John Mellencamp Embarks on Nationwide ‘Dancing Words Tour’ in 2026
The “cougar” has been unleashed as John Mellencamp announces his nationwide ‘Dancing Words Tour’ that will send him to fairgrounds, amphitheaters, and pavilions from July through August 2026. This highly anticipated tour includes a pair of stops in New York and New Jersey, giving fans in the region a chance to experience the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s iconic performances.
First, Mellencamp is slated to hit Holmdel, NJ’s PNC Bank Arts Center on Saturday, July 25, followed by a performance at Long Island’s Jones Beach Theater on Sunday, July 26. According to a press release, the 74-year-old Indiana native will be performing all his most beloved songs in a single night, some of which haven’t been played live in many years. Fans can expect to hear big hits like “Jack & Diane,” “Pink Houses,” “Hurts So Good,” “Small Town,” and “Cherry Bomb,” among others.
John Mellencamp’s Enduring Legacy and Upcoming Tour Dates
At past concerts on his 2024 ‘Live and In Person Tour,’ Mellencamp typically performed 19 tracks per gig, according to Set List FM. His performances have been praised for their energy and charisma, with Americana Highways noting that “now 72, Mellencamp remains engaging and charismatic, moving around with the energy of someone 20 years younger.” The heartland rocker’s singing voice, although raspy and gravel-soaked from years of chain smoking, has been praised for its ability to convey a combination of joy and melancholy.
For those eager to experience Mellencamp’s live show, tickets become available first for select dates through a pre-sale starting Tuesday, January 20 at 10 am local time. Tickets officially go on sale to the general public on Friday, January 23 at 10 am local time through Ticketmaster, and are also available now on trusted secondary market sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats, and GameTime. We recommend checking out these sites for a 100% buyer guarantee, ensuring a safe and timely transaction.
John Mellencamp’s Tour Schedule and Set List
A complete calendar including all North American tour dates, venues, and links to buy tickets can be found below. Some notable stops on the tour include the Acrisure Amphitheater in Grand Rapids, MI, the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, IL, and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, CA. At his April 18, 2024, ‘Live and In Person’ Washington, D.C. concert, Mellencamp performed a 19-song set, which included tracks like “John Cockers,” “Paper in Fire,” and “Hurts So Good.”
Here is the full set list from that concert:
- “John Cockers”
- “Paper in Fire”
- “Minutes to Memories”
- “Small Town”
- “Human Wheels”
- “Jackie Brown”
- “Troubled Land”
- “Check It Out”
- “The Eyes of Portland”
- “Longest Days”
- “Jack & Diane”
- “The Real Life”
- “Rain on the Scarecrow”
- “Lonely Ol’ Night”
- “What If I Came Knocking”
- “Crumblin’ Down”
- “Pink Houses”
- “Cherry Bomb”
- “Hurts So Good”
Other Classic Rockers on Tour in 2026
In addition to John Mellencamp, many other classic rock legends will be touring the United States in 2026. Some notable acts include Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band, James Taylor, and Graham Nash. For a full list of classic rockers on tour in 2026, check out our comprehensive guide.
For more information on John Mellencamp’s ‘Dancing Words Tour’ and to purchase tickets, visit Here
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