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Customer Reviews for John Mellencamp

John Mellencamp

Read John Mellencamp concert reviews and post your own reviews and ratings.

Average rating:

(1568 Reviews) 1568

Rating Snapshot (1,568 reviews)

5 stars

806

4 stars

349

3 stars

156

2 stars

134

1 star

123

1,229 of 1,568(78%)customers would recommend this to a friend.

John Mellencamp Fan Reviews - Ticketmaster

Review 1 for John Mellencamp

5 / 5

Mellencamp Reinvents Himself, Again

Indiana University Auditorium @

- Bloomington @

, IN @

- Fri, Oct 29, 2010 @

Favorite moment: Solo, Mellencamp started about to play a song on his guitar when he stopped. He quickly said, "Whoa, wait a minute. My trousers are falling down!" @

Setlist: In no particular order: Walk Tall, Pink Houses, Jackie Brown, Rain on the Scarecrow, Check it Out, Paper in Fire, Authority Song, Crumblin' Down, Small Town, R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A., Cherry Bomb, If I Die Sudden, Troubled Land, Don't Need this Body, Longest Days, A Ride Back Home, Big Daddy- acoustic, Deep Blue Heart, The Real Life, Save Some Time to Dream, The West End, Right Behind Me, No Better Than This, Thinking About You, Coming Down the Road, No One Cares About Me, Don't Forget About Me, Easter Eve. @

Opening act(s): Hour-long documentary film, "It's About You," chronicles the recording of current album, "No Better Than This," as well as the 2009 tour dates that brought Mellencamp to numerous minor league baseball stadiums around the country. @

Posted 11/03/2010

by Mellenhead2

Location:Indianapolis

Featured Review

Top 1000 Contributor

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!

Indiana University Auditorium @

- Bloomington @

, IN @

- Fri, Oct 29, 2010 @

Favorite moment: Solo, Mellencamp started about to play a song on his guitar when he stopped. He quickly said, "Whoa, wait a minute. My trousers are falling down!" @

9 of 12 found this review helpful.

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Review 2 for John Mellencamp

5 / 5

Since early 80s

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Pink House @

Opening act(s): n/a @

Posted 08/15/2012

by superzozo

Location:San Jose, CA

Last show I saw him was at Budokan in Japan in early 80s. Since then, I had no chance to go back to his concert.

A half talking and another half performance show was really special and great. However, I wish if it would have more time for performance cause I felt it a kind of short.

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Pink House @

Opening act(s): n/a @

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Review 3 for John Mellencamp

5 / 5

A Dream Come True

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: When John lit up a smoke during his interview and got applauded for it. Love his rebel spirit. @

Posted 08/04/2012

by Lu318

Location:San Jose California

Man oh man was I excited to be going to see John in a small venue. Just walking over from the car I had goosebumps and it wasn't cold outside. I have loved his songs and lyrics for so long and to be able to hear him discuss some of how they came about was yes, a dream come true. I was in the 3rd row center which didn't hurt.
I am glad he got recognized for something he seemed to really care about and received the Steinbeck Award that night. I am not familiar with Steinbeck's work yet John makes me want to go read Tortilla Flats! It felt good to know the ticket price was being donated to a good cause at SJSU.

I ran out of room on favorite moment so I am putting it here:
The second great moment was when he performed 'If I Die Sudden'. He seemed to really mean those lyrics and I could see the crowd loving it. If I die sudden
Please don't tell anyone There ain't nobody that needs to know That I'm gone
Just put me in a pine box Six feet underground Don't be calling no minister I don't need one around !
Lastly was what I think was the final song Cherry Bomb when the crowd was singing along with him..That's when a smoke was a smoke..groovin was groovin.

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: When John lit up a smoke during his interview and got applauded for it. Love his rebel spirit. @

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Review 4 for John Mellencamp

5 / 5

Still John Cougar to me

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: when he started smoking and then got comfortable and was just being himself during the interview. @

Posted 08/03/2012

by Rico24

Location:HP Pavillion San Jose, Ca.

John Cougar was the first concert I ever attended back in 1983 for the Uh-Huh tour at the San Jose Civic Auditorium. It took Cougar 30 years to come back to San Jose but it was worth the wait. Although this was a award presentation/interview/performace show, it was still awesome to get his perspective on his music and life in general. A rare oppurtunity to really get inside the head of John Cougar Mellencamp in a beautiful theatre. Then he came out and belted a 1/2 hour set that left us craving more, John at 60 you still got it, keep rocking and I cant wait till you come back to the bay area !!!

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: when he started smoking and then got comfortable and was just being himself during the interview. @

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Review 5 for John Mellencamp

5 / 5

John Mellencamp was amazing as always!!!

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Posted 08/03/2012

by Anonymous

He never disappoints. It was truly a can't miss show. Intimate setting. Could have listened to him play all night!!!! And congrats to him on his award!

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

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Review 6 for John Mellencamp

3 / 5

Interview & Music

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Posted 08/02/2012

by 33Garwood

We knew Mellencamp was getting an award, but there was nothing announced about a nearly hour long sit-down interview on stage before the concert. Some of the interview was interesting, (his personality definitely comes on strong), but it could have been shorter. I appreciated that he picked up his acoustic guitar a couple of times during the interview and played 2 of his better songs. There was a nice intro of violin & accordian before the setlist that sounded great. The concert portion had a good set list, but the bass guitar and bass drum was way too loud. The bass vibrated everything to mush and drowned out his vocals and the guitars. Maybe he is used to playing larger venues, but the sound check people or the house PA people really screwed up and ruined the sound with too much bass. One other issue here - there was no encore. They played Cherry Bomb, said thank you, walked off and the house lights came on. Kind of a let down that there was not even one encore.
On the bright side - the acoustic numbers he did sounded great. His voice has really mellowed with age - sounds like he has more soul and passion in his voice.

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

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Review 7 for John Mellencamp

5 / 5

Wow, what a wonderful opportunity!!

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: his first statement "I come with a warning" @

Posted 08/02/2012

by Stretch4

Location:Santa Clara

What a treat to get to hear John Mellencamp explain some of his songs and then play some of the best songs he's written! The California Theater is the perfect venue to hear music played too...just had a great time at this event!

Thank you, John Mellencamp and the Steinbeck Society!!

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: his first statement "I come with a warning" @

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Review 8 for John Mellencamp

5 / 5

Hottest band in town

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Scarecrow. @

Setlist: a short night for him. So we got the greatest hits and it was awsome! @

Opening act(s): None. A sit and share night for a Stienbeck Award he was given. @

Posted 08/02/2012

by GIGBSON337

Location:San Jose

Mellencamp is way underated for the talent he puts out. Yes, I know some of you are saying "UNDERATED." As famous as he is he should be more of a househould name as any Beatle or Stone or Zeppie. His blend of roots, country, blues and rock is the best I've ever heard. He also has that historic americana thing going with close ties to anything Woody Guhtrey has put out. Band members, top notch. DO NOT MISS A SHOW OF HIS IN YOUR TOWN. YOU WILL BE MISSING THE BEST MUSIC SHOWCASED ON A STAGE YOU MAY HAVE EVER HEARD.

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Scarecrow. @

Setlist: a short night for him. So we got the greatest hits and it was awsome! @

Opening act(s): None. A sit and share night for a Stienbeck Award he was given. @

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Review 9 for John Mellencamp

5 / 5

Mellencamp in California Theater, San Jose !!!!

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: The Interview session that included questions from the audience .... priceless @

Posted 08/01/2012

by dig8alman

Location:Lake Tahoe

Mellencamp was awarded the Steinbeck Award by the Steinbeck Foundation for his Volunteer work with Farm Aid and his career of writing music that has brought awareness to struggles of the common working man.

WOW!! what an experience ... The interview and question/answer session was priceless. To hear John answer questions spontaneously gave a rare insight to who he is and what his music has meant to him personally.

The Theater seats less than 900 people. Mellencamp hasn't played in that small a venue in many-many years. again .... priceless ...

The Award is a prestigious recognition of his work .... look up the impressive list of previous winners ... It meant a lot to John to receive it that is for sure ....

The Music was fantastic .... he explained the new sound his band introduced to Rock ... the combo of the Accordion and Violin together .... They gave a 10 min demonstration of the sound with just the accordion and violin players together .... the whole experience was quite special and I will remember it forever.

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: The Interview session that included questions from the audience .... priceless @

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Review 10 for John Mellencamp

5 / 5

Much more than expected

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: smoking his cig in a public place in california @

Opening act(s): none @

Posted 08/01/2012

by t2shoes

Location:pleasanton california

The interview was out of this world....the music even better...No encore for some reason only complaint.

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: smoking his cig in a public place in california @

Opening act(s): none @

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Review 11 for John Mellencamp

5 / 5

A little short but a great show

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: John talking about his life and the final song with his band "Cherry Bomb" @

Setlist: Nothing but hits @

Opening act(s): None @

Posted 08/01/2012

by dfcole

Location:San Francisco

Top 500 Contributor

If you love Mellencamp you already know because you were there. Accepting the Steinbeck Award John seemed to just want to sing and play rather than talk. Coming off a little like he is happy to be there and accepting the award but not quite understanding or finding the connection to the interviewer questions concerning great authors and his music. Just my opinion.
I grew up listening to John. Loved the music. Bought the albums. Saw the shows. It would have been hard to miss this one off show benefiting SJSC.
He played a few acoustic songs during the interview. Played with his band for about an hour following the interview. Left me wanting more.

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: John talking about his life and the final song with his band "Cherry Bomb" @

Setlist: Nothing but hits @

Opening act(s): None @

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Review 12 for John Mellencamp

5 / 5

John delivers again

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Little Pink Houses sing along @

Posted 08/01/2012

by AmericanSon

Location:Lafayette, CA

The Steinbeck award ceremony was an excellent venue in which to hear both John's music and his comments on life, song writing, and his approach to life. I have enjoyed his authentic music and his concerts and that feeling was reinforced by his presence and his candor on stage during the interview. As always the best part was singing along with the audience who also knew every word to the chorus of each of his iconic songs.

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Little Pink Houses sing along @

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Review 13 for John Mellencamp

5 / 5

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: The Wall @

Posted 08/01/2012

by Moonstar7476

Location:Bay Area

The last time I saw John Mellencamp he was wearing leather, dancing on top of large speakers at a concert at Great America. He is still hot as ever!

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: The Wall @

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Review 14 for John Mellencamp

5 / 5

Mellencamp, An Unforgettable Evening!

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Listening to him talk about his grandmother. @

Setlist: Jack and Diane,Cherry Bomb,Little Pink Houses to name a few. @

Opening act(s): It was an award presentation with a Q/A session along with tidbits of his life,family...bits of songs. Wow what a down to earth guy he is....and fantastic venue to get to know him. @

Posted 08/01/2012

by itlleprcn

Location:Monterey,California

Finally got to go see John Mellencamp. He was getting the John Steinbeck award in San Jose,Ca. What a wonderful venue it was, the California Theater is gorgeous and the whole evening was unforgettable. Mellencamp has a warm and witty personality and listening to him talk about his life makes you understand his music even more.

Thank you John "Cougar" Mellencamp for sharing such a special occasion with us, you are so deserving of the award.

Rock On!

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Listening to him talk about his grandmother. @

Setlist: Jack and Diane,Cherry Bomb,Little Pink Houses to name a few. @

Opening act(s): It was an award presentation with a Q/A session along with tidbits of his life,family...bits of songs. Wow what a down to earth guy he is....and fantastic venue to get to know him. @

Reviewer Images:

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Review 15 for John Mellencamp

3 / 5

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Posted 08/01/2012

by EvaSue

Location:San Jose, CA

The interview portion seemed a little forced at first, but then John took over and made it his own. He's unapologetic for who he is and even went so far as to smoke on stage. The moments he grabbed his guitar were the best. The concert portion was good. Nice mix of songs for such a short set, but the instruments were TOO LOUD. All in all, a good time.

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

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Review 16 for John Mellencamp

5 / 5

john melloncamp

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: All of it! @

Opening act(s): None..none needed @

Posted 08/01/2012

by fan49ers

Location:Santa Clara

Could have listened to him talk about his life and experiences for hours. Mixed in with his music it was the absolute best.

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: All of it! @

Opening act(s): None..none needed @

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Review 17 for John Mellencamp

4 / 5

Travels with John

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: When John stopped during his interview to light up a cigarette to the shock and amusement of his politically correct California audience. @

Posted 08/01/2012

by NoSubstitute

This was an exceptional event: Mellencamp was presented with the John Steinbeck Award, which is given to artists and activists whose work exemplifies the values found in the writings of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author. Previous winners include Bruce Springsteen and Joan Baez. John was first interviewed by the director of the Grammy Museum, stopping several times to answer questions by picking up his guitar and singing. And then he brought out his band and rocked the house with a set that included “Rain on the Scarecrow,” “Crumblin’ Down” and “Cherry Bomb.”
Making the evening even more special was the venue, San Jose's California Theater, a glorious former movie palace from the 1920's that has been magnificently restored. Smaller than contemporaries like Oakland's beautiful Paramount and Fox Theaters, the California is both intimate and blessed with glorious acoustics. Every word of John's wonderful songs rang clear and true.

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: When John stopped during his interview to light up a cigarette to the shock and amusement of his politically correct California audience. @

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Review 18 for John Mellencamp

2 / 5

I drove 6 hours to watch him smoke 3 cigs 5 songs

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: When he finally started playing after hour interview........ @

Opening act(s): Talking too much and the guy who interviewed hinm was full of himself. @

Posted 08/01/2012

by JTrout

Location:Mount Shasta

I was more than dissapointed that Mellancamp didn't play more songs. My wife and I drove from Mt Shasta to San Jose in one day to see this concert and din't realize it was an hour for the award and interview and hour for music or 5 songs.

What a bummer, I almost fell alseep in the event and the people were not John Courgar fans, these were Silicone Valley preps that never listen to one song in high school (Trust me on that one folks!) For me to see my childhood legend and then have him do the least amount of effort for a loyal fan was sad.

None of his original band, didn't play Human Wheels and I left really dissapointed and wondering why I spent this money and took this long drive....

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: When he finally started playing after hour interview........ @

Opening act(s): Talking too much and the guy who interviewed hinm was full of himself. @

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Review 19 for John Mellencamp

5 / 5

Mellencamp was awesome!

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: My favorite moments where when he was playing his music, but I also enjoyed when he was talking about his Grandma. @

Setlist: Scarecrow, Paper and Fire, Reallife ,Preacher, Crumbling Down, Pink houses. @

Posted 08/01/2012

by Crazy7

Location:Redwood City

I loved the interview part! I got to know a lot about John and him growing up and the early years. He was relaxed and open and is a very funny guy!

California Theatre @

- San Jose @

, CA @

- Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: My favorite moments where when he was playing his music, but I also enjoyed when he was talking about his Grandma. @

Setlist: Scarecrow, Paper and Fire, Reallife ,Preacher, Crumbling Down, Pink houses. @

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Review 20 for John Mellencamp

4 / 5

Even with the power outage it was great

Credit Union Place @

- Summerside @

, PE @

- Sat, Jun 30, 2012 @

Posted 07/02/2012

by Anonymous

Location:Brackley Beach PEI

Had to wait 2 hours to get in to the venue due to a widespread power outage. The show was great. Mellencamp was amazing. I just wish he had played a bit longer out of respect for the delay everyone had to endure.

Credit Union Place @

- Summerside @

, PE @

- Sat, Jun 30, 2012 @

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