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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.
Stripped down Mellencamp music. Old school guitar and drums. Incredible violin player. Venue is one for the ages. Anyone who ever thought they liked even one Mellencamp song will love this show. John was at the top of his game and has a great band that understand his vision for the music. I recognized about half the songs and loved every song they played,
This concert was disappointing. It had so much potential and just fell flat. John either left off, abbreviated, severely slowed down or changed all of his greatest songs. The concert started slow with a lot of the new slower ballads and you assumed he was slowly building up for a major run to the end and it just never came. Really weak renditions of Cherry Bomb (he said it was an afterthought), pink houses, jack and diane and small town. Of all songs to leave out, hurt so good and I need a lover weren't played and many others. The best way to describe the concert was constipated from beginning to end. Pretty sad. Especially, because John looked so good, strong and healthy and showed the ability to dance and put on a show still. Just never got off the ground. Two songs did he rock the house on were Scarecrow and Rockin in the USA and then back to flat. Could have rescued it with about a 7 song encore but he didn't even come back out and I don't think he played two hours. That was my 6th Mellencamp concert so I know the difference and unless I get some guarantee on the next tour, there won't be a 7th. I feel bad, but, I paid a lot of money and didn't see John near his best.
Yes, I was at the Mellencamp concert at the Midland, Kansas City, John was game on,he and his band put on a fantastic show,I was just taken away by the entire show, I love his new sound and he work so hard on stage, the video he plays at th beginning b/c he doesnt have an opening act is just awesome. I hope he comes back to Kansas City again soon, I loved Midland size and made the concert very special, most of the time no one was sitting so seat was not needed, everyone I saw was having a great time, so Thanks John for a great show and a great time. Also Thanks for sharing the art exhibit very nice.
I wished he would have played more familiar songs. The music was good just couldn't sing along.
I've been a fan of John's since the 80's. Loved the show.
The film before the show was amazing !!!! I wish John Mellencamp would of sang a few more of the old favorites. But, He was great !!!!! I the new CD and it's so interesting the recording process. I do however wish I was the one that was pulled up on stage to dance with him. He did not do a encore........ We all just waited and looked at each other.
Played many of his greatest hits in addition to some wonderful new songs. This guy is unbelievable and definitely still rocks! Don't know how he does it. Highly recommended.
This show was nothing like any other that John has performed! He changed it up a lot and played songs he had never played in a concert before. It was a great show and the Midland Theatre in KC was the most awesome venue. I was so very impressed with the acoustics in the facility. BEST EVER!!!
Two hours of nonstop Mellencamp--amazing. I enjoyed the documentary and learned a lot, too.
Concert was great. The sound was perfect. Only complaint is the waiting to get in. The doors did not open when promised and then when they did open the opening film was already playing.
He's still got the moves after all these years. Congrats John
He brought both the new and old songs and had the crowd in a frenzy when he ended the show. Great night of entertainment!
As I was walking out of the theatre, I heard a woman comment, "That was the worst concert I have every been to!!!" I have to agree with her, as did all of the people around me. John Mellencamp needs to try and remember his John Cougar days and bring them back. That is what we want to hear. That is why we loved him. That is why we bought his concert ticket. It has NOTHING to do with his new music or his political agenda. He played no encore, which I was hoping that might give me "a little night dancing". However, all he left us with was "a lonely ole night, but ain't they all!"
He did a great job except some parts were alittle slow...Was disappointed that he never came back on stage for encore..
He didn't play much of his old stuff and what he did play he put a different beat to it.
Although the show dragged a little during the middle, "folksy" portion of his set, John Mellencamp showed he still has what it takes to thoroughly entertain his audience. His two hour plus set contained a good mix of songs from his new album while not neglecting fan favorites near the end of his set.
I was looking forward to the show just based on his reputation, but hadn't really looked at how his recent shows had been. this was a lot more folksy and bluegrass than I would have imagined. not that it's a bad thing, but really not my style. at least his last part of the show was a nice rock style.
The concert was fun, but somewhat disappointing because John played most of his new stuff and very little from the past. He played 2 hours straight with no encore. It would have been nice to hear Hurt So Good. His fiddle player was amazing! She is a true treasured talent. Do let that one go! Love the band and the casualness of the event.
He rocked hard for almost two hours, hardly any talking. Played a great mix of older and new stuff and after seeing him several times in the last few years finaly heard Jack and Diane live. Was kind of bummed he didn't play an encore. Definatley see him again and would highly recommend the Midland. Beautiful venue, great seating, good accoutics
I was totally unaware that John was changing his sound. I have seen him 6 times before and he ALWAYS put on a great show. Therefore, although the quality of entertainment was good, I was very disappointed that he played all new music that I didn't know and played very few of his old hits. He also changed a classic hit "Jack and Diane" up with a country tune and I hate to say that it was horrible!! The whole theater was SITTING through much of the concert, and to me that says it all! Finally in the last set I saw my "old friend" when he came out and finally rocked his ass off, and finally had the whole place on their feet.
