Concert Review
Don McLean
Thursday May 28, 2026
West Herr Riviera Theatre
North Tonawanda, NY
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto
A long, long time ago, I can still remember as a young kid playing the “American Pie” 45 on my record player. It was unique in that the song was so long it had to be divided into part one and part two in which each part took up both side of the single. So you had to play part one then flip the single over to play the song in proper sequence. Well Thursday night after all these years I finally was able to catch McLean live in concert. Even at 80 years old he did not disappoint.
McLean noted how he disliked artists that refuse to play their hits. He said they need to get out of show business. He reiterated how he makes sure everyone leaves satisfied and satisfied they were as “And I Love You So” and the Roy Orbison cover of “Crying” prompted some standing ovations early on.
Of course two of the biggest songs “Castles in the Air” and the #12 smash “Vincent” went over absolutely perfect to the audience. “Vincent” while appearing on the American Pie album has an entirely different flavor as opposed to the title track and has always been a fan favorite.
But the song most came for and the one that got everyone out of their seats was of course “American Pie”. The song that topped the U.S. chart in January of 1972 and has since been selected for preservation in the U.S. Library of Congress’s for being culturally, historically or aesthetically significant. That makes it a top honor that many do not achieve.
McLean once was asked what did “American Pie” mean for him. He was quoted saying “it means I’ll never have to work another day in my life.” But he also mentioned during the show that he should have retired years ago but enjoys playing music and loves the fans too much which is why he continues to be on the road. It always amazes me how some artists can play a show over 90 minutes at an advanced age and give their fans their all. McLean is perhaps one of the more under appreciated artists still on the road today and the fact that he keeps performing at the level he does this late into his career is a testament to him.
Set List
Headroom
Fool’s Paradise
Crossroads
Botanical Gardens
Believe What You Say (rick Nelson Cover)
And I Love You So
The Lucky Guy
Jerusalem
Crying
Tulsa Time
Sometimes
Hide Nor Hair
Vincent
Castles In The Air
The Wrong Thing To Do/When A Good Thing Goes Bad
Prime Time
American Boys
American Pie
American Pie (reprise)
