So bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry…
You know the chorus, but can you claim to know the real-life stories behind Don McLean’s groundbreaking song?
You soon will do as they’re being told in hit live show Inside American Pie which is being staged in Leicester next month.
Written to commemorate the 1959 plane crash that took the lives of American musical icons Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper, the song about ‘the day the music died’ is crammed with riddles and references to world-changing events in 20th century history.
What led to that tragic night in 1959? How do The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, and Charles Manson all fit in? Why were the Rolling Stones blamed for a murder? And who was the real Miss American Pie?
Direct from Harmony House in Hunter River, Prince Edward Island, Mike Ross and his talented band of Island musicians will be unlocking the mysteries behind this classic song in a concert experience that’s been thrilling audiences for five years and counting.
Combining an iconic setlist – including Janis Joplin’s ‘Piece of my Heart’, Bob Dylan’s ‘The Times they are-a Changin’, The Beatles’ ‘Helter Skelter’ and of course, Don McLean’s ‘American Pie’ – with remarkable stories, Inside American Pie will take you on a musical journey from the ‘50s all the way through the ‘60s. You’ll never hear ‘American Pie’ the same way again.
The show’s co-creator Mike Ross said: “There aren’t many songs that are as much a part of our shared cultural DNA as Don McLean’s ‘American Pie’.
“It’s been a fantastic experience to explore its meanings and references in a way that weaves our interpretations of the lyrics with a setlist including some of the greatest songs of the 20th century – all played live by the most amazing multi-talented singers and musicians, the same group that’s been performing the show together for years.
“It’s a real journey through history, culture and music and by the end, we can guarantee you’ll have learnt something new and you’ll be joining us to sing along with the chorus!”
INSIDE AMERICAN PIE will run in the Studio Theatre at Curve in Leicester from February 26 – March 14 2026.
Tickets are on sale now. To find out more and book, visit www.curveonline.co.uk, call 0116 242 3595 or visit Curve’s Box Office in-person.
