We’re offering an exclusive first look at McLean’s 1991 rendition of a Buddy Holly classic.
Now here’s a welcome blast from the past: For the first time, singer-songwriter Don McLean has brought his legendary Live in Manchester concert to the digital world.
Previously available only as a 2CD/DVD physical set, this 1991 concert – recorded at Manchester, England’s historic Free Trade Hall — had been thought lost for over 20 years until its 2014 remastered release. But starting this weekend, fans worldwide can experience the magic of that night in high-quality digital audio and video as StarVista Music releases Live in Manchester across YouTube and all major streaming platforms.
“It’s hard to believe this concert was sitting unheard for so long,” McLean said in a prepared statement. “It was a special night for me in 1991. I remember the electricity in that hall. We were in Manchester, but the energy felt like everybody in the world was singing along. I played everything from ‘American Pie’ to Buddy Holly’s ‘Everyday’ – Buddy was one of my heroes, so opening with his song was my tribute to the roots of rock ’n’ roll.
“I’m thrilled that, thanks to StarVista, fans everywhere can now experience this show as if they were there. It’s like unlocking a time capsule – the music sounds just as fresh and alive today, and I can’t wait for people to enjoy it on their favorite streaming platforms.”
Here is a C&I exclusive clip of McLean’s 1991 rendition of “Everyday.”
And speaking of Buddy Holly: Artifacts donated by McLean will be included in Not Fade Away: The Immersive Surf Ballroom Experience, a permanent first-of-its-kind experience honoring the legacy of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson in the Surf Ballroom of Clear Lake, Iowa.
Opening festivities kick off Thursday, September 4, with a book signing and special preview, leading up to the full exhibit debut and ribbon cutting on Sunday, September 7 – which would have been Buddy Holly’s 88th birthday.
Among the items on display: An autographed copy of McLean’s 1971 LP American Pie, which paid tribute to the late rock ‘n’ roller in its enduringly popular title cut, and one of McLean’s own guitars.
“Buddy Holly’s music never fades. Not fade away tomorrow, will not fade away ever.” – Don McLean
“I’m afraid I won’t be able to attend the grand opening,” McLean told C&I, “but I’m certainly proud to be a part of the Surf Ballroom, and a part of the Buddy Holly story. And I'm sure it'll be a big success. In fact, not only a big success — it will always be in existence because Buddy Holly’s music never fades. Not fade away tomorrow, will not fade away ever.”
Looking back at the chart-topping success of his “American Pie” song, McLean added: “I’m so happy that I’m a person who had a hand in bringing Buddy Holly back to the forefront where he belongs back in 1971, when old rock and roll singers were pretty much forgotten. After John Goldrosen published his biography Buddy Holly: His Life and Music back in 1975, he wrote me a beautiful letter. He said, ‘Before “American Pie” came out, nobody wanted to put this book out. Afterwards, I had publishers calling me.’
“And so that book came out, and then the movie [The Buddy Holly Story] got made. And it all really started because of ‘American Pie’ getting radio stations to get back to Buddy’s music, and all that other beautiful music from the 1950s and’60s. Which was great.”
