Quote:
In the 1990s he admits he often just went through the motions. A heart attack at 42 slowed him down a bit, although he still smokes twenty years later. He had kids to raise and a gnawing distrust of the music industry constantly demanding product. “You had to make a fucking record every eighteen months, and that’s a lot of records.” Some, like the ambitious ‘Human Wheels,’ reveal a maturing singer-songwriter with a more nuanced view of America. Other albums he barely even remembers. “With ‘Whenever We Wanted’ and ‘Dance Naked,’ it was like, ‘Can we just get in there and get this over with as quickly as possible?’ My heart wasn’t in it. I don’t remember making those records. I know I made them, but I just don’t know.”

This does say a lot. Real bummer is WWW is my fave by any artist and Love And Happiness my fave song of all time, any artist. I will just enjoy the fact that JM is still writing and touring at 67. His music likely saved my life when I lost my mom in mid 90’s with nowhere to turn but his music.

All that said, the first show is often an experiment on a song or two.  I’ll be curious to hear if it was identical up in Milwaukee. Anyone?
Also, based on set list placement, it would seem Full Catastrophe was a slow version or that haunting version again?

*Update-Hurts So Good was removed. Smh 🤦‍♂️
This is the same show he’s done for the past several years. Exact same home stretch. Ugh.

Appreciate the set list.

I have been a fan since American Fool. LOVE the music. Especially the 90’s and 2000’s.
13/19 from the 80’s is so disappointing. I get his biggest hits are from the 80’s but those of us still purchasing and attending are obvious die hards. I can’t understand why John thinks his other music is not wanted by his fans. There are some obvious staples like his only number 1 J and D and Pink Houses, but my God his catalog is incredible.

Think about these gems: I’m not running anymore, Our Country, Key West, Love and Happiness, Peaceful World, Someday, Now More Than Ever, Wild Night, Just Another Day, Your Life Is Now, Dance Naked, My Sweet Love, Again Tonight, A Ride Back Home, Walk Tall, Grandview, Get A Leg Up, What if i came knockin, etc..........

Believe me I will enjoy his show in Kansas City. My dream would be a tour he calls “Mellencamp - Beyond The 80’s Hits.”
Would anyone else attend besides me?

Keep on keeping on John. You are the best. Just realize Mellenheads love ALL OF YOUR MUSIC.

Bust out the electric guitars again John!  You still ROCK!!!

Call me impatient or whatever, perhaps even a bit spoiled by the every other year JM release, but aren't we due for some NEW MELLENCAMP???

I am hoping he comes back ELECTRIC (in other words, plugged in).  Please fill us in Tony.

Also, what ever happened to the talented Pat Peterson?  Get her back on the new release too!

Pete

It is so funny, I remember being a teenager when Big Daddy came out.  I was not thrilled with the slower music and sad tone at the time (exactly how the media portrayed it).  It is truly a remarkable release.  It is so well written. 

My faves:
1. Let It All Hang Out
2. Sometimes A Great Notion
3. JM's ?
4. Void In My Heart
5. Big Daddy of Them All

FINALLY some 90's music in the mix. Love and Happiness and Key West are 2 of my all-time faves.  Thanks for sharing.

An hour for a headliner is not asking much when tickets are so darn much to be remotely close.

Great show!

My $180 ticket was for about 2.5 hours of Mraz, Matthews and Mellencamp. 

From what I can remember:

Authority Song
Death Letter
Walk Tall
Check It Out
Jackie Brown
Small Town
New Hymn
Rain on The Scarecrow
If I Die Sudden
Pink Houses

I am pretty sure this was his set.  VERY SHORT, even for Farm Aid.  40 minutes.  Never said hello.  After CIO, he said "Thank You Very Much."  After PH, he said "Thank You For Supporting Farm Aid."  That was it. 

Loved what he played.  Well over $300 for my wife and I.  A bit of a blur, but we'll take it.  Loved Dave Matthews too.

Pete

Any idea if he will tweak his setlist while keeping it at or longer than 2 hours?

I would be extremely angry and upset if JM cancelled my only chance to see him.  Very sorry for all of you that were ready and excited.  I am quite sure John has good reasons, but that does not mean it makes it better for his fans that are missing out on an awesome show.  Very, very sorry for all of you.   

Pete
Kansas City

Love and Happiness, Key West, Wild Night, Your Life Is Now, Walk Tall, Again Tonight, Dance Naked, Just Another Day, I'm Not Running Anymore, Forgiveness.

OK, so there are rumblings of a U.S. Fall tour.  I for one love the song choices J.M. made.  He nearly skipped my favorite decade of music and I still loved the show. (he did play Human Wheels at the KC show)

My question is for anyone that is a dreamer.  If you could add any 5 songs to a Fall Mellencamp show, what would they be?  Hits or not, who cares?

Here are mine:
1.  Key West Intermezzo
2.  Last Chance
3.  Baby Please Don't Go
4.  Peaceful World
5.  Wild Night

We have 13th row, dead center through Mellencamp.com.  I believe the first 10 rows were the top package from 200-1000 dollars with fresh home-grown food too.  We paid over 300 for our 2 tickets.  Very happy.  Now I need to know the line-up with times.

Well???  Did he make it?  How was it? 

I agree with the opening post except for the "I haven't written it" part.  I love that about John the most.  If you feel like you've already peaked, then what is going to drive you personally?  We as fans have our favorites "Love and Happiness" and feel like he is cheating himself, but his motivation is to keep on writing the best songs he can.  The day he says he has done that is the day he quits.  I for one do not want that day to come any time soon.

Lighten up a little on yourself John.  We all love your musical talent and enjoy the passion you bring to the table and your innovative approach to songwriting and delivering your music in a variety ways.  NEVER STOP TRYING FOR THE PERFECT SONG!  We are all the benefactors of this amazing journey known as the life of John Mellencamp.

BTW, I remember when John stated that "Human Wheels" was the best song he ever wrote.  Love that one too!!!