Long, long time ago Don McLean had a hit with American Pie. Fifty five years later, we still love the song and Don will be playing it live during his October Australian tour to celebrate that 55th anninversary.

Don chats about his life and times, including American Pie and why he is still performing at the age of 80. The ongoing musical autopsy on the song American Pie is not a concern to Don, as he tells me "It is the hand I have been dealt. And it is a winning hand."

I also ask Don: Is American Pie his greatest work?

How did it feel to have a classic song written about him? 

Who are the three men he admires most ? 

Don McLean's American Pie 55th Anniversary Tour begins October 10 at Mareeba. Tickets at Ticketmaster and more at https://donmclean.com/      

By comparison, the relatively youthful Mental As Anything are only celebrating their 50th anniversary. Reg Mombassa and Peter O'Doherty, musical and real life brothers, join me to discuss the new tour, the documentary that chronicles the band's history and some of their favourite moments from those heady days. 

Described as an ambitionless band, the Mentals had a string of top 40 hits spanning three decades, sold out shows across Australia and international success when they least expected it.

The Mental As Anything 50th Anniversary Tour starts June 12 at The Gov in Adelaide tickets at Ticketmaster. More at  www.mentalasanything.com 

Coming soon Episode 36 with Eric McCusker of Mondo Rock fame.       

Post-production by Chris Gates

For Howdy Partners Media

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