{"id":"","module":"news","news_item_id":"213","page":"1"}nullSELECT `article`.*, IFNULL(is_sticky, 0) AS `sticked` FROM `article` LEFT JOIN `page` ON `article`.`page_id` = `page`.`id` WHERE (page.path LIKE '/%') AND (`keywords`='News') AND (`language_id`=1) AND (page.publish_at < NOW() OR page.publish_at IS NULL) AND (page.unpublish_at > NOW() OR page.unpublish_at IS NULL) AND (`page`.`is_head_revision`=1) AND (`page`.site_group_id IS NULL OR `page`.site_group_id = 1) AND (`page`.site_id IS NULL OR `page`.site_id = 3) AND (`page`.site_group_id IS NULL OR `page`.site_group_id = 1) ORDER BY `sticked` DESC, `position`, `at` DESC, `article`.`id` DESC LIMIT 4[{"id":"2359","page_id":"5355","blurb_html":"","at":"2026-01-23 06:00:00","is_sticky":"0","position":null,"timezone":"America/Chicago","display_time":"0","sticked":"0","page":{"id":"5355","site_group_id":null,"site_id":null,"path":"/news/iheart-com-john-mellencamp-turns-home-studio-into-most-intimate-iheartradio-icons-yet","title":"iHeart.com: John Mellencamp Turns Home Studio Into Most Intimate iHeartRadio ICONS Yet","name":null,"html":"

iHeart

There’s something quietly powerful about hearing John Mellencamp play his own songs in the place where they’ve lived for decades. During a very special edition of iHeartRadio ICONS, the legendary songwriter opened the doors to his Belmont Mall studio just outside Bloomington, Indiana, inviting listeners into what felt less like a broadcast and more like a living-room jam session with old friends. Hosted by iHeartRadio's Jim Kerr, the intimate event blended live performances, personal stories, and the kind of unfiltered honesty that has defined Mellencamp’s career for more than 50 years.

Broadcast live from the studio he’s been recording in since 1984, the special doubled as a celebration and a preview. Mellencamp recently announced his upcoming “Dancing Words Tour The Greatest Hits”, marking his return to amphitheaters for the first time in 17 years. The tour promises something longtime fans have been asking for: a hit-packed setlist that reaches deep into his catalog, including songs he hasn’t played in decades. “I’m 74 years old,” Mellencamp said plainly. “They’ve been asking me to do this for years. So I said, let’s do it while I still have the energy.”

That energy was on full display as Mellencamp ran through classics like “Small Town,” “Paper in Fire,” “Minutes to Memories,” “Pink Houses,” and “Hurt So Good.” Each performance felt loose but intentional, polished yet personal, reinforcing Kerr’s observation that this was one of the most unusual — and special — ICONS broadcasts iHeartRadio has ever produced.

Between songs, Mellencamp reflected on staying rooted in Indiana despite decades of fame. “I never really fit in big cities,” he said, explaining why he chose to remain close to where he grew up. That small-town ethos, first captured in “Small Town,” still defines him. Even now, with a Rock Hall legacy and generations of fans, Mellencamp prefers familiarity over flash. “As an artist, it’s best to keep your eyes open and your mouth shut,” he offered, half-joking, fully sincere.

Mellencamp’s storytelling extended beyond music. He spoke candidly about his lifelong support of Indiana University football, recalling the “darkest days” before the program’s recent success. His commitment wasn’t just symbolic — he helped fund the university’s indoor practice facility, now named the John Mellencamp Pavilion. True to form, he downplayed the gesture: “I showed up as much as I could.”

One of the most emotional moments came when Mellencamp introduced “Longest Days,” sharing the story of his grandmother, who once told him, “Life is short even in its longest days.” That line became the heart of the song, and hearing it explained — then performed — in the space where it was born gave it new weight.

Looking ahead, Mellencamp hinted at what’s next. A new album, Orphan Train, is in progress, though he made it clear it will arrive on its own timeline. There’s also renewed momentum around the Small Town musical, with performances scheduled in Maine later this year before a potential path toward Broadway. The show reimagines the story of Jack and Diane, adding layers that longtime listeners may not have caught the first time around.

As the night wound down, Kerr reflected on the experience best: it felt like sitting in someone’s living room while one of America’s greatest songwriters casually ran through the soundtrack of several generations. That was exactly the point. “Rock started out rough,” Mellencamp said. “It wasn’t organized. It was fun.”

Hear an encore of John Mellencamp ICONS on Classic Rock Live via the free iHeartRadio app at 12pm ET all this weekend.

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iHeart.com by Taylor Fields 

With an incredible and long career under his belt, spanning fans across multiple generations, John Mellencamp is a music icon. And he is taking his music directly to fans as he heads out on his landmark \"Dancing Words Tour — The Greatest Hits.\" But before he kicks off the trek later this year, Mellencamp is celebrating during his exclusive iHeartRadio ICONS event on January 22nd.

During iHeartRadio ICONS, Mellencamp will perform some of his biggest hits and fan favorites from throughout his decades-long music catalogue, as well as talk about his upcoming tour and more during an exclusive interview hosted by iHeartradio's Jim Kerr. Fans can tune in to iHeartRadio ICONS with John Mellencamp on Thursday, January 22nd at 7pm ET/4pm PT on iHeartRadio's Big Classic Hits station on the free iHeartRadio app, as well as across iHeartRadio Classic Hits and Adult Hits station nationwide at 7pm local time.

Mellencamp's \"Dancing Words Tour — The Greatest Hits\" marks the first time the legend will be performing all his most beloved songs in a single night, some of which haven't been played live in many years. The journey kicks off on July 10th in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and make stops across the country including Kansas City, Cincinnati, Charlotte, Houston, Phoenix and more, before wrapping up in Mountain View, California on August 12th.

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Will join performances by Trombone Shorty, and DJ sets from CeeLo & Grandmaster Flash, as well as additional surprise performances to be announced

Event returns to the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills on Saturday, January 31, 2026

(Jan 15, 2025) – Los Angeles, CA) - The leading independent publisher of iconic and legendary music in the world,Primary Wave Music, announced today that Rock and Roll and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and recipient of the Woody Guthrie and John Steinbeck Awards, John Mellencamp, will perform live at its annual pre-Grammy party at the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills in partnership with VENU on January 31, 2026. Mellencamp joins performances from Grammy-nominated Trombone Shorty, very special DJ sets from CeeLo Green and Grandmaster Flash, The Architect of Hip Hop, and additional unforgettable surprise performances throughout the evening to be announced.

\"Having grown up listening to his amazing music, we are thrilled and grateful to have John Mellencamp join this year’s 20th anniversary pre-Grammy party,” said Larry Mestel CEO & Founder of Primary Wave Music. \"This milestone year is all about recognizing our family of legendary artists who define our company with unforgettable performances and a few surprises along the way. John’s performance will make this evening one of our most memorable yet.”

The highly anticipated event will celebrate 20 years of Primary Wave’s legendary roster and vast catalog of over 1000-Top 10 singles and over 400 #1 hits across the history of music and feature exclusive live performances.

Mellencamp’s appearance comes on the heels of his recent announcement of his landmark tour this summer—Dancing Words Tour — The Greatest Hits taking place across 19 U.S. cities. The tour, produced by Live Nation, marks the first time Mellencamp will be performing all his most beloved songs in a single night, some of which haven’t been played live in many years. Watch the cinematic tour trailer featuring Sean Penn HERE. For more information, visit vipnation.com

The Primary Wave Pre-Grammy party is presented by VENU.VENU (NYSE: American: VENU) is a premier owner, operator, and developer of luxury, experience-driven entertainment destinations. VENU is thrilled to support Primary Wave’s impressive 20-year journey and looks forward to continuing to work closely with Primary Wave as a new partner to bring artist-inspired experiences to VENU's premium entertainment venues nationwide. 

The star-studded event will unite industry A-listers and entertainment icons to celebrate music's biggest night. Adding to the excitement, Primary Wave will celebrate Primary Wave artist on January 31, 2026  and host its own version of the viral Whitney Houston drum challenge, inviting guests to try and hit RIcky Nelson’s iconic drumbeat before the final chorus of “I Will Always Love You” — a viral moment that has taken over social media and made headlines in The New York Times.

Additional sponsors of the evening includeASCAP, Borghetti, Fernet-Branca, FIJI Water, JUSTIN Wine, Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment, and Mucinex. 

About Primary Wave

The Home of Legends.

Primary Wave Music is the leading independent publisher of iconic and legendary music in the world. The company is home to some of the most iconic songwriters, artists, and record labels across the history of recorded music including Bob Marley, Prince, Stevie Nicks, Notorious B.I.G., James Brown, The Doors, Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, Smokey Robinson, Whitney Houston, Ray Charles, Burt Bacharach, Neil Sedaka, Bing Crosby, Dave Brubeck, Luther Vandross, Olivia Newton-John, Patti LaBelle, Isaac Hayes, Andre 3000, Ric Ocasek, The Cars, Axl Rose, Steven Van Zandt, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, America, War, Teddy Pendergrass, Count Basie, Traveling Wilburys (Bob Dylan), Donny Hathaway, Joey Ramone, Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots), Jerry Jeff Walker, Bob Burns (Lynyrd Skynyrd), George Brown (Kool & The Gang), Sly & The Family Stone, Boston, Alice Cooper, Paul Anka, Boy George and Culture Club, Allee Willis, Paul Rodgers, Free, The Cranberries, Steve Cropper, Sarah McLachlan, Alice In Chains, Air Supply, Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme), Julian Casablancas (The Strokes), Huey Lewis and the News, Itzhak Perlman, PF Sloan, Glenn Gould, Gin Blossoms, Spin Doctors, Disturbed, George Merrill & Shannon Rubicam, Steve Porcaro, Styx, Keith, Forsey, Jeff Porcaro, Chuck Mangione, Pat Metheny, Chris Isaak, Sun Records, Times Music (subsidiary of the Times of India Group), Nas Nuvens Catalog, and many more. The songs represented by Primary Wave include over 1000 Top 10 singles, and over 400 #1 hits. Since its inception in 2006, Primary Wave Music has embraced an entrepreneurial spirit, offering, and executing proactive one-of-a-kind ideas, unique services, and marketing campaigns for our artists. Primary Wave has earned a stellar reputation for being forward thinking and re-introducing classic artists and their music into the modern marketplace as well as nurturing young talent to become legends themselves. This success is based upon our team of seasoned and creative executives collaboratively working together closely with our artists as partners. As a company, we strive for excellence in the pursuit of iconic artists and catalogs that not only reflect great artistry, but impact and influence culture.

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Wall Street Journal by Robert O'Connell 

There are a select few ways to become wealthy enough to join the ranks of college football’s most powerful boosters. The late T. Boone Pickens, the chief benefactor for Oklahoma State, built an oil fortune that he dispersed to the Cowboys. Phil Knight, who bankrolls Oregon, turned Nike into an intercontinental empire that transformed the Ducks into a gridiron behemoth.

Then there is Indiana University. The program that opened the season as the losingest team in Division I football history now stands one game away from its first championship—and it hasn’t gotten there via the pursestrings of one of the world’s richest people. In fact, the Hoosiers’ most prominent booster isn’t a tech genius or hedge fund titan.

It’s the guy who wrote “Jack & Diane.”

In a college sports landscape lorded over by billionaires, none other than John Mellencamp—the 74-year-old heartland rocker—has played no small part in Indiana’s rise from laughingstock to the No. 1 team in the country. Year after dismal year, Mellencamp trudged to Hoosiers games on Saturdays. At a time when nobody saw Indiana football as a good investment, he gave $1.5 million to build the team’s practice facility: the John Mellencamp Pavilion.

The facility’s namesake harbored no illusions that his donation might one day turn the downtrodden Hoosiers into the country’s top team. “It was a bunch of down years,” Mellencamp said. “That’s just the way it was.”

That might be understating things. From 1982 to 1991, Mellencamp changed his stage name —from John Cougar to John Cougar Mellencamp to, finally, John Mellencamp—exactly as often as the Hoosiers managed a winning season.

Not that Mellencamp always minded. What he got in exchange for his support was not a championship run but a curious sort of VIP treatment. He had started going to Hoosiers games as a kid, when he lived in Bloomington and his brother was enrolled at the university, and in the years since had come to appreciate a perk of the sparsely populated contests: He was able to indulge his cigarette habit in the mostly empty stands.

In recent years, the school gifted the Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer a wooden shack affixed to the top of the stadium. There, Mellencamp—a self-described “anti-social guy”—could take in a game exactly the way he wanted to.

“I set up there, nobody bothers me,” Mellencamp said. “And I can smoke.”Suddenly, though, Mellencamp is outperforming college football’s legendary boosters. Guided by visionary coach Curt Cignetti, Indiana has spent the College Football Playoff walloping blueblood programs like Alabama and Knight’s Oregon Ducks. These days, Mellencamp’s bare-bones box—the farthest seat from the field in Indiana University Memorial Stadium—has become Indiana’s most exclusive vantage.

“It’s tight quarters,” said university president Pam Whitten, “so that he can make sure the only people in there with him are all-in for football.”

Even billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban, the Indiana alum and longtime Mellencamp fan who has donated to the Hoosiers’ NIL coffers, hasn’t scored an invite. “Which I’m fine with,” said Cuban. “I’m not a smoker.”

While Mellencamp is laser-focused on Indiana’s on-field exploits, some of the current Hoosier players could use a history lesson on the rock star. In the moments after Indiana walloped Oregon to reach Monday’s championship game, players were asked if they recognized the name “John Mellencamp.” 

“Our indoor facility?” asked sophomore receiver Charlie Becker.

Center Pat Coogan said that “of course” he listened to Mellencamp. “I’m 23 years old,” Coogan explained. “A lot of our guys are younger.”

The team was undecided on how well Mellencamp’s biggest hits—sepia-tinted odes to small-town America—fit today’s college football madhouse cathedrals. “His songs aren’t necessarily ones that would get you, like, super hype,” said lineman Bray Lynch.

Indiana fans would disagree. In the quarterfinals and semifinals of the playoff, as the Hoosiers steamrolled their opponents by a combined 69 points, their supporters belted out “Hurts So Good” in celebration, turning the venerable Rose Bowl into a backyard Indiana party.

Mellencamp doesn’t plan on being at Monday’s championship game personally—and not just because Hard Rock Stadium in Miami seems less likely to indulge his smoking habit. He’s been busy preparing for an upcoming greatest hits tour this summer. If Indiana fans have occasion to dance and sing along to “Hurts So Good” again on Monday, though, Mellencamp’s tour logistics might become even more complicated. The Hoosiers’ most loyal fan could have to add one more gig: a championship parade.

\r\n

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