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John Mellencamp

Rock

John Mellencamp Tickets

Events26 Results

United States

About

John Mellencamp in Concert

John Mellencamp has been bringing his brand of American heartland rock to fans since the late '70s, when his raw, rootsy sound set him apart from the arena rockers in vogue at the time. The Midwestern twang that adds to his signature vocal style also informs his songs, as he details the ups and downs of the everyday working folks he grew up among. The rough-and-ready roots-rock sound he perfected on milestone '80s albums like ‘American Fool’ and ‘Scarecrow’ has remained a crucial touchstone for Mellencamp's concerts, regardless of where he falls in the roots–rock spectrum at any given phase. And when he delivers classics like "Jack & Diane," "Pink Houses," "Small Town," or "Hurts So Good," he digs deep for a gritty, from-the-gut delivery that connects with his audiences in an immediate, visceral way. From his 2017 Sad Clowns and Hillbillies tour with guests Emmylou Harris and Carlene Carter to his 2018 Other People's Stuff tour, Mellencamp's latter-day outings have shown that the veteran road dog only gets tougher and more determined.

John Mellencamp Background

John Mellencamp was born in Indiana in 1951, and worked with a series of bands throughout his teens, but in the mid '70s he managed to hook up with David Bowie manager Tony DeFries, which led to his first record deal, under the name Johnny Cougar. He scored his first hit, the rocking "I Need a Lover," in 1979, but it was his 1982 album ‘American Fool’ that really broke him through to the big time. The massive hits "Jack & Diane" and "Hurts So Good" made him a bona fide rock star. On subsequent '80s albums like ‘Uh-huh’ and ‘Scarecrow,’ Mellencamp (finally working under his own surname) developed the sharp, sociopolitical side of his lyrical sensibilities. On songs like "Pink Houses," "Small Town," and "Scarecrow," he sang of and for the working people who are the heart and soul of America, and Mellencamp became an American icon in the process. But despite his Grammy award, his mega-Platinum record sales, and his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame membership, Mellencamp has never lost sight of the people who put him where he is, and they're still the focus of his music.

Reviews

Rating: 4.2 out of 5 based on 3776 reviews
  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great hits with a clear focus

    by Grant on 3/26/24Emens Auditorium - Muncie

    The opening film clips set a clear agenda for the evening: common people searching for individual freedom and a sense of belonging. The songs brilliantly expanded on that message. Great band playing rock classics from a singer with attitude, sass, and sense of purpose.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great!

    by BP on 3/26/24Emens Auditorium - Muncie

    Great concert!! Nice auditorium -easy access-had a wonderful time.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Concert great, Emens not so much

    by Beelieve on 3/26/24Emens Auditorium - Muncie

    Arrived at the doors at 6;30 which was when it said the doors would open. Cold and windy to stand outside for 30 minutes. More for those that were lined up behind us for a good way. Emens Auditorium at Ball State University could not get their scanners to work! I would have thought they would have tested those by 6:00 p.m. to make sure they were working. They came out at 6:45 to use handheld scanners but did not let people begin entering for another 15 minutes! Concert states 15 minutes late but that may have been due to above comments. Great concert by Mellencamp and his band. Best was when a young girl wiith her parents in the orchestra pit got to sing almost a whole song by herslf with John helping out. Awesome!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Felt like a teenager again!

    by Angie F on 3/26/24Emens Auditorium - Muncie

    Easily the best concert I have ever been to! John’s music has been a part of my life since I was 13 years old and because we live 30 minutes from his hometown we would see him around town from time to time. He is just a regular, down-to-earth guy who happens to write and record music that is real, heartfelt, small town proud music that has become a part of who we are in southern Indiana ❤️

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Mellencamp at Emens

    by Melvie on 3/26/24Emens Auditorium - Muncie

    The music was great , the acustic's were awesome in this venue! Loved the show. The seating was not so good in the balcony. No room to move around in your seat. It was to bunched together and hardly any leg room, and I'm a shortie.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Love John Mellencamp

    by Arden on 3/25/24Emens Auditorium - Muncie

    The negative was that the doors opened only 30 minutes before the concert (7:30) and alcohol beverages stopped being sold at 8:00.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    The best !

    by Rachel on 3/25/24Emens Auditorium - Muncie

    The whole experience to see John Mellencamp and the band was spectacular! The clips of movies before the performance really set the tone . Then dancing and singing the night away ! Such a great time . Thank you for a spectacular night !

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Good job

    by Lisa on 3/25/24Emens Auditorium - Muncie

    He made the auditorium vibrate, just like he has from a jukebox, etc. He performed very well and sang where you could hear him. He gave insights into his early years, which was cool. I can't say enough good.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great Show

    by SmallTownIndiana on 3/25/24Emens Auditorium - Muncie

    The venue is great, 3,300 seats made for an intimate show. The stage was easily viewed from balcony seats. I loved when John brought a little girl onstage to sing with him. He still has what it takes to entertain a crowd. I always watch for him to come to Indiana. I don’t miss a show!

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Fun experience!

    by Carrie on 3/25/24Emens Auditorium - Muncie

    I was aware ahead of time that the show starts with 20 minutes of movie scenes but I can't say I understand why this was done. Many in the crowd did not know this would be part of the show and the natives were definitely restless. I tried to kill time but going to get a drink but the concessions were closed for 30 minutes, which was frustrating. However, once the music started it was a lot of fun and so great to see and hear!