No more results on this page
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.
Really enjoyed this show. John played some new tunes and many of his classics. His band was excellent, too, contributing to a stellar show. Overall entertaining performance and glad to see him in a small venue, up close and personal.
If you have loved Mellencamp since he was John Cougar and you have all his stuff, you’ll love his show. If all you know him by is the hits, save your money and stay home. The show started with 20 minutes of clips from old movies. It was weird. That notwithstanding, the hits were great. The deep cuts were dark, protest songs. No thanks. It didn’t ’hurt so good’. Some of it just hurt.
John Mellencamp was very personal and entertaining at The Township in Columbia SC last weekend. I have seen JCM many times going all the way back to him being an opening act for Heart. The set list was great and his band sounds amazing. The only disappointment was that the had the venue stop serving alcohol at 8 and he does not come until 8:25?!
Love the man, the band, their performance...they are true masters of music artistry! John has always been my number one & still is & fiddle player Lisa is pretty remarkable herself!!! Thank you John & band!!! LOVE ❤️ you & your beautiful music!!!
I throughly enjoyed John Mellencamp and his musicians. I liked everything about the show except the 20 minutes of black and white movies that were shown. I would rather have had 20 minutes more of him singing. Great show!
55th time seeing John live and he never disappoints. Had the best time dancing and singing all night. Love his storytelling. Equal to his songwriting. He has the best band backing him. They’re truly amazing artists in their own right. If you get the chance to see John and his band live, do it!!
The John Mellencamp "Live And In Person"concert at the Chrysler Theater in Norfolk, VA was Fantastic. John was the best I've seen. He was engaging and showed his appreciation to his audience. His band also added to the great performance. The song set selection was all John Mellencamp at his finest. Best evening out with loved ones. Hope John returns in the future.
The band is *tight* - as if they’d been together forever. The balls of the band - powerful and precise. Guitar was virtuoso, clear crisp rocking. Violin and Keys filled the house with a sonic tsunami. As for JM - gravel in the voice, boundless energy and the kind of ‘presence’ that made us feel as if HE was here for US, rather than the opposite. John’s asides and interactions with the crowd were off the cuff and off the hook. Candidly, it was one of the most intimate, relatable and inclusive shows I’ve ever attended. Oh, and every song was spot. on! I’d heard talk of folks disliking the pre-show film-clips, However, they were enjoyable, relatable and an excellent prelude for what was to come - a balls out performance by an American Icon. Loved it!
We brought a party of 8 to the show . . . and we were all blown away by the creativity and uniqueness of the event. We really hope to see him again - and again.
This show was so much better in a small venue! Mellencamp still has amazing energy! I appreciated his dialogue with the audience as well.
Was a great performance! The venue's acoustics were amazing! Band sounded wonderful!
Loved his show, had a fantastic time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!¡!!!!!!!
Incredible show and the house was rocking. He still has it
Absolutely loved the show. Mellencamp was at the top of his game. Not as thrilled with Chrysler Hall. Benn a while since we have been there. Beer $14? Mixed Drink $22? Went to the Box Office to purchase two tickets for the November Bonnie Raitt show, was told no two seats available in the entire venue together, regardless of price! Checked on line later that evening, numerous seats together (still have not purchased, thinking). Parked in the garage under the hall, no traffic control following the show. Jungle rules when getting out. Great concert, but not thrilled with the venue.
Could never get tired of seeing John Mellencamp in concert. Great show!!!
John was fully engaged. He came on with bang and never let up. We've seen him many times over the years. He still sounds great.
Brand is terrific and Mellencamps voice is terrific. Audience participation on Jack and Diane and Pink Houses is why you go to live concerts - especially smaller venues
John Mellencamp was wonderful! Great music! Fantastic stories! Loved the set! But the fact you all didn’t sell any alcohol after 8 pm is completely ridiculous! We were literally able to get one drink. I mean the concert started at 8 pm. It’s not like this was an all day festival where people were drinking for 6 straight hours. It was completely ridiculous.
Great Concert, It starts slow with the movie clips / quotes but as soon as John hits the stage, it was a great show. John played a mix of new and old songs but mostly the older hits. I was concerned with his age and some of the reviews with his interaction with hecklers, but the show couldn't have been any better. I started to buy tickets to another show in a nearby town because it was so good.
Really skeptical of this show based on past shows. Have to say he redeemed himself 10 fold! I do wish he’d played “I need a Lover” and “R O C K in the USA” but still happy!
