John Mellencamp Live and In Person at Ellie Caulkins Opera House Denver March 27th, 2023
He would probably be the first to disagree with me, but John Mellencamp is one the great artists of our times. Few songwriters can utilize direct language, everyday images and personal experiences to evoke something universal and monumental. Even fewer would be capable of working topics such as economics and the plight of farmers into 3 and a half minutes while also, without generalizing and watering down the subject matter, help them find their way into the top 40 as he did in “Rain on the scarecrow.” And through stubbornly following his own vision he has just gotten better with age.
I have had the great pleasure of seeing him in concert a few times prior to this tour but he has now taken the live show to a new level. John and band thoroughly rocked the place with the music and John also moved the audience on another level by sharing powerful personal stories about his grandma, an encounter with a woman on the streets and others. He managed to reach body, mind and soul last night. As he put it he “used to play concerts now he gives performances.”
But as much as he gets in you, this is not a one-way street that leaves you a passive observer as too much entertainment does, he encourages you to join in and express yourself through dance and sing-a-longs (though not during “the quiet parts of show” and if you won’t take my warning, he will be sure to let you know himself mid-show).
This performance blends everything that is great about music and storytelling, which is much of what is great about humanity. This is the kind of gathering of people we could use much more of and can only be accomplished through a performer that understands and cares about folk music traditions, the power of rock and roll, personal responsibility and community. And a band that can rise to the challenge of such an occasion.
I’m not quite John’s age but I have seen enough shows and seldom am I moved this profoundly. John Mellencamp Live and In Person is a rare and extraordinary tour.
To Billy who I met at the show when you found me in the last row of the upper balcony and gave me a seat in the 7th row,,,,,,,,thank you so much for enhancing one of my greatest live music experiences ever!
Colton Claye
Photo by Billy
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