John Mellencamp, a name synonymous with heartland rock and enduring musical storytelling, recently brought his acclaimed tour to the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee for a highly anticipated two-night engagement. This performance, a rescheduled date on the “Live and In Person” John Mellencamp Tour, proved well worth the wait, offering fans a potent mix of classic hits and deeper cuts that spanned his impressive five-decade career.
The evening began unconventionally, trading the typical opening act for a 30-minute reel of vintage movie clips presented by Turner Classic Movies, the tour’s sponsor. While intended to set a mood, the extended montage of black-and-white films like “Fugitive Kind” and “The Misfits” tested the audience’s patience, who were clearly eager for the main event. Whispers of anticipation grew louder, punctuated by calls for Mellencamp to take the stage and ignite the night with his signature sound.
As the lights dimmed and a siren wailed, signaling Mellencamp’s arrival, any lingering impatience evaporated. The crowd, a mix of long-time devotees and newer fans, surged to their feet, ready to be swept away by the music. Mellencamp launched into “John Cockers,” a track from his 2008 album “Life, Death, Love and Freedom,” immediately setting a tone that was both reflective and energetic. From there, the hits came in rapid succession: “Paper and Fire,” “Minutes to Memories,” “Smalltown,” “Human Wheels,” “Jackie Brown,” and “Check it Out,” each song a familiar anthem that resonated deeply with the audience.
Seven songs into the set, Mellencamp shifted gears, dismissing his band for a more intimate segment. This interlude highlighted a track from his then-new album, “Orpheus Descending,” showcasing his continued artistic evolution. Before performing “The Eyes of Portland,” Mellencamp engaged in his signature “storyteller” style, recounting an encounter in Portland, Oregon, with a homeless woman. Whether entirely factual or embellished for effect, the story served as a powerful introduction to the song’s poignant narrative about homelessness in America. Lyrics like “All of these homeless, where do they come from? In this land of the plenty where nothing gets done,” underscored Mellencamp’s long-standing commitment to social commentary and activism.
Mellencamp’s activism is well-documented, most notably through his co-creation of Farm Aid with Willie Nelson and Neil Young in 1985. This organization has raised over $70 million to support family farms, demonstrating Mellencamp’s dedication to putting his principles into action. His philanthropic efforts extend to organizations like the Boys & Girls Club of America and the Special Olympics, further solidifying his reputation as an artist who cares deeply about societal issues.
Returning to his storytelling, Mellencamp shared a humorous anecdote about his grandmother and her disapproval of his language. This led into “Longest Days,” a song that reflects on life’s brevity, urging the audience to focus on what truly matters. He then launched into a stripped-down version of “Jack & Diane,” playfully chiding the audience when they rushed to the chorus, skipping the second verse he painstakingly wrote years ago. This playful interaction showcased his engaging stage presence and connection with the crowd.
Having revisited Mellencamp’s extensive discography in preparation for the show, it’s striking to realize the depth and breadth of his catalog. With 37 albums released over 45 years, he has consistently delivered new music, rarely taking breaks or artistic shortcuts. Even at 71, his passion for performance remains undiminished.
Following “Jack & Diane,” Mellencamp briefly exited the stage, leaving violinist Lisa Germano and accordion player Troye Kinnett to accompany a recording of Joanne Woodward reciting the lyrics to “The Real Life.” This touching tribute added another layer of depth to the performance.
The full band then rejoined Mellencamp for a final stretch of hits, including “Rain on the Scarecrow,” “Lonely Ol’ Night,” “What If I Came Knocking?”, “Crumblin’ Down / Gloria,” “Pink Houses,” “Cherry Bomb,” and “Hurts So Good.” While time has etched lines on his face and given his voice a gravelly edge, the mischievous spark in his eyes remains. He may not dance across the stage as he once did, but his energetic presence and engagement with the audience, from the front rows to the upper balconies, were undeniable.
Despite one audience member’s misguided heckle of “old has-been” during the movie clip intro, Mellencamp’s performance proved emphatically that he is anything but. His music continues to resonate, tackling timeless themes with raw honesty and enduring appeal. As John Apice noted in his review of “Orpheus Descending,” Mellencamp remains present and relevant. He eschews the predictable encore routine, a final act of defiance against convention that further cements his status as an artist who consistently does things his own way.
For fans looking to experience the enduring energy of a john mellencamp tour, further dates and information can be found at https://www.mellencamp.com/tour. The Milwaukee performance was a powerful reminder of Mellencamp’s lasting impact and his unwavering ability to connect with audiences through his music.
Setlist:
John Cockers
Paper and Fire
Minutes to Memories
Smalltown
Human Wheels
Jackie Brown
Check It Out
The Eyes of Portland
Longest Days
Jack & Diane
The Real Life (Joann Woodward reading)
Rain on the Scarecrow
Lonely Ol’ Night
What If I Came Knocking?
Crumblin’ Down / Gloria
Pink Houses
Cherry Bomb
Hurts So Good
