There’s something quietly powerful about hearing John Mellencamp play his own songs in the place where they’ve lived for decades. During a very special edition of iHeartRadio ICONS, the legendary songwriter opened the doors to his Belmont Mall studio just outside Bloomington, Indiana, inviting listeners into what felt less like a broadcast and more like a living-room jam session with old friends. Hosted by iHeartRadio's Jim Kerr, the intimate event blended live performances, personal stories, and the kind of unfiltered honesty that has defined Mellencamp’s career for more than 50 years.

Broadcast live from the studio he’s been recording in since 1984, the special doubled as a celebration and a preview. Mellencamp recently announced his upcoming "Dancing Words Tour — The Greatest Hits" tour, marking his return to amphitheaters for the first time in 17 years. The tour promises something longtime fans have been asking for: a hit-packed setlist that reaches deep into his catalog, including songs he hasn’t played in decades. “I’m 74 years old,” Mellencamp said plainly. “They’ve been asking me to do this for years. So I said, let’s do it while I still have the energy.”

That energy was on full display as Mellencamp ran through classics like “Small Town,” “Paper in Fire,” “Minutes to Memories,” “Pink Houses,” and “Hurt So Good.” Each performance felt loose but intentional, polished yet personal, reinforcing Kerr’s observation that this was one of the most unusual — and special — ICONS broadcasts iHeartRadio has ever produced.

Between songs, Mellencamp reflected on staying rooted in Indiana despite decades of fame. “I never really fit in big cities,” he said, explaining why he chose to remain close to where he grew up. That small-town ethos, first captured in “Small Town,” still defines him. Even now, with a Rock Hall legacy and generations of fans, Mellencamp prefers familiarity over flash. “As an artist, it’s best to keep your eyes open and your mouth shut,” he offered, half-joking, fully sincere.

Mellencamp’s storytelling extended beyond music. He spoke candidly about his lifelong support of Indiana University football, recalling the “darkest days” before the program’s recent success. His commitment wasn’t just symbolic — he helped fund the university’s indoor practice facility, now named the John Mellencamp Pavilion. True to form, he downplayed the gesture: “I showed up as much as I could.”

One of the most emotional moments came when Mellencamp introduced “Longest Days,” sharing the story of his grandmother, who once told him, “Life is short even in its longest days.” That line became the heart of the song, and hearing it explained — then performed — in the space where it was born gave it new weight.

Looking ahead, Mellencamp hinted at what’s next. A new album, Orphan Train, is in progress, though he made it clear it will arrive on its own timeline. There’s also renewed momentum around the Small Town musical, with performances scheduled in Maine later this year before a potential path toward Broadway. The show reimagines the story of Jack and Diane, adding layers that longtime listeners may not have caught the first time around.

As the night wound down, Kerr reflected on the experience best: it felt like sitting in someone’s living room while one of America’s greatest songwriters casually ran through the soundtrack of several generations. That was exactly the point. “Rock started out rough,” Mellencamp said. “It wasn’t organized. It was fun.”

Hear an encore of John Mellencamp ICONS on Classic Rock Live via the free iHeartRadio app at 12pm ET all this weekend.

Denise Plante