John Mellencamp Reviews

Jay Cee from Chicago, Illinois

DON'T EXPECT A HIT PARADE, BUT GOOD THOUGHTFUL SHOW

It's Mellencamp's show, and if you don't like it, you can leave. I (and most of the audience) could have done without the 30 minute video intro filled with black and white movie clips, but it does provide a setting of who Mellencamp wanted to be. Mellencamp arrives with a cigarette in his mouth and a raspy voice under a backdrop of a 20's speakeasy. He warns you that the show might get political, will not be a hit parade concert, and might have some slow songs. The band was (of course) top notch, esp the drummer. Mellencamp skipped the arena bombast sound of R.O.C.K. and "I need a lover". He had his trademark fiddle/accordion sound, churning slightly reworked versions of many of his hits designed for mid-sized venues. He delivered a few new songs with semi-rambling stories and irascible social commentary. Dancing? Well, he's like 73, so not much. His voice was relatively capable and in tune but a bit age-slurred. The high notes were ably covered by the band members.

Will from St. Louis, MO

CLEARLY, APPRECIATION FOR CREATIVITY IS DYING

I don’t know what show people here watched, but I thought it was a refreshing change. Lots of classics, some new stuff, a really interesting stage setup, and he started the show with older films which contributed to his song writing and concepts. It was really cool seeing where some of the lyrics of his songs come from. Mellencamp is more of an icon than I gave him credit for, and he is definitely not afraid to try something new. I’m surprised by how much I enjoyed the show. My only criticism is that sometimes the arrangements adjusted the song’s tempo a bit, and kind of changed the song. But honestly, that’s a minor quibble.

Tammy Leigh from Cincinnati, Ohio

JOHN GAVE US WHAT WE CAME FOR

I agree the film intro was too long, even though the clips gave you insight into John's inspiration and were pretty cool on their own. However - Once he started playing we heard hit after hit after hit. Two of my favorites were Paper and Fire and Crumblin' Down. He did not disappoint. I was on my feet dancing for all but 3 of the slower tunes. So much fun to revisit so much music from my generation! Hearing Joann Woodward read one of his songs added another dimension to the show. I thought it was great. Thank you, John! (And the band was fantastic too.)

Karen from Cleveland, Ohio

JOHN MELLENCAMP CLEVELAND

Honestly I think everyone could've done without the bits of movies that played on for 30 minutes at the beginning and I hated the people who were drunk by the time the band hit the stage. It was a little uncomfortable when John called them out and reminded everyone it was an intimate venue. Finally I was very impressed by the energy and presence of the band and I thought he sounded true to himself! Took me back in time and left me smiling.

Josie from New York, New York

INTERESTING UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

John Mellencamp rocked the Beacon Theater! Was strange to start with the B&W old movies but once i read that the tour was sponsored by TCM makes more sense! He definitely channels the James Dean vibe throughout the show and the fact that the last movie clip was Streetcar Named Desire - explains the whole New Orleans style backdrop too. I liked his stories and patter throughout and unlike other concerts of old rockers, he embraces his fans’ loving and singing his old classics. The crowd was up on their feet for all the oldies and it was a great show all around!

Erica from RI

TRUE ROCK AND ROLL LEGEND

Surprised by all the 1-star reviews. Saw him in Providence and while there may have been some things about this show that missed the mark, overall it was a great celebration of true rock and roll and American life. JCM was one of the groundbreakers who brought us to the modern era of rock with these classics and his music embodies the best of life in the USA. Definitely could have done without the movie intro but if you're not into that, just plan to come at 8:30. It could have been much shorter but it was an interesting insight into the inspiration for some of his music. Maybe he read the reviews and toned it down but he didn't sound like an angry old man at this show - some of his stories were a little rambling, "let me tell you a story grandkids" kind of interludes but they were entertaining. With light-hearted references to his smoking and cussing (both of which he did plenty of onstage) he shared some of his life experience and didn't get too specific with any criticism of the state of the country altho his story about a homeless girl was a bit of a buzzkill. The cigarettes have taken a toll on his voice but he still sounds awesome and rocks hard. Not sure what's going on with the jumpsuit - I felt like I should ask him to check my brakes - he's in great shape for his age but should think about some jeans or something. But overall he's still a rock star and his music will always bring me back to good times and as he put it, this show created a music community, I was one of the youngest ones there (fortysomething) but you wouldn't know that we all were at different stages of our lives when we first fell in love with these songs. Really glad I got to see him. Great show.

Chris from Ottawa, Ontario

OK PERFORMANCE

Having seen Mellancamp before, I knew what I was in for. The 20 Minute Into movie had Graffiti on the screen (Not sure if it was intentional or not, but it was distracting.) The band was solid, but John Mellancamp's vocal range has seen better days. Noticeably absent from the Setlist were ROCK in The USA, Hand To Hold On To and the classic Hurts so good. Most of the attendees were over 50 and it felt a bit like going to your high school reunion to play listen to some John Mellancamp's songs around a campfire. Mellancamp is entertaining but his acoustic Sing along of Jack and Diane was lame and his banter with the Ottawa audience was a bit weak. Light show was poor, but the Sound in the arena was acceptably good.

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