John and NBC's Harry Smith Interview

A true storyteller who continually contributes new insights to the Americana zeitgeist, John Mellencamp is poised to deliver a brand-new anthology, the wonderfully-titled Other People’s Stuff, Friday, December 7, 2018, via Republic Records.

A true-blue American Singer-Songwriter, Mellencamp is probably best known for his radio-smashing work in the ‘80s, such as the classic, radio-friendly mega-hits “Small Town,” “Hurts So Good,” “Jack & Diane,” and “Cherry Bomb,” among many, many countless others. In total, he has amassed some 20+ Top 40 hits over the past forty-odd years, been nominated for 13 Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March 2008 by friend Billy Joel. Furthermore, as one of the creators of Farm Aid, along with Willie

For Other People’s Stuff, Mellencamp ventures into compilation territory, bringing together 10 tracks that have not previously appeared alongside one another. Some come from studio albums, while others are rarities that initially appeared on tribute albums, Documentaries or, in one instance, was first performed at The White House for President Barack Obama. While the majority of the tracks appear to be remastered and remixed for inclusion, a few are identical to their originals – and most of them are actually not, ahem, other people’s stuff.

To prove this fact, Other People’s Stuff opens with “To The River,” which is most definitely a piece of Mr. Mellencamp’s own personal ‘baggage.’ If you have ever wondered what any of Human Wheels would sound like updated for 2018, well, behold “To The River,” which originally appeared on the 1993 album. Here, the track appears to be remastered and remixed, allowing the band and their instrumentation to shine in bolder, melodic glory, all while highlighting Mellencamp’s stellar storytelling and kicking off this compilation with a warm kiss of nostalgia.

You would never know that “Gambling Bar Room Blues” is not an original Mellencamp offering thanks to this smoky, bluesy retelling of the 1932 Jimmie Rodgers’ classic. Next, fiddle opens the bittersweet jam of “Teardrops Will Fall,” originally from 2003’s Trouble No More. Here, a warm, upbeat caress of sound belies the lyrical confessions of heartbroken sadness. If you’re a fan, you already know the track – and will love this remastered version, which is a subtle and respectful update to an already wonderfully-authored classic.

He goes funky for the folksy percussion of “In My Time of Dying,” which originally appeared on 1997’s Rough Harvest. With Mellencamp’s vocals lower in the mix here, the band are allowed to shine – from the phenomenal percussion that anchors the entire track to the sweeping melodies of the fiddle. This flows perfectly into a more recent original reference, “Mobile Blue,” which represents Sad Clowns & Hillbillies. There’s no retelling here: this is the version of the song that appears on the 2017 collection – and that’s okay. It was great then and it’s just as great a year later, a sultry stroll through Mellencamp’s gritty, yet soulful American storytelling.

In a world that seemingly looks to muddy every new musical composition with ridiculous effects, Mellencamp stays fully true to his minimalist vision on the powerful “Eyes on the Prize,” the collection’s first video/single. Originally performed at The White House in 2010, consider this a protest song, one that looks to make bold statements through its simplicity. Think about it and check out the video, which explores timely, hot button issues.

That signature gritty storytelling encompasses “Dark As A Dungeon,” which originally appeared in the 2017 National Geographic Channel Documentary From the Ashes. A true glance at Americana, the song mirrors the Documentary, which explores the legacy of America’s coal-mining industry. Not another entry into the “war on coal,” both “Dark As A Dungeon” and From the Ashes look toward the humanity of the situation and not the environmental implications.

To seek a respite from this emotional heft, Mellencamp and his gang go funky for the toe-tappin’ “Stones in My Passway,” which originally appeared on 2003’s Trouble No More. Then, this is followed by the lament of “Wreck of the Old 97,” a classic Folk song, one which Mellencamp initially recorded for 2004’s compilation of Folk ballads, The Rose and the Briar: Death, Love and Liberty in the American Ballad.

Stretching his wings and going slightly left of center, Mellencamp ends with a 1968 classic Stevie Wonder hit, “I Don’t Know Why I Love You.” The raw confessional is perfectly-suited to Mellencamp’s gritty stomp, placing his own spin onto the track while maintaining a smoother vocal performance and echoing the sultry smoothness of the great Wonder himself. It closes the collection out with a bang, capping off an album that is truly an anthology of now unburied treasures.

Despite the nature of the anthology, Other People’s Stuff is cohesive; these are songs that fit one another perfectly, all individual pieces of the great American songbook belonging to Mr. Mellencamp. The brilliance here is in how well each track fits the others and in how flawlessly Other People’s Stuff fits into the recent Mellencamp oeuvre – this could easily be the follow-up to 2017’s Sad Clowns & Hillbillies.

Okay, so, in a sense, it is exactly that, but as an anthology that includes several covers, Other People’s Stuff rises above the typical compilation package that blindly mashes material together to try and buy an artist some time while keeping their name fresh. Mellencamp doesn’t need to buy himself anything – he is a known, beloved, as well as treasured commodity, and clearly there’s a reason for that. Enjoying rummaging through Other People’s Stuff, Cryptic Rock give John Mellencamp’s latest 5 of 5 stars.

Hi Sharon:

Thanks so much for posting information about this event via the JM website and email to JM Community members!! 

I was very fortunate to snag two VIP meet and greet front row tickets to this event    Do you have details regarding the meet and greet?  Will an email be sent out with the details?

Many thanks for your help! 
-Karen

Yes, you should receive an email with further details on the meet & greet and the dinner.  Let me know if you don't hear anything. Have a great time!

http://www.riffmagazine.com/album-reviews/john-mellencamp-other-peoples-stuff/#comment-7444

Over the last three decades, John Mellencamp has covered a variety of musical styles, songs and rhythms under the umbrella of heartland rock. On his newest offering, Mellencamp digs deep into the archives of his musical experience. An homage to some of the greatest songwriting feats in history, Other People’s Stuff is emblematic of John Mellencamp’s storytelling ability and his time-tested musicality.

Other People’s Stuff
John Mellencamp
Republic Records, Dec. 7

Mellencamp selects some oldies through which he weaves beautiful orchestration and thoughtful narratives. The powerhouse cover of Jimmie Rodgers’ “Gambling Bar Room Blues” tells a familiar story of a man who can’t overcome his drunken ways and the havoc his habit wrecks on his life. Mellencamp injects incredible energy into this 1932 cut, just like he did in 1997 when he covered it the first time. Tambourines and twangy country vocals embellish the song’s familiar acoustic melody.

His rendition of “Wreck of The Old 97,” a song that chronicles a 1903 railway disaster, incorporates harmonicas and steel guitars. The story of tragedy and greed gives the tune an aura of folksy melancholy.

Other People’s Stuff spotlights the vocal range that John Mellencamp has displayed throughout his career. Certain tracks sound almost like they were sung by different people. The star-crossed love song “Mobile Blue” resonates because of his exploration of the depths of his melodies. This gives a somber feel to tracks like “Dark As a Dungeon,” about mining life.

Mellencamp uses his baritone octave on that song, as if his voice is a representation of the miner deep underground. Yet, “I Don’t Know Why I Love You” and others showcase the higher range of his vocal abilities. It’s incredible the same man sings both songs.



“Eyes on the Prize” is perhaps the most enduringly influential cut on the album. Mellencamp captures the spirit of the folk song, which was written during the Civil Rights movement of the ’60s about the struggles of early slaves. Mellencamp released this cover in time for midterm elections, re-contextualizing the song’s symbolism for the current political climate. The Tom Waits-esque grit of his voice adds emotional integrity, while the outlaw country twang provides urgency.

Although this is a covers album, John Mellencamp has no trouble bringing originality to these classics. Other People’s Stuff is a compilation of his own design. Although decades span between certain songs, the album avoids discontinuity. Thirty years into his career, Mellencamp still manages to bring something exciting to the heartland rock template.

John Mellencamp To Perform For The Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center Benefit Dec. 14th
11.13.2018 - John Mellencamp was announced today as the feature performer for the 40th Anniversary of Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center Benefit Celebration, taking place Friday, December 14 at Auer Hall at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, 200 S. Jordan Avenue. Tickets and VIP packages will go on sale this Friday, November 16 at 10am ET at Ticketmaster. Please see below for VIP package options. https://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/05005569F2BC778F

Attendees will be treated to an intimate, acoustic performance from Mellencamp, as well as a conversation with the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center’s director, Arjia Rinpoche. Doors will open at 7pm, with the show beginning at 8pm. Auer Hall is located on the second floor of the IU Simon Music Center.

The TMBCC is located at 3655 Snoddy Road on 108 acres of ground in the southeast corner of Bloomington, Indiana. It was founded in 1978 by Thubten Norbu (Tagtser Rinpoche), the Dalai Lama of Tibet’s eldest brother. In 2002, Norbu suffered a series of strokes and in 2005, His Holiness the Dalai Lama appointed Arjia Rinpoche, the former Abbot of Kumbum Monastery in Amdo, Tibet, to be its director. Under the leadership of Arjia Rinpoche, the TMBCC has continued to thrive and attract Buddhists, scholars, and other interested persons from all over the world to its grounds and to attend its programs. Its mission is to support the Tibetan and Mongolian Buddhist cultures both in Asia and in the USA, provide Buddhist teachings in the Bloomington, Indiana area, and promote interfaith peace and harmony.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet has visited the TMBCC on six occasions, during which he consecrated the grounds and buildings and gave Buddhist teachings and talks to the general public.

The religious seat of the TMBCC is the Kumbum Chamtse Ling Temple that was built in 2003. Its mission is to promote interfaith peace and harmony. Along with the Dalai Lama, eleven different faith traditions cut the ribbons at its dedication. Its Jangchub Chorten and the Kalachakra Stupa are traditional Buddhist monuments to the Enlightened Mind of the Buddha.

Arjia Rinpoche and John Mellencamp have been friends for more than 10 years. The TMBCC is grateful to John for his continual support and extends to him its heartfelt thanks for performing this Benefit. For more information, please visit www.tmbcc.org.

Mellencamp will embark on his 2019 tour “The John Mellencamp Show” from February to April, starting with a sold out home state show in Indiana. The tour will follow the release of Mellencamp’s new album “Other People’s Stuff” on December 7 via Republic Records.

VIP Package Descriptions:

THE JOHN MELLENCAMP & ARJIA RINPOCHE VIP MEET & GREET EXPERIENCE
One Incredible Top Price Reserved Ticket in the Front Row*
Immerse Yourself in an Unforgettable Evening of Music & Culture
Meet John Mellencamp and Arjia Rinpoche
Receive an Invitation for Dinner, Compliments of the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center**
This Special Event Will be Held Saturday Evening, the Night Following the Show, at the TMBCC
A Keepsake from an Exceptional Night
One Exclusive John Mellencamp Gift Item (Created Exclusively for VIP Package Purchasers)

**Dinner will be held at the TMBCC, 3655 Snoddy Road, Bloomington, IN on Saturday, December 15th at 5:30 PM. More information to follow.

THE GOLD VIP PACKAGE
One Amazing Second Price Reserved Ticket in the First Ten (10) Rows
Receive an Invitation for Dinner, Compliments of the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center**
This Special Event Will be Held Saturday Evening, the Night Following the Show, at the TMBCC
A Keepsake from an Exceptional Night
One Exclusive John Mellencamp Gift Item (Created Exclusively for VIP Package Purchasers)

**Dinner will be held at the TMBCC, 3655 Snoddy Road, Bloomington, IN on Saturday, December 15th at 5:30 PM. More Information to follow

*VIP PACKAGE DISCLAIMER INFORMATION
All package purchasers will be contacted via e-mail a few days prior to the event date for information regarding the dinner event.

Information will be sent to the e-mail address provided at the time of purchase. If you do not receive an e-mail a few days prior to the
event, please contact [email protected].

All sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges under any circumstances. All packages and package contents (including will-call tickets) are non transferable. VIP merchandise will be shipped directly to each package purchaser, some exceptions may apply. VIP merchandise is not required for venue entry. Delivery of VIP merchandise could occur after event date. Please make sure to consider this before you decide to purchase a package. Information provided at the time of purchase (name, address, e-mail, etc.) is the same information that will be utilized for shipping and individual contact requirements where applicable. Package purchases are restricted to U.S. and Canadian addresses only. Merchandise will not be shipped outside of the U.S. or Canada under any circumstances. The artist tour, promoter, ticketing company, venue or any other affiliated parties are not responsible for outdated or inaccurate information provided by the consumer at the time of purchase.

Blackbird Presents, Mark Rothbaum, and Keith Wortman are proud to announce the concert event of the year… Willie: Life & Songs Of An American Outlaw, A Willie Nelson All-Star Concert Celebration. This once-in-a-lifetime concert event will take place Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 7PM CT at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN. This historic event will honor living legend Willie Nelson and feature his greatest hits performed by today's biggest superstars. [The event will be filmed and recorded for a major broadcast special on A&E Network.]

Willie: Life & Songs Of An American Outlaw will feature star-studded performances by [Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, George Strait, Jack Johnson, John Mellencamp, Kris Kristofferson, Lee Ann Womack, Lyle Lovett, Norah Jones, Sheryl Crow, Susan Tedeschi & Derek Trucks, Sturgill Simpson, The Avett Brothers, and Vince Gill. Additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks, along with surprise guests and unforgettable collaborations to be revealed at the show.

[Tickets go on sale Monday, November 12, 2018 at 10 AM CT online at Livenation.com, by phone at 800-745-3000, and the Bridgestone Arena box office. VIP packages including great seats and exclusive merchandise will be available. Citi® is the official pre-sale credit card of Willie: Life & Songs Of An American Outlaw. As such, Citi® card members will have access to purchase pre-sale tickets beginning Thursday, November 8 at 10 AM CT until Sunday, November 11 at 10 PM through Citi’s Private Pass® program. For complete pre-sale details visit http://www.citiprivatepass.com.]

Today, John Mellencamp releases the visual for his politically driven song “Eyes On The Prize” off his forthcoming album Other People's Stuff currently available for pre order HERE! The video accompanying the song comes in time for the midterm elections. Protest songs can still make a difference. Watch “Eyes On The Prize” below. 

Today, John Mellencamp announces the preorder for his 24th album, Other People’s Stuff  [Republic Records], available everywhere on Friday, December 7th.

Pre-order Other People’s Stuff HERE.

Not only has Mellencamp released hundreds of original songs over his illustrious career, but he has recorded numerous celebrated covers. For as renowned as his original material remains, Mellencamp has breathed new life and spirit into various staples of the classic American musical canon as well. A handpicked selection of those covers comprises the aptly titled, Other People’s Stuff.

Culled from seminal albums, compilations, unearthed sessions and documentaries, this record serves as a proud homage to some of the greatest songs in history. For the album, Mellencamp recorded a brand-new version of “Eyes on the Prize” which was originally performed at The White House. Mellencamp was asked by the Obama administration to perform for the 2010 Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement event. See link to the memorable performance HERE. Check out “Eyes on The Prize” HERE.

About the collection, Mellencamp commented “Most, if not all, of the songs on Other People’s Stuff come from The Great American Songbook. These are songs that have been recorded over the last 40 years of my career, but had never been put together as one piece of work. Now, they have.” Read the complete press release on the news page

 John Mellencamp announced today additional dates to the 2019 tour of “The John Mellencamp Show” which will feature the rock icon’s classics plus some new material. Being hailed by critics and fans alike as one of music’s most authentic and crowd pleasing concert performers, Mellencamp has added an additional 13 dates to his 2019 tour. The news follows his previously announced dates, which will kick off with a sold out show in his home state of Indiana on February 7, 2019 and continue through April 30, 2019 in Albuquerque, NM. Produced by AEG Presents, “The John Mellencamp Show” will start promptly at 8pm and will not have an opening act. Every ticket purchased online will receive a physical copy of Mellencamp’s forthcoming album “Other People’s Stuff” set for release this December by Republic Records.

Tickets for the tour will be available to the general public beginning Friday, November 9th at 10:00am local time (except 11am in Green Bay). Mellencamp.com and VIP pre-sale tickets will be available beginning Wednesday, November 7th at 10:00am local time until Thursday, November 8th at 10:00pm local time. American Express® presale begins Wednesday, November 7th at 12:00pm local time until Thursday, November 8th at 10:00pm local time. Numerous dates have already sold out with more to come, for more information and all ticketing information please visit Mellencamp.com.

Mellencamp’s live shows have garnered huge critical acclaim with the Hollywood Reporter calling it a “triumphant, career-spanning show” and a “superb performance…still full of fiery defiance” by the Boston Globe. His extensive touring and live shows have solidified the Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer’s place at the forefront of American music for the past 40 years.

ADDITIONAL PRAISE FOR JOHN MELLENCAMP

“…Singer, songwriter and storyteller John Mellencamp presents the tunes that trace his musical journey…..a concert-narrative performance.” Parade

“Mellencamp's music felt as timeless as it did nostalgic Monday night before what was essentially a sold-out crowd.” Green Bay Press-Gazette

“If you mixed a PREACHER, a PUNCH PRESS OPERATOR and an OLD BLUESMAN together in the back of a cement mixer, John Mellencamp would come out in the pour.” Duluth News Tribune

JOHN MELLENCAMP APRIL 2019 TOUR DATES
All tickets are on sale November 9th at 10am local time unless noted otherwise below.
February 7, 2019 - South Bend, IN - Morris Performing Arts Center
February 8, 2019 - Milwaukee, WI - Riverside Theatre
February 10, 2019 - Cincinnati, OH - Aronoff Center for the Arts
February 12, 2019 - Fort Wayne, IN - Embassy Theatre
February 14, 2019 - Rockford, IL - Coronado Performing Arts Center
February 15, 2019 - Peoria, IL - Peoria Civic Center
February 17, 2019 - Grand Rapids, MI - DeVos Performance Hall
February 19, 2019 - Youngstown, OH - Stambaugh Auditorium
February 20, 2019 - Baltimore, MD - Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric
February 22, 2019 - Providence, RI - Providence Performing Arts Center
February 23, 2019 - New Brunswick, NJ - State Theatre New Jersey
February 25, 2019 - New York, NY - Beacon Theatre
February 26, 2019 - New York, NY - Beacon Theatre
February 27, 2019 - New York, NY - Beacon Theatre
March 9, 2019 - Louisville, KY - Louisville Palace Theatre
March 10, 2019 - Evansville, IN - Aiken Theatre at Old National Events Plaza
March 12, 2019 - St. Louis, MO - Stifel Theatre
March 14, 2019 - Kansas City, MO - Arvest Bank Theatre At The Midland
March 16, 2019 - Tulsa, OK - Brady Theatre
March 17, 2019 - Memphis, TN - Orpheum Theatre
March 19, 2019 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium
March 20, 2019 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium
March 22, 2019 - Charlotte, NC - Ovens Auditorium
March 24, 2019 - Orlando, FL - Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
March 27, 2019 - Ft. Meyers, FL - Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
March 29, 2019 - Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall
March 30, 2019 - Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall
April 9, 2019 - Kalamazoo, MI - Miller Auditorium
April 11, 2019 - Saginaw, MI - The Dow Event Center Theater
April 13, 2019 - Green Bay, MI - Weidner Center *On sale November 9th at 11am local time
April 15, 2019 - Omaha, NE - Orpheum Theater
April 16, 2019 - Wichita, KS - Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center
April 18, 2019 - Rapid City, SD - Rushmore Plaza Civic Center
April 20, 2019 - Spokane, WA - First Interstate Center for the Arts
April 22, 2019 - Eugene, OR - Hult Center for the Performing Arts
April 23, 2019 - Portland, OR - Keller Auditorium
April 25, 2019 - Oakland, CA - Paramount Theatre
April 26, 2019 - Santa Barbara, CA - Arlington Theatre
April 28, 2019 - Tucson, AZ - Tucson Music Hall
April 30, 2019 - Albuquerque, NM - Kiva Auditorium

ABOUT JOHN MELLENCAMP
John Mellencamp’s career in music, spanning more than 35 years, has seen him transition from pop star to one of the most highly respected singer/songwriters of a generation. Mellencamp is incredibly acclaimed; he is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a Grammy winner, a recipient of the John Steinbeck Award, ASCAP Foundation’s Champion Award, The Woody Guthrie Award and Americana Music Association's Lifetime Achievement Award and more recently, the Founders Award, the top honor assigned by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Additionally, he was recently inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame this past June. He is also one of the most successful live concert performers in the world. In 1985, Mellencamp, together with Willie Nelson and Neil Young, created Farm Aid. The social activism reflected in his songs helped catalyze Farm Aid, the concert series and organization that has addressed the struggle of American family farmers for more than 25 years.

As well, John journeyed into the darkness of coal mining life in his reverent cover of Merle Travis' 1946 song "Dark as a Dungeon," recorded in support of National Geographic's acclaimed documentary about the mining industry, “From The Ashes,” produced by Michael Bloomberg, former NYC Mayor.

John continues to focus on another facet of his artistic expression: painting. His style has progressed over the years as evidenced by several gallery shows and published portfolios, and in recent years he has increased his output by completing over 100 new works. He had his second solo exhibition this past Spring in New York and has a current exhibit at the famed Butler Museum in Youngstown, Ohio from September 20th through January 19, 2019. His highly successful Rock and Roll Hall of Fame exhibit ran for nearly two years and is now at the Woodie Guthrie Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma from September 1st through November 18, 2019.

Mellencamp continues his journey as the walking embodiment of rock icon; passionate, plain-spoken, and a self-proclaimed rebel. John Mellencamp continues to live and work in Bloomington, Indiana.

HAVE YOU REDEEMED YOUR OTHER PEOPLE'S STUFF FREE CD?
Each online ticket purchased for John's February and March concert dates includes (1) one physical copy of John's new Other People's Stuff record.

If you have not redeemed your bonus CD offer(s), yet, (and they are still waiting for you in the email sent by Ticketmaster or another ticketing service), don’t delay, do it today!  Redeem NOW, to get your CD!

CD REDEMPTION INSTRUCTION OVERVIEW:
Approximately a week after your ticket purchase you will receive an email from your ticket seller with instructions on how to receive your Other People's Stuff CD. Most of these will come from Ticketmaster.com others will come from the venue or the ticket seller you purchased your tickets from. Be sure to search your spam folder if you don't find the email. Also make sure to redeem all codes to receive a copy of the CD for each ticket purchased.

If you have not received instructions please forward your ticket order confirmation email showing what show you purchased tickets for, and how many tickets, to [email protected]

   Due to overwhelming demand a third show has been added to The Beacon Theatre. The pre sale will begin today at 10:00 AM local venue time and last through 10:00 PM tonight. Ticket limit will be 6 tickets per website member per show.

FRONT ROW VIP & GOLD VIP TICKET PACKAGES
Will go on sale with our general ticket pre-sale today; at 10:00 AM local time.Package limit is 6 per person per show. LEARN MORE

PUBLIC TICKETS
The general public ticket on-sales are scheduled for Friday, September 28th at 11:00 AM local venue time Purchase links will be available on Mellencamp.com's TOUR page.   

I couldn’t even get the code, I signed in and then got kicked out. So now I don’t know the code

The code is the word other. 

All tickets are currently in carts but keep trying!  You can also try the AMEX pre sale at 12pm using the password people

Did anyone get tickets for beacon at 10? I was in immediately and got nothing. There is supposedly a Presale for Amex card holders at noon.


What a waste of time.

We are working with the venue to get the pre sale up.  Please keep trying.

We are in touch with the venue trying to get it fixed.

password other does not work for beacon

That is the password.  Keep trying!