The Midland Hosts John Mellencamp Back-to-Back Nights in Kansas City
Heartland rock legend John Mellencamp made a triumphant return to The Midland Theatre in downtown Kansas City, MO for back-to-back shows on April 3 and April 4, 2023. Dubbed “Live & In Person,” the outing is presented by AEG in association with tour sponsor Turner Classic Movies. The prelude to each performance was a 35-minute screening of classic movies showcasing some of his favorite characters who inspired the songs he wrote, including “The Misfits,” “Giant” and “A Streetcar Named Desire” to name a few. A special emphasis on “performance” too as it was much more than a concert. Mellencamp’s set featured an load of hits mixed with a fair number of new tunes as well.
There is certainly no one quite like John Mellencamp who completely embodies the Midwest, especially for small town Kansans and Missourians. Conceived in the ’80s, those transcendent hits continue to serve as the soundtrack of our daily lives. His in-person performances of those staple tunes had fans dancing all the way to the back of the theatre. Fans flew to their feet from the first chords of “Check It Out” and never left them except in a bout of dance or celebration. The stage setup for the tour included a black and white streetscape backdrop, classic dangling lights and four movie star mannequins alongside his customary Jesus statue plus a stand-up bass guitar with painted-on crosses.
Playing with John Mellencamp and his ever-enduring voice was his always masterfully casted band featuring Mike Wanchic (guitar), Andy York (guitar), John Gunnell (bass guitar), Lisa Germano (violin), Troye Kinnett (piano/accordion) and Dane Clark (drums). Together, they once again weaved a magnificent arrangement of electric and acoustic tunes with a little extra something that no one has ever done—a recording of Joanne Woodward speaking his lyrics. The evening once again resonated with the feel-good songs that make us proud to hail from the Heartland, including “Small Town,” “Lonely Ol’ Night,” “Pink Houses” and “Cherry Bomb,” as well as “Hurts So Good” to close out the most perfect evening.
<<< Check out photos of John Mellencamp performing at The Midland on March 14, 2019!
Setlist for John Mellencamp at The Midland on April 3 and April 4, 2023:
“John Cockers,” “Paper in Fire,” “Minutes to Memories,” “Small Town,” “Hey God,” “Human Wheels,” “Don’t Need This Body,” “Jackie Brown,” “Check It Out,” “They Eyes of Portland” (solo acoustic), “Longest Days” (solo acoustic), “Jack & Diane” (solo acoustic), “I Always Lie to Strangers,” “The Real Life” (Joanne Woodwoard spoken word), “Rain on the Scarecrow,” “Lonely Ol’ Night,” “Crumblin’ Down”/”Gloria,” “Pink Houses,” “Chasing Rainbows,” “Cherry Bomb” and “Hurts So Good”
