Everyone knows the song American Pie… the wistful melancholy at the song's heart, paired with its great melody and the slight mystery of its subject matter make for a classic pop song. It's difficult not to be swept along by the wry clear-sightedness and touching sincerity of The Legendary Don McLean. – BBC Music

One of America's most enduring singer-songwriters, Don McLean is staunchly associated with his signature hits, American Pie and Vincent – two wildly-popular classics that are still often heard on radio today.

Born in 1945 in New Rochelle, New York, he released his first album Tapestry in 1970. Of the tracks on the album, And I Love You So was covered by Perry Como for a Top 30 hit in 1973, while Empty Chairs inspired Killing Me Softly with His Song (written by Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox), which became a Grammy winner and a huge hit for Roberta Flack.

McLean's second album, American Pie (1971), includes the irresistibly catchy title track. The No. 1 hit is ultimately a sentimental song about America that could be embraced by everybody as the country reeled from Vietnam and Watergate. And who can forget the opening lines "Starry starry night…" of Vincent? Also taken from the same album, this single reached No. 1 in the UK.

Since hitting the charts in 1971, McLean has amassed over 40 gold and platinum records worldwide, with his discography including albums like the 1972 self-titled release, Playin' Favorites (1973), Homeless Brother (1974), Chain Lightning (1978), Believers (1981) and The River of Love (1995).

In 2004, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. His songs have been recorded by artists from every musical genre, most notably Madonna's No. 1 recording of American Pie in 2000 and George Michael's 2003 version of The Grave, which was sung in protest at the Iraq War. American Pie was also voted number 5 in a poll of the 365 "Songs of the Century" compiled by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts. McLean continues to tour the world and record new material. In 2009, his latest studio album of original compositions, Addicted to Black, was released. This was followed by a seven-nation European tour in 2010.

Don't miss this chance of a lifetime to watch the master songsmith work his folk-rock wonders on stage, together with his band members, Anthony Migliore (keyboards), Ralph Childs (bass), Douglas Kroon (drums) and Carl Vipperman (guitar).

$48*, $68**, $88, $108
(Limited concessions for students, NSF and senior citizens: $30*, $50**)

Mosaic Friends Special
Buy the top-priced ticket at $98 (U.P. $108). Present your Mosaic Friend card for purchase at Esplanade Box Office and all SISTIC's authorised agents. Online booking is also available. To sign up to be a Mosaic Friend, visit www.mosaicmusicfestival.com.

Visa Infinite and Visa Signature Card Specials
Enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne with every ticket purchased for the concert (except concession tickets). The champagne is redeemable with your promotion ticket stub at the Concert Hall foyer bars on the day of the concert. Terms and conditions apply.