Can you believe it is 50 years since Don McLean’s landmark song, American Pie was at number one in Australia? Eight and a half minutes long, a worldwide hit that has stood the test of time, the song has become an anthem, a lament for the passing of an era, a song you love or hate. One review at the time said the song was ‘pretentious junk sung by a sanctimonious folkie’. Another said ‘if you believe in rock ‘n’ roll, go out and buy American Pie.’

Its cryptic lyrics have been the subject of numerous interpretations. When Don himself was asked what they mean, his answer was ‘they mean I don’t have to work any more’.

Shortis and Simpson, always happy to mark an anniversary, will present their take on American Pie at Belconnen Arts Centre 10 & 11 June. Shortis’s research and quirky interpretation combines with Simpson switching between the songs of Buddy Holly, Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Byrds, The Stones, Roberta Flack, and much more.

It’s a social and political history of Australia and the world in the fifties, sixties and early seventies, a blend of songs and stories, surprising information, many laughs, and the odd moving moment.