AMERICAN singer-songwriter Don McLean will kick off his final UK and Ireland tour in Glasgow next year.
McLean will begin his final UK and Ireland tour at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Tuesday, May 11, 2027.
He will then perform across the UK and Ireland before closing the tour at London’s Royal Albert Hall—a venue he first played more than 50 years ago.
Known for timeless songs such as American Pie and Vincent, McLean remains one of the last active artists from the 1960s Greenwich Village folk scene.
His final UK and Ireland tour reflects a long and cherished relationship with audiences on this side of the Atlantic.
McLean said: "I love these audiences.
"They have kept me going for 55 years and given me a career I could not have had anywhere else.
"A troubadour has to make his farewells somewhere, and I would rather choose the place myself.
"The Albert Hall was the first room that ever felt like it belonged to me, and it seems right that it should be the last."
McLean's history with the UK stretches back to a 1972 tour just months after American Pie topped the charts, and he has since performed at major festivals and iconic venues across the country.
McLean’s connections to Glasgow are personal as well as professional.
His father and grandfather were both named Donald McLean and were of Scottish descent.
He first performed in Glasgow in 1973 at the Apollo.
In 1975, McLean drew a crowd of 100,000 to London’s Hyde Park, a record only surpassed by The Rolling Stones at the time.
He has also achieved UK number one singles in both the 1970s and 1980s, including Crying and Vincent.
His influence and legacy have continued into the 21st century, with collaborations and tributes from artists like Ellie Goulding, Ed Sheeran, and Tyson Fury.
The Farewell Tour will feature songs from his extensive catalogue, including Castles in the Air and And I Love You So, as well as material from his 22nd studio album, American Boys, released in May 2024.
The tour will continue from Glasgow to Belfast, Dublin, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Gateshead, and London.
Each city holds special significance in McLean’s career, from his early performances during the Troubles in Belfast to his first British television special recorded in Birmingham.
Tickets for all shows except London go on sale on September 18 at 10am, with London tickets available from October 2 at 10am.
