than American Pie

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

Favorite moment: Vincent @

Setlist: American Pie, Vincent @

Opening act(s): Kitty Donohoe @

Posted 11/17/2009

by EburgGuy

Location: Eldersburg, MD

From Buddy Holly to "Vincent", all the rock and all the standards were there. As Don observed sardonically, he "didn't suck"! His voice was as strong as ever - in fact, stronger, as evidenced by a night-club style crooner he tossed in during the encore. He's a good singer with a knack for writing and delivering a pithy phrase. The audience (naturally) enjoyed the American Pie sing-along portions, and his backing group was tight and skilled. Even the opening act (Kitty Donohoe) was terrific - a fine singer/songwriter in her own "wite" (thanks, John Lennon), well worth investigating.

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

Favorite moment: Vincent @

Setlist: American Pie, Vincent @

Opening act(s): Kitty Donohoe @

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Review 3 for Don McLean

5 / 5

My husband and I were courting all over again.

Keswick Theatre @

- Glenside @

,PA @

- Fri, Nov 13, 2009 @

Favorite moment: Hearing the opening quitar riff on "Crossroads." Those are the notes that I hear each and every time my husband picks up his guitar. @

Posted 11/16/2009

by DustingOff

Location: Keswick Theater, Glenside, PA

First of all I've never heard anyone sing and chew gum at the same time, but then I guess I still haven't since I never heard the chewing gum during the singing! I did find that an amazing feat. That voice is as strong as it was when I first heard "American Pie" way back when. All of the songs, whether they were original McLean, or Buddy Holly or the Beatles had that same signature sound that I remember and still love. I would go again. The only disappointment was not getting sing along to "Babylon," so my husband and I sang it on the way home with two voices rather than the three usually heard in a round. Lovely.

Keswick Theatre @

- Glenside @

,PA @

- Fri, Nov 13, 2009 @

Favorite moment: Hearing the opening quitar riff on "Crossroads." Those are the notes that I hear each and every time my husband picks up his guitar. @

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Review 4 for Don McLean

5 / 5

Don McLean still lays 'em in the aisle

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

Posted 11/16/2009

by Wazza

Location: Alexandria VA

Don McLean's music is ageless and so perfectly suited to the intimate setting afforded by the Birchmere in Virginia. This was more than just another recital by a famous artist, this was truly living history; with American Pie formally acknowledged by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts as one of the top 5 songs of the 20th Century (for those interested the other four were: "Over the Rainbow" by Judy Garland, "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby, "This Land Is Your Land" by Woody Guthrie, "Respect" by Aretha Franklin). But McLean brought his full repetoire to life at this show, ending the night with Castles in the Air. His voice is as good as it ever was...I'd go back and see him again tonight if he was playing.

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

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Review 5 for Don McLean

4 / 5

Don McLean was wonderful!

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

Posted 11/16/2009

by Anonymous

A very enjoyable concert--- he played what the audience expected, did it with some humor and made us remember why we enjoy him so much- I'm glad I went.

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

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Review 6 for Don McLean

4 / 5

Don McLean is a Fine Wine

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

Favorite moment: American Pie of course @

Posted 11/16/2009

by Gigge

Excellent show. He sounded as good as when I first started listening to him. Great intimate venue. FABULOUS personality and he came across as he still loves what he does -- and was having a Great Time !!

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

Favorite moment: American Pie of course @

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Review 7 for Don McLean

4 / 5

Don McLean was good

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

Favorite moment: Two Buddy Holly songs that he opened with. @

Posted 11/16/2009

by Anonymous

I was pleasantly surprised at the Don McLean concert. He's a talented singer and has some very good musicians in his band, especially the keyboard guy. I would not be described as a big Don McLean fan and, aside from "American Pie" and "Vincent" didn't really know any of his songs. However, he has several songs from the 60s/70s era and plays some from other popular artists, and he did a pretty good job at all of them. The band gets a little loud at times, and this was somewhat disappointing in its rendition of "American Pie", but the audience seemed to like that version rather than the quieter one we hear of the radio. McLean is entertaining and it was a good evening.

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

Favorite moment: Two Buddy Holly songs that he opened with. @

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Review 8 for Don McLean

5 / 5

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

Favorite moment: When he was asking for the beer, was so funny! @

Posted 11/15/2009

by Anamari55

I think his voice is wonderful! I had a wonderful time and enjoy his songs a lot! Made me go back in time and feel young again.

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

Favorite moment: When he was asking for the beer, was so funny! @

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Review 9 for Don McLean

4 / 5

McLean Still Has It

Keswick Theatre @

- Glenside @

,PA @

- Fri, Nov 13, 2009 @

Posted 11/15/2009

by Anonymous

Location: Keswick

Don McLean was in superb form last week at the Keswick. His voice was rich and strong, and the songs selected for the show were thoughtful and a great representation of his career. His performance of Vincent was one of the best live performances I've seen. Great show, great venue, would definitely go see him again.

Keswick Theatre @

- Glenside @

,PA @

- Fri, Nov 13, 2009 @

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Review 10 for Don McLean

5 / 5

McLean still hits the high notes

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

Favorite moment: Don singing Vincent. @

Setlist: Several Buddy Holly numbers, American Pie, Vincent and others. @

Opening act(s): Kitty Donohoe with Irish-American music @

Posted 11/15/2009

by Penny72

Location: Camp Spring, Maryland

On Saturday, November 14th, my daughter and I saw Don McLean at the Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia. I especially enjoyed the songs where he played with just the acoustic guitar and piano. Probably, I was too close to the stage, but the sound was very distorted on the rock and roll songs and American Pie. Nonetheless, these were wonderful too.

Don McLean always gives a complete performance. His encore with "Vincent" was exceptional.

The opening act, Kitty Donohoe was delightful. Her Irish-American music was wonderful. I particularly liked her song on the Great Chicago Fire from the viewpoint of Mrs. O'Leary's cow.

This was a great evening. Both Kitty Donohoe and Don McLean willingly autographed CDs and other items for the fans. He took the time to talk with these fans. The evening was awesome.

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

Favorite moment: Don singing Vincent. @

Setlist: Several Buddy Holly numbers, American Pie, Vincent and others. @

Opening act(s): Kitty Donohoe with Irish-American music @

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Review 11 for Don McLean

4 / 5

Don McLean was great!!!!

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

Favorite moment: Crying!!!! @

Setlist: American Pie, Starry, starry night, Vincent, Crying @

Posted 11/15/2009

by DoctorBernie

Location: South Florida

He came; he entertained; he got the audience involved!

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

Favorite moment: Crying!!!! @

Setlist: American Pie, Starry, starry night, Vincent, Crying @

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Review 12 for Don McLean

4 / 5

MCLEAN WAS GREAT

Bears Den At Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel @

- Niagara Falls @

,NY @

- Thu, Nov 12, 2009 @

Favorite moment: PLAYIN AND SINGEN TO AMERICAN PIE @

Setlist: SOME OFF DIFFERENT ALBUMS AND SOME BY OTHER ARTISTS @

Opening act(s): NONE @

Posted 11/15/2009

by WHITEY47

Location: ATTICA

GREAT SHOW. NICE FRIENDLY SEATING. GOOD SOUND , GREAT CHOICE OF SONGS.

Bears Den At Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel @

- Niagara Falls @

,NY @

- Thu, Nov 12, 2009 @

Favorite moment: PLAYIN AND SINGEN TO AMERICAN PIE @

Setlist: SOME OFF DIFFERENT ALBUMS AND SOME BY OTHER ARTISTS @

Opening act(s): NONE @

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Review 13 for Don McLean

4 / 5

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

Favorite moment: He let us reprise Miss American Pie until we practically couldn't sing any more @

Opening act(s): Kitty Donohoe - Irish, mostly ballads. Pleasant , but some of her songwriting was a little obscure. @

Posted 11/15/2009

by Anonymous

Don McLean still has it! He, of course, gave us what we wanted with "Bye, Bye, Miss American Pie" and "Starry, Starry Night," but he also gave us a great Don McLean take on some Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison and Glen Campbell favorites. The crowd was mostly "of a certain age" and enjoyed reliving reliving their youth. There also was a very nice rendition of "Dropping a Curtain on the Weekend" which instantly put me in mind of those wonderful 1960s San Francisco piano bars. Loved it!!

Just a couple of suggestions for McLean - Cut the new agey/muzakey keyboard accompaniments; they have a tendency to overpower. And, if McLean wants to continue using the promo pix from his youth, post a pix of how he looks today too. Own it, Don. Age is nothin' to be ashamed of. It's another year above ground ... and that's a good thing!!!

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

Favorite moment: He let us reprise Miss American Pie until we practically couldn't sing any more @

Opening act(s): Kitty Donohoe - Irish, mostly ballads. Pleasant , but some of her songwriting was a little obscure. @

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Review 14 for Don McLean

4 / 5

McLean at Birchmere

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

Favorite moment: Encore performances. @

Opening act(s): Kitty Donohue ... very nice performance. Self-assured with good audience rapport. She was an asset to the event. @

Posted 11/15/2009

by Mce34

Location: Arlington, VA

Major impression: TOO LOUD!
When McLean and the full backup group played together the sound level was, to my wife and me, almost unbelievably loud. I spent a good part of the evening with my fingers in my ears, which is not the right way to enjoy someone's performance. When McLean performed solo, which he did for a good part of the evening, he was great. He still "has it" and his fans really enjoyed the evening. I appreciate his writing more now then I did when I first heard him almost 40 years ago. A disappointment ... I really enjoyed his "Dreidel" song when I first heard it and really don't like his current "rock" version. When I got home I visited YouTube and found the ~1971 version I remembered, and still enjoy, along with a 1974 version that already deviated from the original. Of course, it is his song and he can do it as he wishes. But I really preferred the original. In fact, I prefer it to "American Pie."

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

Favorite moment: Encore performances. @

Opening act(s): Kitty Donohue ... very nice performance. Self-assured with good audience rapport. She was an asset to the event. @

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Review 15 for Don McLean

5 / 5

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

Setlist: All the 'hits' plus more. @

Posted 11/15/2009

by Anonymous

Location: northern virginia

Don McLean and his band were excellent. They sound as good as ever and he covered all the great oldies !

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

Setlist: All the 'hits' plus more. @

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Review 16 for Don McLean

2 / 5

McLean Act Disappointing

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

Favorite moment: Encore with "over the weekend" @

Setlist: 2 Buddy Holly songs, Magdelane Lane, Tulsa Time (Johnny Cash?), Vincent's Song, And I Love You So, American Pie, And I love you so, The Hobo, Dreidal, about 4-5 others, (maybe 2-3 I didn't recognize from early albums) @

Posted 11/15/2009

by ThisonesforJohn

Location: Birchmere, Alexandria VA (great venue)

Don McLean still has talent. His voice is strong. But the majority of the night he didn't care about the music. His stage attitude reminded us of William Shatner - a kind of arrogant sneer. The biggest problem with the show is that the suport music was terrible. The sound man literally had his chin in his hands all night despite multiple instances of feedback. The keyboard player was good but too loud overpowering the the musicians at time and using way too much synthesizer on 50% of the music. Easily the best performance of the evening was an encore song that I think was called "the weekend" or "over the weekend". The piano was excellent although slightly overplayed and McLean sang very well and passionatly. He said he had just learned it and it was not his song and it was lounge music (a la Tony Bennett) but it was really good and a direction McLean should look to. In our opinion he should have played 2 sets - one by himself of material off of his first 3-5 albums (without any support musicians) and the other set with support for his Buddy Holly favorites and similar more raucous music. Yes he played all 4-5 of his top 40 music. McLean did not have command of the stage musicians or the mix and as result several songs were spoiled or unlistenable. And most of the time I really don't think he cared - he's just done with 35-year old music.

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

Favorite moment: Encore with "over the weekend" @

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Review 17 for Don McLean

5 / 5

Don McLean - great for all ages!

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

Favorite moment: All of it! @

Setlist: can't remember, but only song I would have loved to hear that he didn't play was Winterwood. @

Opening act(s): Kitty Donohue @

Posted 11/15/2009

by AlohaMD

Took my ten year old daughter last night to see Don McLean at the Birchmere. Kitty Donohue opened - we were unfamiliar with her. Wow! She has the most beautiful voice, so enjoyable, her guitar playing was wonderful! My daughter loved her as well. Don McLean rocked! We loved his show - he played so many great tunes, his band was great, just the best show. He was very cordial afterwards, signing autographs. I got my daughter a CD and he signed it for her. She was thrilled to meet him! She loves his music. I am glad to see a young person enjoying GOOD music! And also, I am glad to share my enjoyment of his music with my child, as I've loved his music for 30 years myself.

Birchmere @

- Alexandria @

,VA @

- Sat, Nov 14, 2009 @

Favorite moment: All of it! @

Setlist: can't remember, but only song I would have loved to hear that he didn't play was Winterwood. @

Opening act(s): Kitty Donohue @

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Review 18 for Don McLean

5 / 5

Don McLean is phenomenal!

Keswick Theatre @

- Glenside @

,PA @

- Fri, Nov 13, 2009 @

Favorite moment: Song IN MY LIFE!!!! @

Opening act(s): none so show was even longer! @

Posted 11/14/2009

by Anonymous

Location: Philadelphia

Unforgetable tireless performer -just a great time!

Keswick Theatre @

- Glenside @

,PA @

- Fri, Nov 13, 2009 @

Favorite moment: Song IN MY LIFE!!!! @

Opening act(s): none so show was even longer! @

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Review 19 for Don McLean

5 / 5

Keswick Theatre @

- Glenside @

,PA @

- Fri, Nov 13, 2009 @

Posted 11/14/2009

by Anonymous

Excellent concert. Don McLean was very down to earth and genuine.

Keswick Theatre @

- Glenside @

,PA @

- Fri, Nov 13, 2009 @

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Review 20 for Don McLean

4 / 5

DaveJnkntwn

Keswick Theatre @

- Glenside @

,PA @

- Fri, Nov 13, 2009 @

Favorite moment: I enjoyed his re-stringing of his guitar during American Pie and the rendition of Vincent, my wife loved his version of Crying.. @

Opening act(s): HE was his own opening act and was proud of it. @

Posted 11/14/2009

by DaveJnkntwn

Location: Jenkintown, Pa

My wife and I had a great time at the performance. We only wished he had sung more of his own music.

Keswick Theatre @

- Glenside @

,PA @

- Fri, Nov 13, 2009 @

Favorite moment: I enjoyed his re-stringing of his guitar during American Pie and the rendition of Vincent, my wife loved his version of Crying.. @

Opening act(s): HE was his own opening act and was proud of it. @

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