The lights went down as scheduled and as the crowd shuffled into the Bell Center's Theater, Tom Cochrane emerged onto the stage. As expected, Cochrane had the place blazing with Canadian favorites like 'Big League', 'Human Race', 'Lunatic Fringe', and 'Power.' He also took some time to briefly speak about his recent work with World Vision and incited his fans to look into this cause as he made his way into 'White Hot'. Long-time fans were also surprised as Cochrane pulled out lost classics like 'Sinking Like A Sunset' (off his 1992 “Mad Mad World” album) and an acoustic take on 'Good Times'. As time wound down, Cochrane brought his portion of the show to an end with, what has to be his most recognized song, 'Life is a Highway', reminding the younger generation that he, and not the Rascal Flatts, were responsible for the original! Once off stage, the crowd continued to roar, wanting more! Cochrane had no choice but to re-emerge and officially closed off his portion of the show with 'Untouchable One' after which his die-hard fans abandoned the Bell Center.

Tom Cochrane would be a tough opening act to follow but John Mellencamp was definitely up for the challenge. Although the stage decor was altered to welcome the long awaited Mellencamp, it was kept simple so as to not distract from the reason why people were there: the music! The main program opened with 'Ain't That America' leading Mellencamp fans to believe that the concert would be focused on a power ride of ballads that they could dance and sing alongside. Oddly, Mellencamp took the off-beaten road and experimented with his less-known acoustic and mellow songs interlacing them with extensive stories of his childhood and what it was like growing up in Indiana at his time. At the same time, he made a plea to his fans to have a little more compassion in their day to day lives, with the hope of deterring violence and race-related crimes. It seemed almost natural for him to make a comment on the current U.S. Government re-instating his want for change in the leadership of his country.

It was only towards the end that Mellencamp re-captured the crowd with toe-tappers like the long-awaited 'Jack and Diane' during which he had the crowd dancing and singing. He also encouraged all his fans to pull out their cell phones, call someone close, hold their phone out as the Center wildly chorused “Oh yeah, life goes on, long after the thrill of living is gone”. Sadly, as the show ended, many were disappointed and as Mellencamp left the stage, a light “boo” echoed throughout the place. Perhaps it was the fact that the classic rocker had neglected such songs as 'Cherry Bomb' and 'Hurts So Good'.

Special thanks to Jessica Audet for photos.

Next concert review: Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, March 2, 2008 @ Bell Center

 

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