Review by Natasha Wyborn
Don McLean Live in Concert
Palais Theatre Melbourne Australia
Saturday, 29th April 2023.
Don Mclean has been announcing through his extensive 19-date Australian tour that this would be his last. On Saturday night, it was Melbourne’s turn to experience the 77-year-old American troubadour’s presence and what better venue to see him than the Palais Theatre.
McLean, dressed casually in a black shirt and jeans, walked onto the stage backed by his long-term five-piece band. This fabulous five some have travelled hundreds of thousands of miles through the years; in every way, there is mutual appreciation, be it by a nod of the head or an open thank you. Tony Migliore sitting in pride of place at the piano.
Mclean’s twenty studio albums starting with Tapestry released in 1969 Mclean has proven over 50 years he is not only a stayer in the industry but firmly deserves his place amongst the prime of America’s songwriters.
The set tonight was a combination of originals and handpicked covers from some of the greats. Mclean has highlighted his heroes throughout the years, some in verse, others verbally. The set built through the night from the opening number ‘So Dogone Lonesome’ a cover of the 1955 Johnny Cash hit. Followed by Mclean’s idol ‘Fool’s Paradise’ a B-side song from Buddy Holly.
‘Botanical Garden’ written by Mclean on one of his twenty career trips to Australia is followed by ‘Lucky Guy’ from the same album. Mclean is appreciative the audience is reactive to the lesser-known songs. ‘Jerusalem’ is a tribute to the number of years Mclean spent in the Middle East. There is a genuine love of the country of Israel and this city. ‘Crossroads’ from American Pie highlights Mclean’s timeless vocals complete with only Migliore on piano providing an almost airy atmosphere to the packed theatre.
Mclean takes a moment to engage with the audience describing himself as an ‘inventor of music, not a songwriter’ No matter what thought is reflected the outcome for over fifty years has been incredible.
‘Dreidel’ from the 1972 self-titled album had an up-tempo touch to the set. Mclean pauses briefly before singing a haunting version of ‘The State of Arkansas’. A tribute to Lee Haize followed introducing of all songs the Beach Boys classic ‘Sloop John B’. A brief silence during the set is met with the crisp and perpetual lyrics of ‘Starry Starry Night’. The crowd erupts and sings silently to the powerful words of ‘Vincent’. Mclean introduces ‘Castles In The Air ‘as he casually sits and tunes his guitar
Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup’s ‘That’s All Right’ was promptly followed by ‘Little Sister’ both songs also hit for Elvis Presley and got the pacemakers kicking. Mclean took the time to tell the story of his encounter with the great Roy Orbison ‘It was at Johnny Cash’s house when he was nominated for a Grammy Award. Orbison was noted to say, ‘You got robbed, Don’, referring to his award loss. Singing a near-pitch-perfect version of his number one smash ‘Crying’ was well received throughout the theatre evoking applause and even tears from the audience.
‘American Boy’ raised the tempo before former Johnny Cash guitarist Kerry Marx on electric guitar teased the audience with perhaps the most famous riff in country music ‘Folsom Prison Blues’. American Pie complete with an almost ten-minute version with a repeated chorus followed, ‘The day the music died’ are some of the most famous lyrics in modern music. Almost all of the crowd knew the words, infectiously, the entire audience, one by one, joined the choir. Taking up Mclean’s invitation to ‘Dance if you want to’ fans rose to join the classic one last time.
There was no encore instead, Mclean finished the nineteen-song set with an up-tempo version of ‘Heartbreak Hotel. Just like that with the raising of a guitar, a brief pause to take in the audience as he was walking off stage and then, he was gone.
Mclean has managed throughout his career to preserve his voice with numerous highlights throughout the evening. On stage, there are no backup singers, and Mclean plays the entire show, a rarity for singers half his age.
As Mclean heads for the USA via New Zealand you can’t help but feel a moment of sadness as there will be no more shows or visits down under. I left with a feeling of gratefulness to be able to see and witness live for the last time one of the greatest troubadours of the twentieth century.
Set List
So Doggone Lonesome, Fool’s Paradise, no more ‘pie’ for the audience to share, Botanical Gardens, The Lucky Guy, Crossroads, Jerusalem, Dreidel, State of Arkansas (Acapella), Sloop John B (Tribute to Lee Haize), Sleep Walk (Tribute to Santo and Johnny), Vincent, Castles In The Air, That’s All Right, Little Sister, Crying, American Boy, Folsom Prison Blues, American Pie, Heartbreak Hotel.
It was great to see one of Australia’s best songwriters supporting Mclean. Andrew Farriss known as part of the song writing team behind numerous INXS classics. Recently he has expanded his talents to country, especially Americana music. Saturday nights setlist included songs from his self-titled debut album and recently released five-song EP; two INXS songs completed the set. Farriss modestly introduced his latest piece of work ‘You Are My Rock’ informing the audience it recently made the Top 40 USA Billboard charts, a place over the years he has been very familiar with.
Set List
Come Midnight, Tears in the Rain, Beautiful Girl, Apache Pass, Never Tear Us Apart, Love Makes the World, You Are My Rock