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John Mellencamp

Rock

John Mellencamp Tickets

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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 3997 reviews
  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Mellencamp always rocks

    by mphant on 11/17/10Hinkle Fieldhouse - Indianapolis

    The sound system was surprisingly awesome for the field house. The band was more impressive than I have seen in the past, and I have been to at least 15 of John's performances over the years. I can only be subjective because I am a huge fan of this man, but I have yet to not enjoy every single minute of a Mellencamp show. This one stands out because the songs were fresh and not many that I have heard in the past. I know he thinks he's too old these days, but I will NEVER tire of this music and look forward to the next show.

  • Rating: 1 out of 5

    VERY dissapointed

    by IloveIndiana on 11/15/10Hinkle Fieldhouse - Indianapolis

    I have seen John Mellencamp four times and each time he was very good. This concert he played two hours straight but this was the worst concert of his I have seen BY FAR. Had I known he was going to play all new stuff for and hour and a half I wouldnt have paid the almost $100 per ticket. He only played his old stuff the last half hour whic wasnt bad. BUT he but a new spin on it. None of the songs sounded the same, he had a VERY loud and overwhelming drumbeat in about every song that sounded terrible. I know he doenst like to live in the past but the past is what got him to where he is today!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    The old guy has still got it!

    by OL54 on 11/15/10Hinkle Fieldhouse - Indianapolis

    Great show! I've seen JM more than 10 times & this one really showcased his songwriting ability the best...........his last 2 CD's are proof also. The Little Bastard ranks right up there with Prine & others!!

  • Rating: 1 out of 5

    JOHN MELLENCAMP 11/11/10...definitely forgettable!

    by INEEDMORECOWBELL on 11/15/10Hinkle Fieldhouse - Indianapolis

    Seen Mellencamp at least 6 times. Either he is getting older (which he is) or I am (which I am too). Really like the guy, though I immediately knew something was wrong when I began to doze off for songs 3,4,5,6,7, and 8. The whole row in front me left and the group of 4 others ahead of them left before the concert was remotely close to being over. This is the first time I left before the entire concert finished.....that bad. Playlist SUCKED! Sorry...but true, it SUCKED! You have plenty of great songs that ROCK that can make up one kick-ass concert. Just take 2 songs off each album (except anything done in the last 5 years) and you can have an awesome unforgettable show. You have more hit's and semi hits to put together at least 3-4 different shows, that could withstand time. John you're better than this! I brought the wife there as a surprise on for our Wedding Anniversary that evening. I'll admit I will probably see you again though I have one last question for the time being; Can I have my hard earned money back? (P.S. Where can I send my ticket stubs for this show for reimbursement?) -One unsatisfied concert-goer

  • Rating: 1 out of 5

    I did not care for it at all

    by ajfan87 on 11/15/10Hinkle Fieldhouse - Indianapolis

    I wish I had known what type of concert it was going to be before I purchased 4 tickets, as I would not have purchased them. We were all very, very disappointed in the music, not at all what we expected, I had seen him two other times, one at Market Square Arena, where he was fabulous, and another time playing an outside concert and he was again great. This was not at all what we expected and needless to say we were very disappointed.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Mellencamp was very good

    by glendora on 11/15/10Hinkle Fieldhouse - Indianapolis

    He was very good. The seats were good and the sound in Hinkle Fieldhouse was much better than expected.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Mellencamp put his heart into the show

    by stangelo on 11/15/10Hinkle Fieldhouse - Indianapolis

    Outstanding. would liked to have heard more classics but his new stuff is far better in person than on the disk. I am his age and could not do a show like he did. KEEP IT UP JOHN.

  • Rating: 1 out of 5

    Mellencamp @ Hinkle

    by swilli3390 on 11/15/10Hinkle Fieldhouse - Indianapolis

    It was the worst show I've ever seen - not worth the money. Acoustic was great, but the bass was way too boomy. Plus....why do people have to stand for the entire concert?!?!?!?!?

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    by Nate61910 on 11/15/10Hinkle Fieldhouse - Indianapolis

    Laid back show for Mellencamp, but a great show nonetheless.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Marker for comparing other tours

    by LSR1972 on 11/14/10Hinkle Fieldhouse - Indianapolis

    This was an outstanding concert from the point JM's completion of a transition which I first noted in the 2005 Tour. In 2005 he seemed to be exploring and grappling with the changes aging can bring; his 2010 concert offered a JM and his music reflective of a man who has a clear direction with a clearly directed social conscience. He never seemed to be afraid to speak his mind through his music and this definitely was no exception. I think he was wise in mixing some old with his new especially for those who have not watched his transition. His songs were powerfully generated from personal and social perspectives. I was pleased to hear him speak out for all those disenfranchised by race, age, poverty. I have not commented on the actual music and the quality of JM and his band--he and his band are vibrant, energetic, and inviting to listen to. His new music is superb.

  • Rating: 1 out of 5

    by holymoses on 11/14/10Hinkle Fieldhouse - Indianapolis

    Horrible. Absolutely horrible. He played most of his new stuff and really changed his classic hits. I left before the concert was even over. I will not be seeing Mellencamp again. Very disappointing.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    John Mellencamp was Amazing

    by Pammm on 11/14/10Hinkle Fieldhouse - Indianapolis

    John Mellencamp I loved the new songs and the way he mixed in his old songs. I liked different types of music that was played and John coming out playing by himself . It seems that he was enjoying playing for us as much as we enjoyed listening. Liked the small venue,

  • Rating: 1 out of 5

    Mellencamp was extremely disappointing

    by Andriean on 11/14/10Hinkle Fieldhouse - Indianapolis

    Do not buy tickets for this tour expecting to hear any of Mellencamp's older, hit songs that made his career like Hurts so Good, Cherry Bomb, I Need A Lover, Ain't Even Done with The Night, Crumblin' Down and Lonely Ol' Night. About 90 percent of the setlist was new material that had a folk celtic, rockabilly feel to it and the older material he did play I consider only mediocre. I realize that artists always play their new music on a tour, but somewhere in between one expects to hear the hits as well. The new music was not bad, just not what you expect to hear at a rock concert from a rock legend like John Mellencamp. Based on the crowd's reaction, such as booing, excessive chattering throughout the evening and numerous people leaving the venue early, I was not the only person who felt disappointed. That really says a lot about the quality of this concert considering I attended the concert in Indiana, Mellencamp's home state where locals consider him a golden boy.

  • Rating: 2 out of 5

    Sadly disappointing

    by Sunsprout on 11/14/10Hinkle Fieldhouse - Indianapolis

    This is not the show to see if you're looking for a rock concert with old favorites. The majority of the concert is new folk type music, and by the time he rolled out the drums and played the old stuff, we were already ready for it to be over. Really disappointing...nothing like past concerts. Also, don't go early for the film...not worth your time.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Mellencamp at Hinkle

    by Campgirl10 on 11/14/10Hinkle Fieldhouse - Indianapolis

    Hinkle Fieldhouse was the perfect setting for an evening with John Mellencamp. His range of works and offbeat style were showcased well in the old fieldhouse.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Another great one!

    by Anonymous on 11/14/10Hinkle Fieldhouse - Indianapolis

    I've seen Mellencamp many times over the years: in Bloomington, Conseco, etc and this year's show ranks right up at the top. The Blues are great, some of his older songs were sung with a new rendition (which were amazing) and his most popular songs had the same energy as years past. If you are a fan, you will not be disappointed!

  • Rating: 1 out of 5

    Worst concert I have ever been to.

    by Fatdog765 on 11/13/10Hinkle Fieldhouse - Indianapolis

    I went see this concert because I like his music, most all of it. But somehow Mellancamp managed to play for nearly 1 hour before I reconized a song and by then I was ready to fall asleep. He finally played one of his classic song but changed it to a point beyond recognition. I would not recommend this concert to anyone. Very disappointing

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Best concert ever!

    by gerliegerl on 11/13/10Clowes Memorial Hall - Indianapolis

    John put on a fantastic show, proving once again that he just keeps getting better with age! The show was a mix of his hits from the 80's, 90's, 00's, and several songs from his new CD. He appeared to really be enjoying himself on stage and was so energetic. His voice sounded great! He started the show with his band backing him. He then went into an accoustical set with just him and his guitar. To end the night, he brought his band back on stage and really started rocking. John has always been a great showman and he still is. I highly recommend this show.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    John Mellencamp gives you your money's worth!

    by Saramara5 on 11/13/10Hinkle Fieldhouse - Indianapolis

    Fantastic performance. His new music is very different, but wonderful. The violinist was impressive. Skip the documentary. It's interesting, but makes for a really long evening!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    John Mellencamp was Amazing!

    by Anonymous on 11/13/10Hinkle Fieldhouse - Indianapolis

    I had never seen John Mellencamp before and bought the tix for my husband for his Christmas present. I think I had as great a time as he did. I would definitely do it again.