Considering that Citibank is a sponsor and underwriter of this tour, I feel that the price structure for tickets was unwarranted.

The price of $250 (plus fees) for the VIP package (first ten rows) is a serious exercise in hypocrisy for an artist who presents his image as a down-to-earth common man.

I can afford to pay these prices, but will not.
It is a matter of principle, something that apparently Mr Mellencamp and his management no longer possess.

What a shame to see another talented (and wealthy) artist knuckle under to the corporate fist.

So, John Mellencamp has aligned himself with Citibank and website data miners now.

If you are fortunate enough to be part of the elite class, you get the privilege of forking out between $120-140 for a ticket somewhere in the orchestra floor, and for $250 you can purchase a ticket in the first 10 rows.

For a man who claims humble origins, and to be a rebel, a man of The People, this is hypocrisy of the highest order.

Sorry Citibank.  Sorry Mr Mellencamp. Although I can easily afford these ridiculous prices, I refuse to submit.

Your songs of the common man no longer have any meaning, as you have sold out to The MAN.

 
So the Great Midwestern Rock REBEL has sold out to Citibank banking interests and internet data miners.  If you have a Citibank card, or join the Mellancamp data mining website, you get the privilege of paying $119.50 for a ticket ($249 for the "VIP" package, which gets you a fake backstage pass and a poster, with a guarantee of the first 10 rows).

The "public" (real fans) sale starts in three days, for those not fortunate enough to be part of the elite.

No thanks, Mr Mellancamp and Citibank.

Your songs no longer have any meaning.
You have sold out to the man.  You are a phony.