"American Pie" singer Don McLean fined for speeding

In this Juy 3, 2012 file photo provided by the Las Vegas News Bureau, Don McLean performs at the Las Vegas Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. / Darrin Bush,Photo/Las Vegas News Bureau

ROCKLAND, Maine "American Pie" singer Don McLean has been fined $400 for driving his Chrysler too fast through a school zone in Maine and has paid the levy.

McLean had contested the charge in September, saying school zone warning lights weren't flashing. He had requested a trial.

Police said during a 40-minute proceeding in Rockland District Court on Thursday the warning lights were flashing.

Judge Patricia Worth found McLean had been speeding in a school zone in Rockport. But she lowered what would be a $515 fine if uncontested to $400.

McLean immediately paid up.

McLean lives in nearby Camden, along Maine's coast. He burst into popularity in 1971 with his hit "American Pie," about the deaths of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper in a plane crash on Feb. 3, 1959 — The Day the Music Died.

[stupa5]

Why is this news?

[oldjones]

Bye, bye, 400 American Pies....

[bobegregg]

Article left out the following - was book after the school zone and lights were finished - pulled over at 7.41 am booked at 7.43 am school zone and lights ended at 7.40 am police officers word was taken over McLean's and county official who confirmed ligts went off at 7.40 am simple revenue raising.

[bobegregg]

Article left out the following - was book after the school zone and lights were finished - pulled over at 7.41 am booked at 7.43 am school zone and lights ended at 7.40 am police officers word was taken over McLean's and county official who confirmed ligts went off at 7.40 am simple revenue raising.

[Joe_____M]

Really? This is news because the reporter gets to say "levy"?

[twintornados]

"Drove my Chrysler too fast through the school zone and got levied a fine" doesn't seem to have the same ring to it....

[davidio12]

You paid the Levy? But you weren't driving a Chevy! Was the Levy dry? Anyway, by not driving a Chevy, you blew the whole song. Try again.

[hlair]

He should have been driving a Chevy (to the levy)& they would
have let him off