With iconic hits like “American Pie” and “Vincent,” Don McLean is one of America's most beloved and enduring artists. He will be performing at the Ra'anana Amphitheater on June 16. Since first hitting the charts in 1971, McLean has amassed more than 40 gold and platinum records worldwide, and in 2004 was inducted into the Songwriters' Hall of Fame. Over the years a number of artists have recorded cover versions of his songs including Elvis Presley (“And I Love You So”), Madonna (“American Pie”) and George Michael (“The Grave”). In 2016, McLean was arrested for domestic abuse for allegedly trying to strangle his wife. Patrisha McLean wrote in a declaration filed in a Rockland County district court that he had displayed anger issues and antisemitism in the past. McLean responded on Twitter: “Among the many lies told about me by my soon to be ex-wife Patricia is the statement that 24 years ago I made an anti-semetic [sic] remark. This is false given the facts. I was married for almost 30 years to a Jewish woman who I worshiped. I was proud to have 2 Jewish children.” The 71-year-old rock star also noted that he had written a song called “Jerusalem” and is a “staunch supporter of Israel.” “I wrote the song 'Jerusalem'; for [former Jerusalem mayor] Teddy Kollek and made a film about that city for him,” McLean tweeted. “I did many tours of Israel during the Iran-Iraq War and lived with an Israeli girl who was in the army at that time. I am a staunch supporter of Israel then and now.” Tickets starts at NIS 249. For tickets visit www.leaan.co.il or *8780. JTA contributed to this report. Feel the sting One of the most successful heavy metal band of all times, the Scorpions, is returning to Israel as part of their “Crazy World Tour” to perform at Tel Aviv's Menora Mivtachim Arena on July 19. The German band, whose career started in the '60s, have ranged from heavy metal to hard rock, with their most successful pieces being “Wind of Change,” “Still Loving You” and “Rock you like a Hurricane.” They have sold more than 75 million record worldwide. Tickets range from NIS 275-1,250. For tickets visit www.leaan.co.il or *8780.
