On a night in New York City where Dave Matthews Band played Forest Hills Stadium, Bryan Adams played with Joan Jett at Madison Square Garden and Lizzo performed at the Governor’s Ball at Flushing Meadow Park, the bride and I went to see John Mellencamp wrap up a multi-night stand at the Beacon Theatre. I do not trek into Manhattan as much as I used to for a variety of reasons, societal, traffic and parking related, and the drive in was as as expected, although not abusive. I managed to get a parking spot on Columbus Avenue and we ate at an Italian restaurant located right there. No opening act but a half hour of Turner black and white movie clips was entertaining for awhile but went on just a little too long. At 8:30, Mellencamp and a band of mostly hired guns, except for his guitarist of 50 years, hit the stage and performed for two solid hours. The legendary chainsmoker used to grab those last few puffs behind the stage curtain but on this night smoked right on stage during the first number. Anyone who has seen Mellencamp perform the past couple of decades knows his voice is pretty shot now, but once you get used to the raspiness it becomes a non-factor quickly. John Mellencamp provided a performance of thoughtful and energetic entertainment; it is amazing just how many incredible songs he has written. John and the band were great and well worth navigating the June Friday evening traffic in New York City.

Neil Young announced his west coast solo tour for July and I am currently struggling with whether to hop on a plane to catch a show (or two).

Hurts So Good

Rock on!

GQ