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John Mellencamp Sets 19-Date 'Dancing Words' Greatest Hits Tour for Summer 2026

After years favoring intimate theaters, the Rock Hall inductee offers a one-summer return to big outdoor stages prompted by a Penn-starring promo.

Overview

  • The 19-date U.S. itinerary opens July 10 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and closes Aug. 12 in Mountain View, California.
  • Shows will spotlight staples such as “Pink Houses,” “Jack and Diane,” and “Small Town,” while reviving rarities like “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.,” “I Need a Lover,” “Wild Night,” and “Ain’t Even Done With the Night.”
  • Citi cardmember presale begins Jan. 20 at 10 a.m. local time, with general on-sale Jan. 23 at 10 a.m. via Mellencamp.com and Ticketmaster.
  • The announcement arrived in a short film featuring Sean Penn urging Mellencamp, 74, to share his hits after years focused on theater shows.
  • Mellencamp describes the Live Nation–produced run as intentionally limited and says he plans to return to theaters afterward, noting his son Hud will join the tour.