UPDATE 26/02/16: Don McLean has pulled out of Bluesfest 2016 and has postponed his Australian tour until 2017. His management has released a statement explaining the cancellations.
Original Story: American Pie tunesmith Don McLean has been arrested in the US for allegedly committing a domestic violence assault.
The singer – who is scheduled to perform at Byron Bay’s Bluesfest in just two months’ time – was reportedly handcuffed at his mansion in Maine after police responded to a 911 call at around 2am on Monday.
He was charged with domestic violence, which is categorised as a Class D misdemeanour in the ‘States.
According to TMZ, the 70-year-old music veteran was then taken to the Knox County Jail where the above grizzly mugshot was taken, before being released on a US$10,000 bail bond.
Though no details have been released about the events leading to McLean’s arrest, Corporal Bradley Woll did tell The Independent, “It’s not every day that we get a celebrity, that’s for sure.”
McLean lives in Camden with his wife Patrisha, and is scheduled to appear before Knox County District Court on February 22nd, just one month before Australia’s Bluesfest extravaganza is due to kick off.
Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see whether vocal activist group Collective Shout launch a campaign to see McLean wave bye-bye-Miss-American-Pie to his Australian tour as a result of his arrest, following their previous campaigns to ban rappers Snoop Dogg, Chris Brown and Tyler, The Creator from coming to our shores (based on their “misogynistic lyrics” and Brown’s own history of domestic violence).
Music Feeds has contacted Bluesfest organisers for comment.
UPDATE 2pm AEST:
Bluesfest organisers have commented on the situation, and have assured Music Feeds that Don’s legal issues are currently not impacting his upcoming Australian appearance. See the full statement below:
“We have heard more information on this:
He had an argument with his wife –(verbal).
NO ASSAULT OCCURRED.
Someone in his house called the police.
Police did what they must do under law – remove one of the people.
He has been charged with a misdemeanour.
So it will not affect his performance.”
For those needing assistance 1800 Respect – the National Sexual Assault Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service – can be reached on 1800 737 732.
Watch: Done McLean – American Pie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ih7N9_VUU4U
