DON McLEAN: New album and tour on the way
Don McLean's new album, Botanical Gardens, offers up more slices of life from the master storyteller who gave us "American Pie."
Don recently discussed details on the new album:
"Well, there are a whole variety of songs on the record. And there is one additional song, like a postscript, which is a popular song that I just sing with a piano, called 'Last Night When We Were Young,' which is the end of the record. And it's all about romance and life, looking back on your life."
Surprisingly, the suburban New York native says the title wasn't inspired by the Bronx Botantical Gardens, minutes away from where he grew up. McLean points to "walks I had in the Botanical Garden in Sydney, Australia. It became kind of a metaphor for heaven or a Shangri-La of some sort."
And while peers of his such as Neil Diamond, Elton John and Neil Sedaka are dramatically cutting back on their work, McLean is in the midst of a two-year world tour that will bring him to Israel, Germany, France and Italy later this year.
JOHN LENNON: Back in his hometown
John Lennon will be on display in his hometown of Liverpool.
Double Fantasy – John & Yoko opens at the Museum of Liverpool on May 18th. It is drawn from Yoko’s private collection, and among the items on display are:
- Hand-written lyrics for "In My Life," "Give Peace a Chance," Happy Xmas (War is Over)" and "Woman"
- Grapefruit – Yoko’s book, which she gave to John as a gift in 1966
- Original artwork by both, including The Daily Howl, John's hand-made book from his childhood and numerous examples of his distinctive line drawings
- John’s wire-rimmed glasses, Yoko’s large Porsche sunglasses, clothing, including John’s New York City T-shirt, and items from their wedding outfits
- A Sardonyx guitar used by John on the album, Double Fantasy, and the acoustic Gibson guitar, illustrated on by John, from their 1969 Bed-Ins
- John’s green card
Speaking of the exhibit, Yoko says, "We were a very simple couple just loving each other every day and I just wanted to show the simple truth of us. In our personal life we were pretty simple people, and we made all sorts of things with love for each other. Everything was made out of love. We found that we were both very strongly interested in world peace. I feel John and I are still working together. I always feel his warmth next to me.”
The exhibit runs through April 22nd of next year.
STEVEN TYLER: Being honored in Nashville
May 10th has been proclaimed Steven Tyler Day in Nashville.
Mayor David Briley will present the proclamation prior to the world premiere of the new documentary Steven Tyler: Out on a Limb, which opens the 49th annual Nashville Film Festival that night.
Tyler says, "Nashville is a key part of my musical journey and has had an influential place in my career, so this recognition from the city is a tremendous honor. I'm also so touched that the Nashville Film Festival selected Steven Tyler: Out on a Limb to kick off opening night of this year's event with our world premiere."
Two days later, Tyler and his side band, The Loving Mary, will perform in Nashville at The Woods at Fontanel, which is situated on the old estate of country singer Barbara Mandrell.
The documentary will be released on video on demand and digitally on May 15th.