Inside American Pie - docu-concert review

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Think you know Don McLean's hit track, 'American Pie'? Think again. This meticulously crafted docu-concert reimagines the history-laden hit with a lens that leaves you desperate for all your favourite songs to be dissected in the same way. Certain to change the way you hear it forever more, Inside American Pie will offer a revolutionary understanding of music and the deep-rooted culture it projects.

A docu-concert is a fascinating concept, rarely explored and requiring mastery. Effectively weaving a setlist amongst biographically accurate storytelling is a feat in itself, but the presentation of this show, reflecting several legacies and the complexities of thoughtful lyricicsm, is impressive. As noted, a great artist invites interpretation of their work, and the amount of details and intertwined references to be deciphered is a treat. Line by line, the Canadian quintet of immensely talented musicians delve into the choices behind the very clever wordplay, that highlights the careful consideration that often goes overlooked when creating such a masterpiece.

Led by Mike Ross, alongside Alicia Toner, Brielle Ansems, Greg Gale, and Kirk White, they each display incredible skill across a vast range of instruments, with vocal versatility and a charm between them that neatly demonstrates the connection music provides humanity. The staging aesthetics paired with some dynamic lighting use works well for the intimate vibe, providing an atmosphere that draws the audience in with every note or word spoken. With a run time of approximately 1.5 hours straight through (no interval), this keeps the flow nicely, as once the band get started, there's no desire for a break for the show to stop. Given the amount of intracies in the song, there's definitely more to be said than is able to get covered in this, but sadly it has to end somewhere...

Both Don's personal experiences and those contextual of the 1950s and 60s society are consistently examined, giving an abundance of engaging points to expand upon. Some are fairly explicit in their portrayal, for example, young McLean delivering newspapers as a young boy in the cold, and seeing the headline, whereas other parts require several potential options of meaning to figuratively understand how it may link - who is the jester? See the show, and you'll find out!

Decoding what 'Miss American Pie' actually means is just the beginning, as incidents of misconceived lyrics (which shall be saved for your viewing, to ensure you have the same moments of amazed realisation as the rest of the audience collectively) make the tune we gaily sing without thought much more cohesive with its narrative. As many know, the track mirrors the solemn reaction of music fans when the plane crash that killed legendary industry trailblazer Buddy Holly, alongside upcoming artists, Ritchie Valens, and "The Big Bopper" J. P. Richardson. However, this overarching theme acts as a catalyst for powerful commentary on American societal change, including ideas of religion, conflict and politics. A remarkable reminder of how fate can alter reality is conveyed too - there were a long string of events that led to those particular individuals being on the plane and facing devastating consequences.

Interjecting the Inside American Pie journey with examples of Don's many musical influences, lines like 'Helter Skelter in a summer swelter', prompt a rendition of The Beatles' 'Helter Skelter', while 'I met a girl who sang the blues' causing a subsequent tribute to Janis Joplin, of whom it refers. Being a song of this age and calibre, an online deep dive into 'American Pie' is perfectly feasible, but the performance truly brings it to life in a way you can't encounter without the shared presence that live staging provides. With a few more questions still needing answers, and Don still touring, there's hope further can be said about the iconic track.

Five whole verses, and you'll still leave wanting more. Don McLean's work lives on, and so does the music - it shall never die. Inside American Pie is a wonderfully polished piece that reinvents the blend of informative storytelling and musical performance in a uniquely brilliant way.