The Frontier Touring Company and Roundhouse Entertainment are delighted to announce that for the first time in fifteen years John Mellencamp will tour Australia and New Zealand. The legendary singer songwriter who has sold nearly 2 million units in Australia over his outstanding career is back. John will perform his hits as well as debuting material from his brand new album ‘Life, Death, Love & Freedom’- out through Hear Music and Universal Music on July 12th, 2008.

John will bring with him his legendary touring band; Mike Wancic – his veteran guitarist of 30 years, Troye Kinnett on Keyboards, Miriam Sturm on violin, Dane Clark on drums, Andy York on guitar and John Gunnell on bass.

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.

Joining John on tour will be special guest Sheryl Crow. Returning to Australia for the first time since 1997, Sheryl 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 through Universal Music. There will also be a Sheryl Crow Live DVD released through the Soundstage imprint, distributed by Liberator in Australia to coincide with the tour announcement.

Finally we are thrilled to confirm Shane Nicholson will be the special guest at the Australian indoor shows. Shane first came to prominence with Brisbane band Pretty Violet Stain, he then recorded and has released two solo albums; ‘It’s a Movie’ in 2003 & ‘Faith & Science’ in 2006. Most recently Shane co-wrote, performed and co-produced the number one Australian album ‘Rattlin Bones’ with his wife and music partner Kasey Chambers.

The Buffalo News recently reviewed Life, Death, Love & Freedom. You can read the review here!