Don McLean said people still talk to him about his appearance on the Late Late Show with Gay Byrne almost 50 years ago but admitted: “I can hardly remember it”.
However, the American Pie hitmaker, who appeared on the RTE chat show in the 1970s where he performed his popular rendition of Mountains of Mourne, said he can remember his meeting with the iconic Irish presenter clearly.
The 76-year-old singer said: “I played it many years ago on Late night[Late Late Show] with Gay Byrne, and to this day I am reminded of that, and told about it... and I can hardly remember it.”
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“But I liked him,” he added, recalling the late RTE host.
“He reminded me of one of the Irish Christian Brothers I had at school.”
The seasoned singer songwriter has a string of world renowned hits on his hands, including American Pie, Vincent, Castles in the Air and And I Love You So.
But he says his Irish fans have always had a special connection with his interpretation of the Mountains of Mourne.
He explained: “The song the Mountains of Mourne, which I think I’m known for in Ireland almost as much as any other song, was put on an album called Playing Favourites. It was the third or fourth record that I made in the 1970s.
“I had gotten so tired of writing songs that I wanted to make an album of songs that I just liked.
“So for the first time, Rolling Stone gave me a good review. And it was a nice record that I really liked but suddenly that particular track, The Mountains of Mourne, took off in Ireland and I think it became number one and played all over the radio.”
The legendary US artist was speaking at the Museum of Style Icons in Newbridge Silverware, in County Kildare, where he opened a special exhibition dedicated to his life and works.
The free to enter exhibition, ‘Don McLean – Starry, Starry Night’ is a curation of some of the singer’s most famous and iconic costumes and personal property such as jewellery, instruments, and favourite garments and accessories.
This includes the guitar he played for his hit song ‘Vincent, (Starry, Starry Night)’ and the crimson sweater he wore for the cover of his American Pie album.
It comes as the singer, who will perform in Dublin’s 3Arena tonight is marking the 50th anniversary of his biggest hit, American Pie’.
Reflecting on its success still to this day, Don told how the tune was ten years in the making for him from when he first started out,
He also recalled struggling to find inspiration again after reaching that peak in his career, saying: “I don’t think I was as good of a songwriter after that...
“Because I became the subject of things and I was not happy with that. So it was a struggle then.. Before it was an adventure and I was excited about where it was headed. But once I’d got there, I realised it was going to be less fun. I don’t think I was as inspired after that.”
But the legendary singer said he tries not to get too bogged down looking back at his huge success and achievements in his career, adding laughing:
“I try not to do that, I have a big enough head as it is. And I’m not joking.”
“Honestly I don’t think about stuff like that. When people say things to me and tell me their stories, and how much the songs mean to people and are part of their family life, and personal life, it is unbelievable.
“I don’t know what to say but I do know how they feel because I have similar experiences with other artists’ songs that keep me going.”
The museum exhibition will go on public display for just under one month before it goes for auction by Julien’s Auctions on the 11th of November 2022.
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