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."
It’s been a long time since Johnny was sucking on a chili dog outside the Tastee Freez.
Coward of the County came out at the same time the Gatlin Brothers formed as a group so it is not possible the song referred to them.
A sucko singer who sings sucko songs.
I would willingly accept the ban. But, then, I would have to bring up; "Yummy, Yummy, Yummy I've Got Love in my Tummy".
His voice is grating. Reminds me of Springsteen who I also can’t stand.
The Beatles used to try this.
I’d told him, end the f’n concert jagbag!
I wonder what he thinks about all those Dutch family farmers being forced out of business by the government.
LOL. Oh, how I hate that song and anything else by Mellencamp.
Stop, John! My ears can’t take any more abuse!
S-U-C-K In the USA!
John Cougar Mellencamp sucks, but NPR loved him.
John Cougar Melonhead.
Love Rain on the Scarecrow. I was moderate fan of his early in his career. But not anymore. Rude an arrogant little man.
“ Right up there with “Jam Up and Jelly Tight. Puke”
Oh mercy, you should be banned for reminding anyone of that song.”
How about Yummy Yummy Yummy I Got Love In My Tummy
Was he criticizing Biden, because that who’s living in the WH right now.
John Cougar Mellonhead invented “Homo Rock”.
Yep, he was a big Farm Aid guy. He wouldn’t stand for a single farmer now.
Saw King Crimson a few years ago (I think it was 2018). Before the band came on stage, the crowd was warned that the band would not take it kindly if they saw anyone taking pictures or videoing them. The concert proceeded without a problem... but after the band came out for an encore, Robert Fripp spied a guy videoing them. They finished that song but the concert was over.... and that met that the crowd went home with hearing “21st Century Schizoid Man”.
Wow. That’s an amazing thing to be able to say you did!
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