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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.
I got these tickets as an anniversary gift for my husband. He and I had such a great time! It was awesome to see John in his home town. We would definitely recommend this concert!
Before last Saturday, I had seen Mellencamp 12 times in concert and loved every minute of it. Unfortantely, this will likely be my last Mellencamp concert I ever attend. I respect the fact that John feels that playing the music that I listened to 25 years ago and still love today is nostalgic and that he's moving his career foward BUT I don't particularly care for John's new music....in fact I hate it so while John has the right to play want he wants, I'm not going to spend $50 to listen to rambling, incoherent songs about death, doom, and gloom. If you think this concert is going to rock like the old Mellencamp shows you are going to be sadly disappointed. John played 90% new stuff and the 10% old stuff he played was changed for the worse to reflect his new style. Take my word for it, you're better off loading up the IPOD, buying a case of beer, and staying home.
I am 61 years old,and have been to over a hundred concerts, from the stones to McCartney. This was in the top ten of my concert experiences ever. I thought he mixed up the concert unbelievable,we rocked,we boogied,we sat and listened to some good personal sides of John and his band. We done a touch of country,and bluegrass,and we touched on some blues. The man and his band can do it all,and well,I dont think I quit smiling thruout the whole concert. I was also impressed with the folks at Indiana University, they made the night very special,from the moment I parked and rode the bus to the auditorium,until they delivered my wife and I back to our car. It was a very good night for us. I had spent the day in the emergency room with my 9 year old grandson,he had fell and hit his head at school,and had a bad concussion,and a ruptured ear drum,I hated to leave him,but he was in good hands,with the hospital staff,and his parents. It probably was good for me to get away awhile,and I was surprised that i had such a good time. Thanks to John Mellencamp for the wonderful night,and I honestly think Johns energy funneled thru me and into my grandson,and helped him get well. This is what I was thinking all night,and when I got home and checked on him,he was resting well,and was better. I think God sent him energy thru John Mellencamp. Thank you God,and thank you John.
It was an intimate venue, the pre-show was a great build up....and the show was fantastic! Always right with the times....and still rocking at 59...you have to love that....would see him over and over again. I was in school in Bloomington when John used to come around the campus, hang out at the Time Out where I worked and play at the Blue Bird....great to see a success story come out of a great place.....who doesn't forget where he came from. Loved it.
John Mellencamp was on fire! My husband and I had front row seats, and they were worth every penny! We were literally a few feet from John Mellencamp! He(John) joked about getting older, but he didn't act like he has aged at all. He was amazing, very funny and energetic, he really knows how to get the crowd going. I can't wait to see him again some day!
Love Mellencamp. He has been my favorite artist since I was about 13 years old. His songwriting skills are amazing, and I love his voice.
John was Awesome as he always is!!!!!!! I enjoyed the show very very much!!! From the pit 2nd row!!!!! He just keeps getting more amazing every year!!! Thanks John for an absolutely amazing awesome night!!! I love you Always and I do care!!!!!
i took my sister to the concert for our christmas and birthday presents.. i really like the smaller venues. it has a cozier atmosphere.. i did notice the only ones standing were the people in the pit. is his music, by going country, (more relaxed) going to be more laid back for crowd control. it was great that he played different renditions of his own classic hits.. it was a truly great show and would go see it again and recommend it to anyone of all ages.. rock on john...
I had an outstanding opportunity to enjoy the kick off to the "No better than this" tour in Bloomington on Friday. Mellencamp and his supporting muscians were truly outstanding. He warmed everyone up gradually with his acoustic set and then blew our socks off with his rock set. This is the kind of event that makes you glad you are alive on this planet to have the privilege to enjoy.
What a great opening night at IU for this tour. John and the band sounded better than ever, and looked like they had as much fun performing that night as the crowd did listening and watching. Excellent sound in the venue, and the free shuttle from the parking garage in downtown Bloomington made it a very relaxed and enjoyable evening. Now all we need is for John to wrap up this tour right back here, home in Bloomington!
Thsi show was beautifully arrainged and performed. My wife and I loved how the older songs were played a little differently.
this was a verrrrry dissapointing concert. would have had a better time sittin at home listening to his great hits collection. i got the tickets for my mom cause shes a big fan, and it was the last concert she went to back in 1986!! she didnt have a very good time eiither was very dissapointed. needless to say i will be buying her ANOTHER bday gift!! oh and 2 out of the 8 of us that went fell asleep!!!
Great show! 1st set was the deep thoughts to promote his new album while the second was the rockin roll that he has put out over the years.
Attended John's performance at IU Auditorium on 10/30/10. First saw John in concert back in 1984 and it is very interesting to see how he has grown over the years. From a reluctant 'pop' star to an artist who reflects a lot of his world in his modern music. John's current show is very introspective into his appreciation of the roots of modern music in this country and I felt very introspective into where John is in his life. Good combination of his older 'pop' hits combined with his more modern soulful sound. If you are going to this show just to hear John's older music you may be disappointed, but if you appreciate John for all that he has done over the years, this is a wonderful show. I don't know if every show will have the movie shown as the 'warmup', but if it is shown, do yourself a favor and go see it. It is a wonderful trip around this country and into John himself.
Having not seen Mellencamp in a number of years, I was VERY pleased to see that his seemingly self-centered indifference to the audience has changed to a more gracious tone, actually thanking us for our applause! His music has matured and developed as well. The good old rock & roll was still there, but the addition of his new bluesy music was wonderful!! One final note: his range and control of his vocals seems to have matured right along with the rest of his performance...impressive!
Was dissapointed that John only played a few of his older hits - and they were played in slow motion! The crowd wanted to get into it but he played all his new material for the first hour and a half and closed with only a few of his all time hits - no encore either!
I have been a fan ever since his first record. Every show after the first has been better than the last ! John, keep tellin' your stories to us, we love them. RMAC 33
What an amazing performance! We are never disappointed when we attend a Mellencamp concert. He is one of the few performers out there that actually performs for the entire concert. No fifteen minute breaks here and there for staging and costume changes. Loved, loved, loved the movie before, too! It gave such a wonderful background story for his new songs. The venue was perfect. Not a bad seat in the house, and felt intimate. I hope he doesn't wait another 20+ years to play at IU Auditorium again! : )
For a 30+ year fan of Mellencamp's music, this was a real let-down. I expected that he would play some of his new music. That is great, and I am all for him promoting his new album. However, for those of us who were there to hear CLASSIC Mellencamp, it was awful. The few classics he did play were re-arranged to the point of being almost unrecognizable. :( Jack and Diane was a sped-up bluegrass style -- sacrilege! Pink Houses was very rock and roll... less the folksy tune we love. The only one he played true to form was R.O.C.K. in the USA. All that said, it was clear that John and the band were enjoying themselves. I love how he talks to the audience and tells stories between songs. I understand that after 35 years, he is probably sick of singing the same songs over and over. But we, the fans who have loved him for this long, really love hearing those same songs over and over. John looked great, Miriam was amazing as usual, and the music was fun. It just wasn't Mellencamp-ish enough for me.
What else can be said????? AWESOME...AWESOME....AWESOME!!!
