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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.
It was first time seeing John Mellencamp & he and his band did not disappoint. From the rock-a-billy openers through the solo accoustic with accompaniment, to the hard rocking band, it was all, %100 a fantastic evening.
John M captivated us with his ability to establish a relationship with the audience and sing with that gritty voice. The words so reflect his life and much about everyone's. His sound system is great, as is the band. Only complaint was that everyone stands too much. We paid for a seat & didn't get to sit as much as we would like. It's great to stand & rock out sometimes, but not all the time. Would love a section in the concert hall for sitters.
I have never seen an artist perform for over 2 hours straight with barely taking a break at all. The music and performance were excellent. We had a great time !!!
The band was incredible and the music virtually non-stop for over 2 hours of memorable songs and exquisite craftsmanship. So many sing-alongs and the crowd were on their feet the entire performance! GREAT SHOW!
This show was at the Ryman in Nashville, TN. So, you know the sound was just perfect! They started the show off with a film of John Mellencamps history, his work with Farm Aid, his albums. Plus the new one. And then the show starts! You get to hear some of his new songs from the new cd. Plus the biggest part of his hits! Which everybody knows he has a lot of those!!!
Really enjoyed Mellencamp over the years. Not a huge fan, but a fan. Gotta say though, he put on pone of the best shows I have ever seen in years. The staging, sets, adaptations of classic hits were above and beyond. If you have the chance to see the show, do it.
This was my 1st time to see Mellencamp in concert. While a longtime fan of the balladeer, I was glad to finally see him and his band in concert. His new music was great and his old time favorites were terrific. i highly recommend!
Very good show. His new stuff is pretty good, but the last hour was the songs I came to hear and it ROCKED!!
Wow, great show! Sang lots off the new album but, didn't leave out the classics... Jack n Diane, Small Town, Pink Houses and Cherry Bomb. Have seen him several times and he still has it!
One of the worse concerts I have ever seen. I paid $100 to hear him sing only about 6 of his most popular songs. The other 15 or so, I had never heard of. We got there at 6:30. That is what time the ticket said the show started. There was a film that ran until 8:30 about his life. A total waste of time. He came out, sang Authority and then crowd was pumped. After that it was all down hill. We he did sing the popular songs, he was great. Right on key, he voiced does not sounds aged. He has been once artist I have always longed to see, I was so disappointed.
I love John Cougar. He is awesome! I'd go see him everytime he comes close by.
The entire show was great. He performed an excellent cross selection of music from his various albums and ended with several very high energy songs.
Since it was at the Ryman it was a very intimate concert. We had the premium package seats and they were well worth it. I won't ever go to another one of his concerts without being so close to the stage. Great mix of old and new songs.
Mellencamp concert was AMAZING. I highly recommend everyone see him in concert while you still can. He rocked the house from the young college-age crowd, to the 40-somethings, to the 55+.
Have seen John Mellencamp several times over the years. Each time I see him perform, he is better than before! Love 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. More than half the show 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 half-hour of the concert was Mellencamp's signature "rocking the house" and everyone was on their feet, clapping and singing along to his timeless songs. Mellencamp played his guitar more than usual in the concert and he let us know he did too! He and the band played for 2 hours before bowing out. Another show well done!
When John sang chorus to Cherry Bomb...he got a few words in and the entire auditorium sang the rest!!! He also sang at least 6-7 songs acoustic...amazing!!! I have seen him 8 times through the years, he has mellowed quite a bit but still rocked out the second half of the show! I am positive I will see him again...and again...
This was my first time seeing John Mellencamp live, and I was completely blown away. He played for two and a half hours, with a great mix of old favorites and many from his new CD. The documentary about the making of the film was also quite interesting. I would love to see John and his band play again soon.
He began the show with some of his new stuff from "No Better Than This" then an acoustic set and finished with an amazing rock 'n roll jam session! My favorite songs were the newly arranged Jack & Diane, If I Die Sudden, and Rain on the Scarecrow. He still has the energy, moves, and passion I fell in love with the first time I saw him in concert twenty-two years ago at Farm Aid in Indy! I LOVE YOU, JOHN! Keep rockin' and makin' it real!
This was a great show with some different arrangements, terrific lighting and well thought out. John playing alone or with just 1-2 band members from time to time really allowed the lyrics of his newer stuff to shine through. Terrific storytelling and high entertainment value.
