Posted on 05/28/2023 4:28:16 PM PDT by nickcarraway
John Mellencamp has spent decades perfecting his reputation as one of classic rock's most uncompromising figureheads, one who's not afraid to shift into full-blown cantankerousness as needed. He displayed both qualities during his May 25 concert in Cleveland, warning attendees that he would cut the performance short if they didn't "shut the -- up."
The rocker made a stop at Playhouse Square as part of his ongoing Live and in Person tour, outlining his expectations for the audience well before he hit the stage. According to Cleveland Scene, the venue posted signs in its lobby that warned, "This show respects theater etiquette." Following the 30-minute classic movie montage that opened the show, Mellencamp let it be known early in his set that "I don't like people screaming from the -- audience."
Yet that didn't stop one ticket-holder from shouting at Mellencamp to "play the -- music" after he reportedly appeared to criticize the United States. That's when the gloves came off.
"Listen, hey, you guys, if these people don't shut the -- up I'm just going to leave, OK?" Mellencamp told the audience. "Because I'm not used to this crap. Look, guys, if I wanted to play in this type of drunken environment, I'd play outside or I'd play in an arena."
The "Pink Houses" singer issued a similar warning during a March performance in Grand Prairie, Texas, telling the crowd before the midshow acoustic portion, "This is the quiet part, so keep your -- mouth shut," according to the Dallas Observer. When a woman in the audience promptly broke the singer's rule and shouted his name, Mellencamp fired back, "What did I just -- say? But thank you." [[
Mellencamp launched the Live and in Person tour in early February. The 76-date trek is scheduled to conclude on June 24 in South Bend, Indiana. He'll release his 25th album, Orpheus Descending, on June 2. The 71-year-old songwriter pleaded for an end to gun violence on lead single "Hey God" and lamented the homelessness crisis on follow-up single "The Eyes of Portland."
Liberals cannot tolerate dissent.
A little ditty, about Jack and Jonny Cougar…
Mediocre musician, commie jerk
Overrated, way.
He sounds like an arrogant jerk.
His fans didn’t pay to get lectured, they paid for a show. The guy sounds like a total “doosh.” He needs to shut up and sing and not be such a snowflake. If you can’t handle the heat, get off the stage.
When I saw Styx at the Cow Palace back in January of 1980, at one point the lead singer said that the crowd was louder than the band, according to the sound engineer. He wasn’t unhappy about it. (just for the record, that was an amazing show.)
Just an overgrown pretensious baby as are most liberals.
I count that as one of the worst songs ever written. Right up there with "Jam Up and Jelly Tight. Puke.
I never cared his voice at all. His songs are just average.
The Gatlin Brothers opened for Kenny Rogers back in the early 80s. Larry stopped a song in the middle to tell everyone to shaddap. I wish I had a tomato.
I’d be ok with giving him a one way ticket to Venezuela or Zimbabwe, and that’s after we strip away his citizenship and confiscate his wealth! Since he loves communism so much, let him volunteer to live that lifestyle!
“Just an overgrown pretensious baby as are most liberals.”
And an arrogant Commie prick too.
Really?!?! I thought they would never open for Kenny Rogers since he thought one of Roger's most successful songs (Coward of the County, was an attack on the Gatlin Brothers, since the "bad guys" in that song are name the Gatlin brothers. Rogers did not write the song, but I am sure he plays it every time.
Yes I was a moderate fan of his and really liked a few songs like Small Paradise, Rain on the scarecrow etc. Was quite deflated when I found outin the early 90s what a raging liberal he is.
Nearly verbatim story with Jimmy Buffett.
John Cougar has always been a douche.
I saw them in San Antonio. Don’t remember the year.
Kenny Rogers / THE GATLIN BROTHERS / THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS
May 16, 1984 T.H. Barton Coliseum Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
https://www.concertarchives.org/concerts/kenny-rogers-the-gatlin-brothers-the-righteous-brothers
“Right up there with “Jam Up and Jelly Tight. Puke”
Oh mercy, you should be banned for reminding anyone of that song.
One day while he was working, the Gatlin boys came calling
Being lectured to IN the song ain’t such a hot deal, either.
But at least it has a beat and you can dance to it.
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