John Mellencamp set to play his biggest show in Charlotte in more than 20 years

John Mellencamp — a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer responsible for ’80s smashes like “Jack & Diane,” “Pink Houses” and “Small Town” — is returning to Charlotte in 2026 for what stands to be his biggest concert here, in terms of audience size, in more than 20 years.

His “Dancing Words Tour — The Greatest Hits” will stop at Truliant Amphitheater (formerly PNC Music Pavilion) on Thursday, July 30, the 74-year-old singer-songwriter announced on Wednesday morning.

The last three shows Mellencamp has played here, in 2015, 2019 and 2023, were all staged at 2,455-seat Ovens Auditorium.

The new concert, meanwhile, will be set at Truliant, which has a capacity of approximately 20,000. He hasn’t performed at the venue since it was named for Verizon Wireless (in 2005), having also headlined there when it was named for Blockbuster (in 1999).

Wednesday’s announcement noted that his 2026 tour “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” — including “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.,” “I Need a Lover,” “Wild Nights” and “Ain’t Even Done With the Night.”

Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets from 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, until 10 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22; for details: www.citientertainment.com. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale kickoff, which is set for 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23; details: Mellencamp.com. VIP options can be perused at vipnation.com.

The first show of the tour will take place in Grand Rapids, Mich., on July 10.

This story was originally published January 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM.