Reviews: John Mellencamp, Jeff Lynne’s ELO, Joan Jett, Kurt Vile, Tony Bennett, G-Eazy

John Mellencamp @ Symphony Hall in Duluth, Minn., April 7 – “If you mixed a preacher, a punch press operator and an old bluesman together in the back of a cement mixer, John Mellencamp would come out in the pour.” – Mark Nicklawske / Duluth News Tribune

Jeff Lynne’s ELO @ The Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, England, April 7 – “’Living Thing,’ ‘Turn to Stone,’ ‘Sweet Talking Woman’ and ‘Mr Blue Sky’ may have been the best-known tunes on the night but every song was a hit, each tune highlight. Wonderful images on the big screens and an amazing light show, particularly during ‘Secret Messages,’ from the album of the same name, made this a show to remember.” – Patrick Astill / Nottingham Post

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts @ Westworld in Scottsdale, Ariz., April 6 – “Everyone went nutso when they tore right into ‘Bad Reputation,’ and rightfully so – it sounded pretty killer. Jett’s voice sounded powerful and growly.” – Amy Young / Phoenix New Times

Kurt Vile @ Pabst Theater in Milwaukee, Wis., April 5 – “Despite the raw quality of Vile’s portrayal, his performance never seemed tortured. That resistance to verbally emphasize sentiment made the words more intriguing, particularly for the three tracks he performed solo on acoustic guitar, including ‘Stand Inside’ from ‘down.’” – Piet Levy / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Tony Bennett @ Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., April 1 – “His vocals on the 24 songs he sang were superb as he seemed so at ease, ever so smoothly singing song after song. His voice was strong when needed, hitting high notes on several numbers.” – Stephen Peterson / The Sun Chronicle

G-Eazy @ P.N.E. Forum in Vancouver, British Columbia, April 6 – “Entering the stage with his signature slicked back hair and black kit, G-Eazy jumped right into the intro of his latest album. The stage itself was set up to look like a facade of the hood referenced in his lyrics complete with neon signs, billboards, a strip club, a motel, and a bar.” – Vanessa Tam / VanCityBuzz