Mellencamp launches tour with 2 IU Auditorium shows

In honor of the release of one of the year’s most acclaimed albums, one of Bloomington’s native son’s will bring his talents to the IU Auditorium before taking his show on the road.

John Mellencamp, the Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter and longtime Bloomington resident, will kick off his “No Better Than This” fall tour to promote his new album of the same name, with a two-night stand this weekend with performances Friday and Saturday.

After releasing more tickets to appease the high demand for the shows, a limited number of seats are still available at the auditorium box office and are selling fast.

Maria Talbert, events coordinator for the auditorium, said public response to the Friday
performance was so great that the auditorium added an additional show to keep Mellencamp in his hometown venue.

“When the first show was put up (on the auditorium schedule in August), response was so strong that we put up a second show,” she said. “It’s a great place for any concert, but especially since he’s played here before and can have the opportunity to play for some of his biggest fans that live right here.”

Instead of booking an opening act, Mellencamp will debut a new documentary, “It’s All
About You.”

Shot on Super 8mm film, the film chronicles Mellencamp’s historic ballpark tour with Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson, as well as the production of  “No Better Than This.”

Mellencamp, born in nearby Seymour, Ind., gained national prominence with 1982’s “American Fool” album. That record yielded “Hurt So Good,” Mellencamp’s first single that would eventually earn him a Grammy, and “Jack and Diane,” perhaps his most famous song. Since then, Mellencamp has become an Americana cultural icon and one of music’s most identifiable mainstays.

Mellencamp has also become a vocal political activist. He performed for both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential elections and performed “Pink Houses” during the 2009 inauguration in Washington.

In an interview with NPR, Mellencamp explained the inspiration for music as his career
has progressed.

“As I’ve matured as a songwriter, I realize that if it’s out there, it’s mine,” he said. “You know, everything I see and hear ... I will take ideas from anyplace, anywhere, anytime, and life has become a song to me. I’m always looking for a song.”

Talbert said fans should anticipate not only a stellar performance, but also a recollection of music that has affected culture. Because Mellencamp’s music — from his early work to his more recent albums — is so frequently referenced in American culture, Talbert said she thinks audiences will connect to the show at an emotional level.

“So much of his music has been ingrained in our American culture that there’s no escaping the feelings that come up when you hear his music,” she said. “He’s an amazing performer to see in person, and people are going to be surrounded by local fans, which just adds to the excitement.