Asbury Park Press: John Mellencamp Lights Up PNC Bank Arts Center With Greatest Hits

John Mellencamp is still fighting authority and that's good for rock 'n' roll. Take the Gulf of Mexico. Mellencamp stopped his 1983 classic, “Pink Houses,” on Saturday, July 25 at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel when he came to the song's “Gulf of Mexico” line. “Wait a minute,” Mellencamp said. “The Gulf of Mexico? Is that right? It's not the Gulf of America? What a stupid (blanking) idea that is!” The more than 18,000 in attendance roared in approval. The show was part of the Dancing Words Tour: The Greatest Hits 2026 tour, a rare “greatest hits” outing for the Indiana rock legend. Mellencamp made it known it was going to be a greatest hits show on his terms at the beginning of the concert.

“We are the misfits, we are the mavericks, we are the non-conformers!” said Mellencamp during the intro of the show-opening “Lawless Times.” So that meant a slight tune up, and sometimes more, to Mellencamp classics like “I Need a Lover,” which was given a shot of heartland soul with violinist Lisa Germano's lead and a knock-out sax solo from Crystal Taliefero rather than the original area-rock guitar lead. Mellencamp lit up a cigarette on stage during “Authority Song,” and chided the audience for a missed cue on the “Jack and Diane” singalong.

“Guys, guys,” said Mellencamp after stopping 18,000 from joyously singing. “This particular song has two verses and then goes to the chorus. You (blankers) went straight to the chorus without any thought of the second verse at all. I was only 24 when I wrote this song and I spent all afternoon on the second verse, which I'm still working on. That's how (blanking) bad it is but I'm going to sing it anyway.” The Mellencamp audience, which included Bruce Springsteen and sister Pam Springsteen near the soundboard, reveled in the abuse with a loud cheer.

It was worth it. The Mellencamp classics have aged very well and as performed here they sparkled. Life goes on for “Jack and Diane,” which was sung joyously loud after the playful admonishment. “Small Town” had a twangy zest, thanks to guitarist Mike Wanchic; “Blood on the Scarecrow” was framed with an ominous sheen; and the aforementioned “Pink Houses,” rang with an unyielding spirit. A spirit that still burns in the irascible Mellencamp, who, like a heartland Diogenes, continues to search for an honest America despite the odds. His voice has a smoker's rasp but he's still able to deliver the goods.

Mellencamp plays the curmudgeon, seemingly frustrated with the trappings and ceremony of rock stardom. But at 74 it appears he's found a sweet spot of cranky playfulness with the game and a place where a performer and audience can join in voice for a good time on a summer night. John Mellencamp PNC Bank Arts Center setlist Lawless Times Small Town Lonely Ol' Night Paper in Fire Human Wheels Walk Tall R.O.C.K. in the USA Love and Happiness Our Country Check It Out Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First) Jack & Diane I Need a Lover Minutes to Memories Your Life Is Now Wild Night Ain't Even Done with the Night Rain on the Scarecrow Pop Singer Authority Song Crumblin' Down Pink Houses Cherry Bomb Hurts So Good