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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.
After looking forward to this concert for months I was disappointed that he played most of his new songs instead of the ones we all loved from the past. His play list had so many mellow sit down songs, at one point I almost fell asleep. He still has a great voice and sounded fantastic.
I had never seen Mellencamp before and was really looking forward to it. I was sorely disappointed. The oldies he did play were off tempo and horrible. His new stuff is pretty pathetic. My opinion is that an aging "rock star" should play what the audience came for instead of indulging himself . Not to mention keeping the political comments to himself. If he keeps performing his new songs only.....good luck to him bringing in an audience. He probably just needs to play in the garage with his buddies like everyone else does.
Hinkle fieldhouse gave a small town, 60's era feeling to the show. Floor seating was very cramped. John basically did the same format as Monday @ Clowes Hall but the accoustics were of course not as good. I appreciate John's new stuff but I think I'd rather hear an old rockabilly band or an old blues band in some dive - just something missing from the many times I've heard him in the past.
There was way too little of the "best of" songs and way too much of Mellencamps' new material. Except for the opening with the Authority song, the first hour or so was filled with very slow and melancholoy (depressing!) tunes. He lost a lot of the audience. People were yawning and trying to keep awake by doing something else (on Facebook...). And the version of "Jack and Diane" he sang was awful. And a venue with no alcohol?! If it wasn't for the last 30 minutes of non stop great rock'n'roll, the whole evening would have been a bust.
First, John Mellencamp put on an EXCELLENT show. He had a great mix of the old classics with some of the new songs from his recently released CD. The songs for the new CD sounded great live (much better than the CD). More acts should follow his lead and perform at Hinkle Fieldhouse. It was an absolute great venue for a concert.
Disappointing at best - The song selections were nearly depressing. We watch people leave as early as the 3rd song. Near the end, hebrought out the classics but by then it was too late. His 5th song he stated was about Western Culture and Greed. At 75$ a head, the message was hypocrytical at best. That was not the only political message in his concert. The songs were as weak as the messages he was trying to convey. It would be interesting what teh women of NOW think about his tribute song. The good news was the venue was very small so it is not likely he turned many fans. If he had not ended with some of the classics, he would have been given 1 star (becasue they dont give 0 stars), He thought enough of the audince to start late and not give any encores. We thought of asking for a refund. Not what we expected from a seasoned performer who is in the Hall of Fame.
Incredible venue. Loved the concert but did not like the country western version of Jack and Diane. I mean....really? Country western for the best rock song ever? NO
Just a wonderful entertainer, engaged with the audience. Incredible music AND venue!
I wish I wouldn't have bought the concert t-shirt BEFORE the event! We've seen Mellencamp before & it was one of our favorite concerts - on my feet the whole time. While we totally expected new recordings, it was too heavy in that regard -- very unbalanced new to nostalgic. He made no excuses for it, either, saying he "looks forward" rather than being "nostalgic". My biggest disappointment of the night: IT WAS VETERAN'S DAY and he made a politial comment (of course!) against war. No problem with that, but PLEASE don't disrespect our veterans who have given HIM the right to live in a country with freedom of speech. No longer a fan.
Market Square Arena, Verison and now Hinkle Field House. Wow small venues are the best and as always John out preformed himself. Was really impressed with his art work on display. Amazing that this Rocker is 62 WOW!!!
While the HInkle venue was intimate and my seat felt close to the stage the arena was overly warm. When the bad went electric the bass was turned up too loud and the metal seats vibrated with every note drowning out the other music. The shows focus on the musicians and music instead of lights & fireworks was much appreciated. Both the keyboard variety and violinist range added to the overal musical experience. I appreciated the blues sound of John's new songs but didn't appreciate him trying to shoehorn old standards like Jack and Diane into the blues style. It made the songs unrecognizeable.
i've seen mellencamp in concert 3 times and this concert was the best out of all.really this is one of the best concerts i've ever been to.he played something for everyone.
Hinkle was great. It was small enough to make it feel more personal. And big enough to make it feel like a rock concert. We took our 10 year old son to this for his first concert and I think he is now spoiled. Everything else will have to measure up to this great event. It was great to hear the old with the new and to see the changes in styles. And the fact there was no loss of excellence.
Mellencamp showed a bluesy side to most of the songs - including his old hits, but rocked out hard the last part of the show! Enjoyed the storytelling and interaction with the crowd. Great venue, sound and event. After all these years he still provides a great and entertaining show!
Much better sound than I feared at Hinkle, John did a great job of show casing his new songs and adding very interesting twist to some of his old songs (Jack & Diane). Good end with some of his classic (and some newer) songs with hard driving rock and roll (actually finally shut up some of his "fans" living in the past). If you want to hear music like your CD's of the 80's you might be disappointed but if you like his continuing musical changes and the statements of his lyrics you will love it.
WE thoroughly enjoyed the concert. Great mix of old and newer songs. We loved all of it. John is very personable and he talked to the audience, told stories, and enjoyed being on stage. He engaged well with the audience and the music was superb. He has great musicians in the band. The film prior to the live show was a wonderful piece and I highly recomend that you see the film. It makes the concert even more meaningful. We have been to a lot of concerts this year and this one was in the TOP 3. We just can't pick between those three. Sit back, jump up and bounce your head to the beat - Enjoy!
We attended the concert last night at Hinkle Field House in Indianapolis,Indiana and it was great. John's performance was better than we thought it would be. He played several of his new songs and many of the oldies. He even brought someone out of the crowd on stage to dance with him. He told a few jokes and really got the crowd going. I would recommend this concert to everyone. If you want to see John at his best you must attend. He makes you feel like you are 16 again. John totally outdid himself.
Deadly boring film first. Lots of "folkabilly" played at earsplitting volume with litlle enthusiasm. Old favorites unrecognizable. Last 20 minutes were ok. Won't go again
John truly is a great conductor. It is always wonderfult to hear and watch those talented musicians perform together, under John's direction. It's an added benefit for me personally to hear John speak out and write about social issues that reflect my views also. I thank him for using his talent to bring these issues to his music.
The stage design set the scene for Mellencamp's show very well. The overhead blue and yellow twinkling lights reminded me of the peaceful and innocent times of the days of yesteryear-- this worked great to set the mood for the show and the groups of songs that were played. For 90 minutes, it was a reflective celebration of a variety of subject matters. The folk, blues, and early rock vintage sound, as heard on his current album, had a somber and somewhat of a haunting tune, whether Mellencamp played his current material or some of his earlier material. The last 30 minutes of the concert was his signature "rocking the house" and everyone was on their feet, clapping and singing along to his timeless songs, as Mellencamp referred to as "our old friends." He and the band constantly played energetically before bowing out. Another show well done!
