Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008, John Mellencamp’s career stretches back to the mid-1970s when he was billed as Johnny Cougar.

Now, some 40 years later, he’s got a pile of albums to his credit, a second career as a visual artist, and pretty decent cred as a social activist. Several times, in fact, he’s had to send cease and desist notices to right-leaning politicians and organizations who have tried to use his Americana-themed songs to push their agendas.

This weekend Mellencamp is in town to play two shows at Conexus Arts Centre. Those go on Friday July 10 and Saturday July 11 at 7:30 p.m.. The back-up act is Carlene Carter, and tickets range from $46.50-$251.

Here’s video of Mellencamp performing “Pink Houses” at a Farm Aid benefit in 2005