The legendary singer-songwriter, Don McLean, visited the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit in Hollywood, California, where he performed his hit song “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night) on Monday morning, February 28^th. Don McLean’s one-time performance takes part in his celebration of the 50^th Anniversary of his popular album American Pie and hit song “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night).

The Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit, located at the Lighthouse Immersive Los Angeles, quite literally brings Van Gogh’s art to life. Guests can physically step into the world of Van Gogh’s most famous paintings as every surface is covered with digitalized renderings of his work. The dimly lit exhibit covers every wall and space imaginable, especially every inch of the flooring with the beloved The Starry Night painting.

Don McLean performed “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)” in the center of the gallery, surrounded by the sole inspiration of the song. The passionate acoustic performance was incredibly moving as McLean honored once again the 19^th-century Dutch Post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh. The soothing melody playing alongside McLean’s brilliant voice enchanted the room, fully submerging guests into The Starry Night and Van Gogh’s thoughts.

 

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McLean wrote “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night) in the fall of 1970 after looking through a book about the life of Van Gogh. McLean desired to speak on a new perspective about the painter, specifically, the artist’s thoughts through his own painting. McLean sympathized with Van Gogh in the lyrics as he emphasized the misunderstanding of the artist’s mental health.

After the performance, McLean took a quick tour around the building and participated in a few interviews. The Grammy-Award Honoree spoke about the importance of mental health and stated that everyone, at some level, struggles with mental health. McLean also mentioned how he relates to Van Gogh as he now finds himself unsure of how he has remained successful for the past 50 years but is glad he has always managed to freely express his creativity in all his work.

Don McLean will continue celebrating the 50^th Anniversary of American Pie with a world tour this year, which includes a stop at The Saban in Beverly Hills, California on Friday, July 1^st.

Featured Image by Vivien Killilea Best/Getty Images