DON McLean has confirmed a UK gig for this year after stepping back from major tours.
The American Pie singer soared to fame in the early 70s with a series of hit singles, solidifying his status as one of the most successful singer-songwriters of his generation.
But with retirement on the horizon, the 78-year-old has assured UK fans of one final visit as he prepares to perform at Leicester’s Long Road festival.
He will be headlining alongside Russell Dickerson with other big names scheduled to perform throughout the weekend event.
The incredible country festival is set to return to Leicestershire this year, taking place at Stanford Hall at the end of August.
Speaking about making his way back across the pond, the American star said he was “delighted” to play at the festival, which sold out in 2023.
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He shared: “I am delighted to return to England. Since I have decided to stop doing bus tours of distant destinations, I will still return for special performances.
“I love England and look forward to seeing my audience again.”
Don last toured in the UK two years ago to mark the 50th anniversary of his global number one hit single American Pie.
Until 2021, the single held the record for being the longest song ever to top the American charts.
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He has since opted to scale back from regular tours and now prefers to dedicate his time to special performances at selected festivals.
In 2021, Don opened up about future retirement plans with his former Playboy model girlfriend Paris Dylan who is 48 years his junior.
After a star-studded career, Don told The Times that he has “an overwhelming desire to retire to [his] farm in Maine and not talk to anyone”.
He confirmed that his 30-year-old girlfriend was part of the retirement plan.
He said: “Oh, she’ll be with me. I’ll have horses too. I like animals. I like them a lot more than people in many ways.”
The pair got together soon after his marriage to his second wife, Patrisha Shnier broke down in 2016.
The couple divorced after domestic violence accusations which saw the singer arrested and charged.
