Home Free ft. Don McLean - American Pie - REACTION

Hello everyone, hopefully we're all having a great Home Free Friday! Today we'll be taking a look at the gentleman of Home Free celebrating the 50 year anniversary of Don McLean's "American Pie" with Don himself! This is one of the songs of my childhood so I'm excited, but cautiously optimistic lol. And remember, if you're enjoying the content be sure to like, comment, and subscribe :)
Support The Channel on Patreon:
/ behind_thecurve
_______________________________________________________________
Socials:
Twitter: / behindcurvecast
Instagram / behindcurvecast
Want your own cool floating bookshelves like the ones behind me?
amzn.to/2DPEU5e
Great Gifts for Theater Fans:
Dear Evan Hansen (You Will Be Found) Necklace
amzn.to/2EldBzF
Dear Evan Hansen (You Will Be Found) Bracelet
amzn.to/31ax6UG
Dear Evan Hansen "Today Is Going To Be A Good Day and Here's Why" Journal
amzn.to/34eE50W
Hamilton "Not Throwing Away My Shot Necklace"
amzn.to/2El47o0
Wicked Zelena Wicked Witch Green Emerald Pendant Necklace
amzn.to/3iLUf5U
Musical Themed Colored Pencils
amzn.to/33DDwgM
Broadway 1,000 piece Jigsaw Puzzle:
amzn.to/3izehk7
Broadway Tote Bag:
amzn.to/2C9Fav9
Be A Broadway Star Boardgame:
amzn.to/2XHNaeG
Broadway Musicals Charm Bracelet:
amzn.to/3gTDdSZ
567 Broadway! A New Musical Workout DVD:
amzn.to/3gHYyhQ
Playbill Cover 1,000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
amzn.to/3ipIXUu

[@joanwharff6483]

Dons voice WAS Dons Voice !!! NO ASSIST !!! His voice is AWESOME !!! This has th be one of the BST they’ve Ever done 💥💖🙃‼️

[@lesli148]

I love how Home Free makes this their own but still keeps the song amazing.

[@MsRegi64]

I heard a radio interview Don did recently to promote this release, where he said that this is the only full version cover that has ever been recorded. He said the other covers never did the whole eight minutes.

[@richcunningham5467]

I had my reservations as well - but HF has never disappointed me so I said, "What the heck" Let's see where this leads....As Don began telling the story - he was pulling us in and then Mr Rupp began the tempo and I knew right then and there we'd better buckle up!!! They never strayed from the original intent and original "feel" of the song and Don's masterful velvety smooth vocal led us in the choruses and the final ending was masterful to say the least. They paid true homage to the song and especially to it's writer. He jumped at the chance to record it with HF as he compared the to the "Jordanairs" that backed up Elvis - what a awesome compliment!!! I lived in that era - was a 8 year old kid when the plane crashed - my older sister and older brother were very close to their music. I quickly learned what it was all about. Fast forward to me being 21 in collage when the song came out - Vietnam, Beatles, Stones, Elvis, Aretha, Dylan, etc...the world was changing - now 50 years later this super version took this grampa back 60 years or so. I was mesmerized by the flood of memories brought back by this song. It has reopened tons of feelings from people my age or older - which is cathartic in itself. The final chorus, when Don sang the final word and then removed his glasses and slightly bowed his head brought out my emotions and I have to say it brought tears to this old grandpa's eyes. I could tell by your reaction it meant a lot to you as well. The original will always be next to my heart but this version is right up there with it because of all the memories it brought back to me. Thanks for your channel and your reactions - stay true to them always!! RichieC (from Atlanta) ps - in a recent interview it was told that American Pie (that 1 song) allowed him never to have to work again if he chose not to...it nets approximately $400K yearly in royalties alone.....Whoa Nellie!!!

[@davehertle]

Memories Yes! High School class of '65 here. I still remember a guy behind me in soph english that had the Big Bopper down "Oh Baby you know what I like" Even if we had Fords, Dodges or even VWs, we knew what "took the chevy to the levee" was all about. A lot of this song is about a loss of innocence. VietNam was part of that. Helter Skelter - meant Charlie Manson. This song is Americana through and through. Here is to another 50 great years for this song from the generation that still feels the meaning of this song in their bones. And yes, the song brings me to tears, mostly about all that we have lost.

[@babyfry4775]

Don sounded great (as did Lee Greenwood, Kenny Rogers, Alabama and Oak Ridge Boys). They can all still sing. It was a great arrangement and Home Free has another home run. Adam’s beatboxing was superb and all the boys harmonies were on point. Goosebumps for me. Good reaction.

[@bettygossell3408]

Adam's beatboxing was amazing too!! This brings back so many memories...and their version gave me chills and I got a bit teary-eyed.

[@im2yz4u17]

Who didn't know the words to this song when they were young, that is, for us old folks! So beautiful.

[@MommaBird52]

When I heard you say you thought Austin would take lead, I knew you would be surprised that they all took a lead. Chance sounded spot on the 25 year old Don McLean! Loved them all!

[@mamabears34]

If goosebumps were music!!! That is a perfect way to describe this song with Home Free and Don McLean! This arrangement is a masterpiece on so many levels IMO. What a beautiful way to celebrate this classic song! Great reaction, it is always fun to watch those that have not seen yet what we already know to be so special.

[@miamidolphinsfan]

Oh Don is 75...the song was released in Oct 1971, and is going to be 50 (I was in 6th grade at Everglades Elem in Miami, Fla) , and they released the video on the 62nd anniversary Feb 3rd, 1959, the day that Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper & Buddy Holly airplane crashed....so releasing it on Feb 3rd was significant, and you think this could be their new showstopper or encore at their shows....Adam KILLED it once again...but yes Chance was outstanding !!

[@jameskoralewski1006]

NO! I recently heard him sing "Vincent" live and it was just as good as this version of American Pie. He's still got it!

[@ronfuqua2117]

i like the bow adam does when he was done beatboxing a little thing but much respect

[@MommaBird52]

That is one of my favorite parts! Then he reappears at the end on the upper right just doing harmonies!

[@janeramirez8767]

That was a perfect touch from Adam. He adds so much visually to their videos--but always in perfect taste. Never over-the-top unless the song calls for it.

[@mjackson780]

I read that Don reached out to Home Free, not the other way around. You are correct, Chance killed it! He sounds more like a young Don than the rest of them do. I heard that HF probably won't do this song live. It is to hard on Adam to keep up that pace for that long of a song. He about passed out a couple of times in the making of this video. Loved the reaction.

[@elkrain9546]

I honestly don't think it would be a problem for Adam to keep up. He literally does a 10 minute drum solo in the middle of every single concert, plus beatboxing with the rest of the guys from beginning to end. He is a beast! My guess is they won't do it live out of respect to Don McLean and what he brought to this collaboration, but I could be wrong.

[@Mikki44]

@@elkrain9546 but he takes a break between the drumming and beaboxing.

[@elkrain9546]

@@Mikki44 yes, they all get a break halfway through the concert during intermission. Have a Blessed evening. 🙂

[@sarahc2401]

@@elkrain9546 Thats EXACTLY what I said about Adam

[@softshoes]

75 and still grooving, nice job Don, One verse apiece for the guys, intro and chorus and exit are Don's, Plus Adam going insane in the background.

[@conniestone2806]

Love your reactions! You know that Don asked them to do this new re-release with him, right? He said because "they understand harmonies." What a complement! And the behind-the=scenes making of it shows Don telling them he doesn't have as good a voice. He's 75 now. He asks Darren Rush to bring out the best and of course, Darren the genius producer does that!! And what a production, the videos, the backdrop, all of it! And I love Austin in this yes, but I think Chance's voice was perfection for this song and he killed it. Don wanted it more peppy and so they did!! I also am a baby boomer and in '71 this was all about the Vietnam war, anger, riots, protests. A horrible time and this brought back all those memories! But it was incredible!!! Take care.

[@travisrussell9166]

That put me into a time capsule to my early teen years. I really loved that.

[@miamidolphinsfan]

I THINK THEIR BEST EVER COVER ! And with the blessing of the composer/original singer !!! Have a great weekend !

[@freadadillon4071]

This was simply supreme.

[@oneknight55]

This song reminds me of getting ready for my first High School Prom. I was a nervous wreck, but this song "cooled my jets," so to speak. This is one of my Home Free favorites.

[@hellefur6631]

As always, HF stays truth to the original whith the special HF twist on it. And all whith Don's blessing. And yes, for a man at that age, he still sings pretty good. Woohoo, Adam was singing ❤ and hit that drum beat hard. They were all outstanding, and did make this song alive again, and love the up tempo. I guess that, when a legend ask, if he could join them in a song, they all get a bit starstrucked, but omg Austin looked so happy.

[@debbiecrawford7925]

I loved it so much. Great reaction. Home Free is so good at everything that they do.

[@sallysmith5090]

I was so excited when I saw that you had done a reaction to this video.. I am old enough to remember the original release of this song.. This was perfection. and my god.. Don still has it!!?! Thanks!

[@joanwharff6483]

Oh, Don STILL appears on stage & plays his guitar 🙃❤️💖‼️ He’s incredible ‼️

[@quiltie1774]

I don’t think Don was computer assisted. If you watch the making of this video they say that Don recorded his last 2 songs at the same studio that Home Free usually uses and where they recorded this.

[@bethcoussou]

I will admit that I was a little apprehensive about watching your reaction because sometimes I don’t agree with your opinion. Of course, I’m a die-hard Home Free fan and they could cover a song I absolutely hate, and I would probably love their cover! ☺️ I was thinking “If Marshall doesn’t like it, I’m going to unsubscribe!” 😂 On the same note, I was so relieved when I saw you smiling when the guys started singing! I though “I knew he would love it!” 😂 It is a phenomenal rendition! I totally agree that Don sounded pretty good! I was so elated that each of them sang a verse! Chance blew me away with that high note! I don’t remember ever hearing a note that high from him, and he nailed his verse!! Then he covered bass during Tim’s lead. Their video is at #2 on ITunes video chart, and #23 on the Singles chart a little while ago. I love this cover so much! Thank you for the reaction! I loved it! When you’re happy with Home Free, I’m over the moon!

[@terrichristenson432]

I had absolutely no reservations, Home Free always does a supurb job with any song. This just might be in a tie with " How Great Thou Art" as their best work. All the guys were in excellent form along with Mr. McLean. I have listened to several interviews and I wish he would have given Home Free a little more recognition.

[@vinnieblair8576]

Waited impatiently for your reaction for days because I knew you were going to love this exceptional cover. I even correctly predicted your reaction to Chance and to Tim because we have reacted the same to them, in previous performances. Chance was excellent and Tim didn't sound particularly nasally or whiny when he went high. HF's homage to the song and the icon was on point and I hope this all-vocal version last another 50 years.

[@chrismorin1318]

I've commented on Tim's performance here too! I think he's definitely grown stronger in his higher range in this song. He didn't sound strained or forced. These guys are so good in all of their collaborations with original artists. They add so much depth and richness to the experiences. They've certainly used their down time during this pandemic as time to expand their horizons. They sound strong and rejuvenated!

[@quiltie1774]

They all did a great job, but for me Tim blew it out of the water! Your face must hurt cuz you smiled big for the whole 8 minutes.

[@annehffry3284]

They did such an amazing job with this! I definitely get chill bumps and usually tear up a little before it’s over.

[@reginaminton1135]

I was amazed at Home Free's cover of this song and to have Don McLean with them was terrific! I have binge watch this song for days and will be watching more. :) With Don making this song back in the day, he was not just about the plane crash but the whole Vietnam war and the unrest of our country back then. So yes a few tears...but it was so beautiful. All 6 of them nailed it! Thank you for your great reaction!!

[@rachelhurst3224]

I think the "Okay, Boomer" memes have really created an atmosphere of dismissal for that generation. It's sad and wrong. Having a father who is still incredibly virile in his 70's has really taught me to disregard the boomer nonsense. My dad still climbs grain bins, combines, puts in full farm days, and then plays with my preteens. I wish I had half his energy! We have a man at our church that is 98 and still plays saxophone and is on the board of elders. His wife is only a few years younger and still plays organ. They've been married over 75 years. Anyway.... 🤣🤣... Great reaction as always!

[@patriciawoyczik1657]

This is just epic....and I've watched it so many times already! This was pure perfection!

[@marlahudgins7038]

I have been listerning to this so much I almiost have every word memorized

[@teresacartwright5406]

I think the age in Don McLean's voice only adds to the poignancy of the song. When this was first released, a local radio stn. (in Canada) would, on request, send a breakdown of the symbolism and meaning of each of the lyrics. This song is so deep - covering everything from Kent State to Altamont, Janis Joplin to the deaths of the Big Bopper, et. al. It is truly a masterpiece. Thanks for playing this and your comments.

[@BSGNative]

I've loved this song since it was originally released - even had the album. When I saw that Home Free was going to do a cover and WITH Don McLean, I was sure it was going to be good, but this definitely exceeded all my expectations. I've listened to this at least 2 dozen times so far & never get tired of it. Definitely agree with your "Incredible" and "Awesome" comments!

[@Wulfbear]

Actually, "if goosebumps were music" makes perfect sense. I love that!

[@stanrock2225]

One of their best. Wow. Adam was doing double time. He has to be worn out after this...

[@momD612]

Home Free doesn't usually 'invite' people in. They're usually invited in. Because. Well....it's Home Free. He asked THEM.. KENNY ROGERS asked them Oak Ridge Boys asked them. Lee Greenwood asked them. Etc... Who wouldn't?! They're the best addition to absolutely any& everything! ❤ 😍 Lovvvvve your reactions! 😊

[@maryel5398]

Your giant smile the whole way was what I was here for.

[@sharonmortimer3843]

If I'm not mistaken Don's producer or manager wanted him to do this song with them. This is my favorite collaboration they have ever done. You need to watch the making of American Pie. Love your reaction.

[@claudevillemaire355]

It was Lee greenwood who suggested to Don McLean to use them! Lee said that they were the only group he would trust with that song!

[@sharonmortimer3843]

@@claudevillemaire355 Thank you for letting me know. I guess I misunderstood.

[@matthewireland1125]

Each of the featured voices sings a verse magnificently.

[@charlesheld3725]

Every subtle. Not every acapella song needs ridiculously low notes or vocal acrobatics. They made Don the focus.

[@belinda9696]

Studio recordings always add a little something to enhance where it needs to be to put together the best performance, but Don still has the great voice, I loved it and all of them, Chance and Tim flexing their higher vocals, and all of them just sounded so good. It's a piece of art.

[@markhilliard4037]

This was an 8 minute "ear-gasm" EVERY member of the group nailed their opportunity to shine and Don was the masterful "creators voice" holding it all together....this was simply a masterpiece of cooperative genius...GREAT reaction...BTW the your full screen video is best I've seen of any Reactor...love the way it features the content...beautifully done! (you have a new subscriber...LOL)

[@quiltie1774]

This song is amazing, I knew you would love this!

[@Vixxing21]

The lyrics to this masterpiece is INCREDIBLE!

[@Vixxing21]

Poet AND musician! Don! The MAN!

[@Vixxing21]

Also philosopher!

[@sallyread7032]

We still have this on a 45, it was both sides. A very long song. It took him a long time to wrote it. The day the died is about referring to the plane crash of Buddy Holly, Richie Valance & The Big Bopper killing everyone. This shocked the music world.

[@carinalindberg7377]

I'm completely in love with this rendition. I think it's absolutely brilliant and I think it's perfect. It takes me on such an emotional journey and I don't even know why. Maybe my parents used to listen to it when I was a tiny little girl. I was only 1 when it came out. :) Thanks for a great reaction!

[@bernadette3069]

Yay! I was waiting for your reaction! This was amazing!

[@pennygarrity386]

Someone said Adam recorded his track in one take and was so lightheaded when he finished he almost passed out. I can believe it because he went from going hard on the vocal drums in a VERY long song right into harmonizing.

[@cathybeige3603]

You need to watching the making of video

[@MN_Home_Fry]

Great reaction! This song was one of the soundtracks of many of our youth's. Loved their version as well. As per usual, it is very hard to imagine a way it could have been better.

[@justlinsu]

Oh My God! indeed. How awesome is this? Don's still got it. Home Free have created such a memory overload for me. "Music is what 'Feelings' sound like" Thanks so much for this fantastic 'Reaction' Mike.

[@scarymarysunshine9155]

It was beautiful, and I've never seen a Home Free video that lasts over 8 minutes like this one. I wish some of their other song videos were longer too.

[@ceceliaswick9296]

I really like your reactions they are respectful of the artists. No interruptions to break the flow of the music. thank you

[@scottmcclellan4269]

First time I've actually enjoyed this song. Couldn't tell you why

[@SBQDawn]

Watching the making of video for this , it was not auto tuned , the adjustments were the key he sang in because he knew his voice limitations that do come with ageing .. these adjustments were Healthy voice choices and the knowledge that He didn't need to compete with his younger self.

[@sheliaspringer7389]

BEST SONG HOMEFREE HAS EVER DONE. I DON'T THINK DON'S PART WAS COMPUTER ASSISTED. IT WAS SO MUCH BETTER WITH ALL OF THE 6 DOING THEIR OWN VERSE AND OF COURSE THE HARMONIES WERE SPECTACULAR. DON'T FORGET THAT TIM CARRIES THE ENTIRE BASSLINE AND ALOT OF THE SOUNDS PLUS HIS 5 OCTAVE RANGE. SOMETIMES I THINK THAT TIM AND ADAM ARE SOMEWHAT OVERLOOKED. AND I DO HAVE A FAVORITE, WELL TWO FAVORITES, TIM AND ADAM. I BELIEVE THEY ARE THE MOST VERSATILE OF THE ENTIRE GROUP. GREAT REVIEW, I WAS THERE WHEN THE SONG CAME OUT AND I HAVE HEARD MANY VERSIONS, BUT THIS ONE IS CLOSE TO THE BEST! SEE YOU GUYS IN THE FUNNY PAPER!!!😷😎😭💌😂🤗

[@martinhafner2201]

He invited Them in!

[@musik102]

Regarding the question of whether Don's voice was enhanced in some way. Well, EVERY voice on every record is enhanced. In fact, the general public would be very disappointed if they heard the majority of pop/rock singings performing without a mic. ( at a campfire sing around for example)

[@karinfichtner7479]

Can you imagine getting a phone call from some guy who says he's Don Maclean? They must have thought, "Yeah.....right!"🤣

[@annemayseyfried8907]

▶EPIC!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥--It's Don's real awesome storytellng voice +lyrics, HF's amazing solo voices, richest harmonies, Tim's rolling deep bass, Adam riding the crazy beat, the sepia background pics/videos memoryboxes-all🔥🔥

[@charleneclaassen]

Don did his thing and his best clips were used

[@mrbarthol]

Rush is my band, as well, and I totally agree with your analysis of Geddy.

[@jerryp8263]

I was holding it together pretty good till Don lowered his glasses and gave that slight nod.

[@jerryp8263]

This came out the year I graduated high school.

[@donnaellis2424]

They said after second take it was a wrap.

[@karinfichtner7479]

Check out Tim's new single off his new album, "Pieces of Me". It's a Doo Wop album where Tim does all the parts himself. "Come Go With Me".

[@intern0077]

Perfect.

[@charleneclaassen]

Love your reaction.

[@rogerwest603]

OMG! I can't believe that you critiqued Geddy Lee that way! He actually took the key down so it wasn't that his voice was weaker! It was an active on purpose decision to do that! That's also another reason why they didn't sing certain Songs mostly from COS because those songs didn't suit the lower key changes! Geddy's voice in 2015 was actually better and stronger than his voice in 2012-2013 because he had a better Eating Plan! Even the Sirius Radio Personality, (can't remember his name) even said that Geddy's voice was stronger in 2015 when interviewed! BUT Comments like that about: 1. Geddy 2. Then "wondering" if Don's Voice was electronically enhanced is a slap in the Face! 3. Then putting down Tim's other Outings in his Tenor Voice! I've not heard a bad Tim outing! 4. Guessing or suggesting that Austin would Lead when the other guys could have too! Chance did and I think he was the Best of all 4 Guys and IMO is an underrated Vocalist! I noticed that you did refer to Chance's part as Great but assuming that Austin would Lead was wrong! Austin is Awesome but I like it when ALL of them take their turns! Rob in Blue Ain't Your Colour, Dreamer and the Boys II Men Song End Of The Road was absolutely AWESOME. Tim leads in Mayday, Snow Globe and Ring Of Fire. Austin on everything but his lead in Life Is A Highway, Cruise, Summer In The Country and Warmest Winter! Then Chance in Cover Me Up, Some Girls Do and Winter Song! I'm going to give you the benefit of doubt here before I subscribe to your KZbin Channel! I'll watch and listen to more of your Video Reactions before I consider Subscribing!

[@jessdati1]

subscribed...amazing reaction...honor Don & dont think he was electronically helped! lol...

[@pandoamessi4079]

Hi!! I started to watch all the starkid musical reactions and I appreciated a lot the way you edited it and really tried to remember their names (,,hey, look, is that Emma?- oh, Ted- Jeff Blim, that guy.. oh, Jeff is my favorite"😂❤👌) so I wanted to ask you to react to a song that, apparently, many people enjoy (including me)- it's called ,,Da-i Foale" by the band ,,Subcarpați" - it's a romanian song and I think they have a very interesting style when it comes to their songs! I really hope you take it in consideration and that maybe I'll see a reaction on it soon! You won't regret it, my dear TGWDLM/starkid fan 😂❤ greetings from Romania and I hope you're healthy and safe

[@stonemansteveiii3135]

He was born 10-2-1945!! So 75. What happened to your partner?!!

[@carty43]

Lee Greenwood and Don McLean have the same agent. Wonder what more fruit that relationship will bear.

[@jameskoralewski1006]

75