John Mellencamp performed a special open rehearsal in Evansville, Indiana last night, serving as a precursor to his upcoming Dancing Words tour.

The performance was free for fans who brought a nonperishable item to donate to the Evansville Rescue Mission.

While promoting his summer tour, Mellencamp promised to bring back many classic hits that he has omitted from recent performances. If the warm-up show was any indication, fans can expect a set filled with beloved songs.

What Did John Mellencamp Play During His Open Rehearsal?

Mellencamp began the rehearsal with his 2014 single “Lawless Times,” followed by his 1985 hit “Small Town.” He later performed an assortment of songs that he hasn’t played in concert for over a decade. Among them were “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.” (first time since 2015), “Love and Happiness” (first time since 2012), “Our Country” (first time since 2008), and “I Need a Lover” (first time since 2009).

READ MORE: Top 10 John Mellencamp Songs

The most exciting return was the hit that Mellencamp had not performed for over 20 years. For the first time since 2005, he played his version of Van Morrison’s “Wild Night.” This cover was Mellencamp’s last top 10 song, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1994.

The full set list from Mellencamp’s open rehearsal show is listed below. The singer’s Dancing Words tour officially launches on July 10 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is scheduled to conclude on August 12 in Mountain View, California.

John Mellencamp — July 8, 2026, Dancing Words Tour Open Rehearsal Set List

1. “Lawless Times”
2. “Small Town”
3. “Minutes to Memories”
4. “Lonely Ol’ Night”
5. “Paper in Fire”
6. “Human Wheels”
7. “Walk Tall” (First time since 2012)
8. “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.” (First time since 2015)
9. “Love and Happiness” (First time since 2012)
10. “Our Country” (First time since 2008)
11. “Check It Out”
12. “Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First)” (First time since 2012)
13. “Jack & Diane”
14. “I Need a Lover” (First time since 2009)
15. “Thank You” (First time since 2008)
16. “Your Life Is Now” (First time since 2002)
17. “Wild Night” (First time since 2005)
18. “Ain’t Even Done With the Night”
19. “Pop Singer”
20. “Rain on the Scarecrow”
21. “What If I Came Knocking”
22. “Authority Song”
23. “Crumblin’ Down”
24. “Pink Houses”
25. “Cherry Bomb”
26. “Hurts So Good”