American Pie star comes to aid of county hospice
AMERICAN singer-songwriter Don McLean is the latest music legend to sign a guitar raising money for a hospice for children and young people.
The classic Fender Stratocaster, thought to be worth a five-figure sum, already features the signatures of some of the world’s leading guitarists, including Eric Clapton, Queen’s Brian May and Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page.
It went missing, however, 10 years ago and was only recovered by Leicestershire Police earlier this year when it appeared for sale on eBay.
It is now back in the hands of Dave Allen, a former music promoter, who has resumed a mission to collect the signatures of as many famous guitar figures as possible before it is sold in aid of the Rainbows Hospice.
McLean, whose hits include American Pie and Vincent, said he was “honoured” to add his name to the roll of honour.
Taking time out to sign the guitar before taking to the stage for a performance at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall during his current UK tour, he said: “It is great that this is all going to help children with life-limiting conditions. It’s a wonderful thing.”
As previously reported, Dave, 59, was “amazed” when the instrument, which vanished en route from London to Leicester, resurfaced after a decade.
He said: “Don is the latest legendary name to sign the guitar and I am incredibly thankful to him and others who have signed up to help this amazing charity by adding their names.”
Other famous signatures on the guitar are Dire Straits’ Mark Knopfler; Bill Wyman, former bassist with The Rolling Stones; the late Gary Moore, of Thin Lizzy fame, and The Who’s Pete Townshend.
Dave has vowed to collect further big names before the Stratocaster is sold at auction in December. Rock star Alice Cooper has also pledged to sign the guitar next month during his world tour with his band, The Hollywood Vampires.
The line-up features Hollywood actor Johnny Depp, who is an accomplished rock guitarist.
Dave said: “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Johnny Depp signed too?”
Also in his sights before December are Sir Paul McCartney, Rolling Stone Keith Richards, former Yardbirds guitarist Jeff Beck and exBlack Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne.
Andy Goss, of Rainbows Hospice, said: “The story of this guitar is amazing as are the names who have left their mark on the Stratocaster to help youngsters with life-limiting conditions and their families.
“We take our hat off to Dave for his incredible efforts and determination to complete his remarkable project to support our work here at the hospice.”