For the first time in 15 years, John Mellencamp will tour Australia and New Zealand with special guest Sheryl Crow, who will be returning to Australia for the first time since 1997. The 10-day trek starts on November 15 in Sandalford, AUS and winds down on December 7 in Christchurch, NZ.
Mellencamp has sold nearly 2 million units in Australia over his career; he will perform his hits as well as debuting material from his brand new album "Life, Death, Love & Freedom" to be released on July 12. He will bring with him his touring band; Mike Wancic - his veteran guitarist of 30 years, keyboardist Troye Kinnet, violinist Miriam Sturm, drummer Dane Clark, guitarist Andy York and bassist John Gunnell.
Mellencamp was inducted earlier this year into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and this past December received the ASCAP Foundation's Champion Award in recognition of the his outstanding use of music in the service of humanity. He continues to headline the annual Farm Aid event in the USA that he co-founded with Willie Nelson.
Crow will also perform her hits; "All I Wanna Do," 'If It Makes You Happy" plus feature material from her album "Detours" released earlier this year. There will also be a Sheryl Crow Live DVD released to coincide with the tour.
Shane Nicholson will be the special guest at the Australian indoor shows. He first came to prominence with Brisbane band Pretty Violet Stain and then released two solo albums: "It's a Movie" in 2003 and "Faith & Science" in 2006. Most recently he co-wrote, performed and co-produced the number one Australian album "Rattlin Bones" with his wife and music partner Kasey Chambers.
Tickets will go on sale for all events on July 7.
John Mellancamp/Sheryl Crow itinerary:
(Dates subject to change)
| November 15 | An Evening On The Green | Sandalford, WA (special guest: Toby) |
| November 19 | Adelaide Entertainment Centre | Hindmarsh, SA (special guest: Shane Nicholson) |
| November 21 | Rod Laver Arena | Melbourne, VIC (special guest: Shane Nicholson) |
| November 22 | A Day On The Green | Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley, ViC (special guest: The Vandas) |
| November 25 | Brisbane Entertainment Centre | Brisbane, QLD (special guest: Shane Nicholson) |
| November 28 | Acer Arena | Sydney, NSW (special guest: Shane Nicholson) |
| November 29 | A Day On The Green | Bimbadgen Estate, Hunter Valley, NSW (special guest: Felicity Urquhart) |
| December 3 | Vector Arena | Auckland, NZ (special guest: Gin Wigmore) |
| December 6 | A Day On The Green | Alana Estate Winery, Wellington NZ (special guest: Gin Wigmore) |
| December 7 | A Day On The Green | Mudhouse Winery, Christchurch NZ (special guest: Gin Wigmore) |
I just stumbled upon this. Beth