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John Mellencamp

Rock

John Mellencamp Tickets

Events31 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 3754 reviews
  • Rating: 1 out of 5

    What a disappointment

    by KG on 3/17/24

    Been a life long fan of JM. Went to see him at stranahan in Toledo. He started Jack and Diane and someone yelled something from the crowd. He literally stopped and said “I’ll end this concert right now” and walked off stage. He did end up coming back out but didn’t do that song. Punished the whole crowd bc of one fan. He’s an entitled pouty baby and I’m so disappointed. Left a bad taste in my mouth and I will never think of him the same way I used to. What a disappointment.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Excellent concert!

    by dkd72 on 3/15/24West Herr Auditorium Theatre at West Herr Performing Arts Center - Rochester

    I had always wanted to see John Mellencamp and so glad I finally did. Great concert, beautiful venue. As John said, it was a performance rather than a concert. Whichever you call it, it was FANTASTIC! Staff at the venue was super and so helpful.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    John Mellencamp

    by Lisa short on 3/14/24West Herr Auditorium Theatre at West Herr Performing Arts Center - Rochester

    I have waited 40 years to see him and I finally did ! He did not disappoint! He's definitely still got it ! I love his attitude, voice, personality, outlook on life! If you EVER get the chance to see him, I HIGHLY recommend it !

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Icon of R&R

    by LOB34 on 3/14/24New Jersey Performing Arts Center - Newark

    JM never disappoints- he’s still rocking’ & bringing the house down! Having Bruce show up was annEPIC move! Thrilled to see 2 of my faves!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Fantastic

    by Elizabeth on 3/14/24New Jersey Performing Arts Center - Newark

    One of the best concerts I have ever attended. He sounded just like his original voice and quality music-no canned or fake instrumentation. Plus Bruce Springsteen showing up was like icing on the cake. He only left out one song I wanted to hear"Authority"- "I fight authority..."part of a verse. I would definitely go see him again if he comes back and I would purchase better seats. I could see him but still he was too far away. I did not like the old movie clips at the beginning of the show. I left feeling happy.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Phenomenal

    by MandM on 3/13/24New Jersey Performing Arts Center - Newark

    Yes, this might be my 40th time seeing John Mellencamp and never ever does he disappoint. NJPAC was a great venue to see him but his incredible lyrics, music, artistry (both on stage and with a paint brush viewed in the lobby), his humanitarism and even his humor....made for quite an incredible evening and even the movie clips playing at the beginning of the show reinforcing his love for America and for the farmers....all pulled in together to make the evening special. I would be amiss if I did not encourage anyone who can make it...whether it be your first time or your umpteenth.....to enjoy an evening with John Mellencamp. Will lift your spirits

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Mellencamp: A Perfect Storm

    by CherryNJBomb on 3/13/24New Jersey Performing Arts Center - Newark

    John Mellencamp continued his 'Live & In Person"Tour from 2023 in Newark, NJ on a cold Sunday night (3/10/2024). He did not disappoint. The performance began with a 20-minute compilation of classic movie clips starring James Dean, Paul Newman, Marlon Brando and others. These clips set the tone for a musical journey the audience was about to take. Amidst John's lifelike art pieces scattered on the stage, red-spinning sirens announced his arrival. The night kicked off with "I Ain't Got No Friends"before he took on his classics. Jack & Diane, Check it out, Rain on the Scarecrow, Human Wheels and What if I came Knockin'; getting a little choked up on "Longest Days". About 3/4 of the way into the show, he did something he rarely does. He blew our Jersey crowd away by bringing out "One of the Greatest Songwriters of Our time, Mr. Bruce Springsteen!"I was in the front row; looking around the beautiful NJPAC venue, at a sea of smiles. The vibe of excitement and level of sheer joy that was so real, I'll never forget it. "Pink Houses"was their 'duo' and it nearly stopped the show. Make no mistake, that energy remained on 'high' even after our beloved 'Boss' exited. The crowd was beyond nirvana by this point; journeying on into a Perfect Storm. The classics kept coming as John gave out fist pumps and handshakes all night long, even bringing up a young boy, about 10, to sing with him. The show was INTIMATE; sprinkled with Mellencamp banter and awesome, classic, all American songs that the crowd simply couldn't get enough of. The show was fantastic. John put his heart out there for us. Thank you John! As for me (and in his words), "he made my heart beat like thunder, I'm not sure why it didn't explode."We weren't 'Done with that Night' John! You are Simply the Best.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Mellencamp is Champ

    by MikeP on 3/13/24New Jersey Performing Arts Center - Newark

    Saw JM last year at the Beacon and the show was fantastic. Who would ever think he would top that performance? Well, he did. JM and the band were seamless and spot on. Both band and audience were charged and the show just fun. Audience up the whole show. JM was on top of his game and having a great time. And when he introduced the Boss, the house came down. For JM to invite Springsteen signifies he is a class act. No jealousy there. The two rocked on and the audience loved it. JM is a must see. As for the NJPAC, great venue. Seating, sound and staff the best.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    the best

    by Reeba on 3/13/24New Jersey Performing Arts Center - Newark

    Fantastic show. Great for all of us old rock and rollers

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    John Mellencamp was fantastic!!!!

    by Laurie on 3/13/24New Jersey Performing Arts Center - Newark

    First, the venue was beautiful!!!! It was our first time there. Parking was easy and convenient and allowed easy access to NJPAC. I look forward to more concerts at this venue. John Mellencamp put on a spectacular performance. In my opinion, he's still got it !!!! An added bonus was when he introduced Bruce Springsteen and they sang 'Little Pink Houses' together. It was a great surprise for all !!! We had a great time :)