Byron Bay Bluesfest have commented on reports that Don McLean, one of the headliners of the upcoming Bluesfest 2016 lineup, has been arrested in the US on domestic violence charges.

As NME reports, the 70-year-old singer and songwriter, best known for his iconic 1971 hit ‘American Pie’, was arrested at 2am on Monday after police were called to his Camden, Maine residence.

He was arrested and charged with a domestic violence assault misdemeanour. TMZ reports that the singer has been released on bail from Knox County jail after posting a $10,000 bond.

When reached for comment by Tone Deaf, Bluesfest said they’ve been informed that no assault occurred during the verbal altercation and that McLean’s Bluefest appearance has not been affected.

“We have heard more information on this,” a spokesperson said. “He had a verbal argument with his wife. No assault occurred. Someone in his house called the police and police did what they must do under law – remove one of the people.”

“He has been charged with a misdemeanour, so it will not affect his performance.” Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016 is set to kick off this March at its traditional home of the Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm.

Byron Bay lBluest 2016

Thursday, 24th March – Monday, 28th March 2016
Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm NSW
Tickets: Byron Bay Bluesfest

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THE LATEST BLUESFEST 2016 ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENT INCLUDES:
MODEST MOUSE
GRAHAM NASH
KAMASI WASHINGTON
RICHARD CLAPTON
ELLE KING
ASH GRUNWALD
BLIND BOY PAXTON
DUSTIN THOMAS
WARDS XPRESS
RAW EARTH

2016 BLUESFEST ARTISTS ALREADY ANNOUNCED
KENDRICK LAMAR
BRIAN WILSON performs ‘PET SOUNDS’ and his Greatest Hits
TOM JONES • THE NATIONAL • D’ANGELO
NOEL GALLAGHER’S HIGH FLYING BIRDS
UB40 feat. ALI CAMPBELL, ASTRO & MICKEY VIRTUE
JOE BONAMASSA • TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND
DON MCLEAN • JACKSON BROWNE • MELISSA ETHERIDGE
CITY AND COLOUR • THE DECEMBERISTS
THE ORIGINAL BLUES BROTHERS BAND
THE CAT EMPIRE • JASON ISBELL • TAJ MAHAL (SOLO)
TWEEDY • STURGILL SIMPSON • ARCHIE ROACH
STEVE EARLE AND THE DUKES • COLD WAR KIDS • HIATUS KAIYOTE
THE RESIDENTS present SHADOWLAND
RUSSELL MORRIS • JEFF MARTIN (THE TEA PARTY)
BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA • THE WORD • TEX PERKINS & THE APE
GRACE POTTER • LORD HURON
VINTAGE TROUBLE • BLACKBERRY SMOKE
NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS
NAHKO AND MEDICINE FOR THE PEOPLE
SONGHOY BLUES • SHAKEY GRAVES • ALLEN STONE
ST. PAUL AND THE BROKEN BONES
LUKAS NELSON AND PROMISE OF THE REAL
THE SELECTER • RHIANNON GIDDENS
HOUNDMOUTH • FANTASTIC NEGRITO • CON BRIO
JANIVA MAGNESS • SHOOGLENIFTY • KALEO
MIKE LOVE • THE BROS. LANDRETH • KIM CHURCHILL
THE MASTERSONS • HUSSY HICKS • STEVE SMYTH • EAST JOURNEY
MOJO JUJU • PIERCE BROTHERS
LUCKY PETERSON • HARTS • EMDEE
THE WAILERS
BOOMERANG
DANCE – MUSIC – HEALING
TALK & IDEAS

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