Scottish singer-songwriter Donovan is set to celebrate the 60th anniversary of his debut album with a series of European performances, beginning in Rome this May. The iconic flower power artist will showcase some of his most beloved tracks, including his breakthrough global hit, “Catch the Wind.”
The anniversary concert is scheduled for May 14 at Teatro Manzoni in Rome, where Donovan will perform other classic 1960s hits such as “Sunshine Superman,” “Hurdy Gurdy Man,” “Colours,” and “Mellow Yellow.” Tickets for the intimate show will go on sale on January 17. The concert will also be filmed and made available for viewing on Donovan’s website. In addition to the main concert, Donovan has planned other events in Rome from May 9-15, though the specifics remain unannounced.
“I simply want to say: ‘Thank you!’ to my fans,” Donovan shared with Variety. “But not in the usual way with a 50-city world tour making a lot of noise. This time, I want it to be different.” Reflecting on his approach, he continued, “While working on ‘The Tale of the Gael,’ my two-hour recitation and photographic history of the 1960s music revolution, I realized most people can’t travel as much anymore. So, they’ll be able to enjoy the concert from home or on a mobile device.”
Donovan is also slated to perform at the renowned Théâtre de l’Athénée in Paris. There, he will be honored with a special screening at the Cinéma du Panthéon of Jacques Demy’s 1972 film The Pied Piper, in which Donovan portrays the legendary, magic-flute-playing figure. The singer also has plans to perform in Stockholm and his home country of Scotland.
The artist has a deep connection to Italy, having been celebrated last March for his work on Franco Zeffirelli’s Brother Sun, Sister Moon. Donovan composed the songs for the English version of the film, and a restored version was shown at Rome’s Quirinale Palace for Italian President Sergio Mattarella and other dignitaries. It was also screened in Florence, Zeffirelli’s hometown, as part of a public event hosted by the Zeffirelli Foundation and attended by a large group of Franciscan monks.
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