In 1982, the band Heart came to my hometown. John Cougar, as he was known for awhile, was the opening act. I was 17 and I grabbed my little brother age 7, jumped in my car and drove to the place where I knew Ann and Nancy Wilson would be staying. We walked the halls of this hotel just trying to meet the Wilson sisters cause I had a big crush on both. Long story short, we came to a hallway and I noticed big trays of food laying on the ground outside this one room. I knew there was a rock and roll band in that room. As we approached the room, the door opened and out stepped John Mellencamp and two other gentlemen. We followed them to the elevator and got in behind them. As the doors shut, I said “Mr. Mellencamp, I’m a big fan of your music.” He seemed surprised that I used his true last name and he smiled and said “ Why thanks, man,” then he looked at my little brother and said “Young man, what is your name?” My brother told him and he said “I am so glad to meet you.” We then talked briefly and I told him I would be at the show later in the evening, and he said as he departed the elevator, “Enjoy the show and it’s been an honor to meet you both. Take care, now.” To this day it brings me and my brother so much pleasure to think about how humbly he talked to us that day. I am a forever fan of John’s and hope that I will run into him again and thank him for a beautiful memory. He is a true original.
My band was playing a gig in Vincennes Indiana on a very dead night in the early 80's, we look out and who is sitting in the front row, it was John M. and the bar owner and hardly anyone else. It was quite surreal playing one of his songs to HIM. A very nice and gracious guy he is. When we took a break he spoke with us and told us what a good job we did with his song and keep going and not to give up. It was quite encouraging for us young guys at the time, John is a down to earth small town guy with a very big heart.
I've been a fan since "A Biography", which is really saying a lot. But I have to say that this interview really made John a more down-to-earth fella than any other interview I've seen over the long years. Thanks Sammy for giving us this wonderful look into the life of Mr. Mellencamp.
Mellencamp has always been an enigma. Creating some of the finest pieces of music for an industry he despises. From '83 to '87 he put out three of the finest American Rock albums ever made. And no let down from '88 to present day. A curmudgeon who's music I can't stop listening to.
Growing up in southern Indiana I understand him pretty well I think. Becoming "Hall of Famous" from that area of the universe is one in 50 billion. He played the game to open the door then found his genius through authenticity. Life can be hard in the "Heartland" and those country folk will knock some sense into you if your off on some trip. Pink Houses/Small Town isn't bubbly songs and John isn't a bubbly guy LoL If one makes an enemy in a small town there's no hiding and eventually you'll level up. He just seems representative of his environment and dreams at the same time. I don't know the guy but I feel like I do and 100 guys just like him, the only difference is John busted out nation wide.
@@ponzo1967 I grew up in Columbus, OH. Not a small town, but still the "Heartland" nonetheless. Son of an immigrant. I just always felt connected to John's music anyway.
I grew up in Austin indiana about 20 miles from seymour his home town. John is a big hero to us all. Everyone around seymour has a story about him... idk if half of them are true. His mom went to the same high school I did about 50 years apart, but I always remember seeing the picture of her that's in the school.
People seem all down on John for not being bubbly. I didn't find him a downer at all myself, he just seems real and no bs. The guy is a mega talented artist.
I thought this was a great interview. It shows different personalities in stark contrast. I relate more, far more, to John's personality than I do to Sammy's. Neither is better, neither is worse. They are just different. But I would far rather spend time hanging with John, talking art and drinking beer than spend any time with Sammy.
Assholes today can’t handle it when someone who has talent isn’t a cheerleader... They can’t process that some people don’t get all excited about normal every day things... This guy is a great writer. He’s just not a great cheerleader...
@@whiteyholmes He's his own man. The pressure to conform has always existed and it always will. I respect people who don't give two shits about conformity.
I've never considered him a singer/ songwriter, I think of him as an "American storyteller" one of the most soulful voice in music, wish this would have been longer, great interview 👍👍
I had to watch this interview 3 times before writing this. As a huge fan, it really confused me as it did for a lot of you. John Mellencamp was the person I was most interested in seeing in the 1980s. In 1985 I was 15. In the 80s I bought all his albums after I was introduced to him by my older brother. I can still remember listening to Scarecrow on my Walkman while delivering the daily paper at 6AM. ALL my highs and lows have had Mellencamp's songs attached... TO THIS DAY. I was able to visit Seymour, Indiana and like a dummy I thought I could just drive down the street and find him since he lived in a "Small Town". Well.. I turned down this one road and saw Mellencamp on the mailbox. I pulled in the driveway and at the house was his aunt and grandmother. I was blown away. Before we left, the grandmother asked if we were going to see him. I casually asked, " oh where does he live " at that point his aunt said nice try... good times! Simply put, it pains me to hear that he hated every minute about the best days of my life. People today associate me with John Mellencamp and after hearing him say he hated everything to do with some of the best times is pretty rough. Sammy, as usual, did an AWESOME job. There is no going back guys.. Hope all of you are doing well.
After all the comments I went into this interview lookin hard for this “depression” everybody’s talkin about and didn’t see a trace of it. He’s just seems like a chill dude that was just being honest about his dislike for the rockstar business. It was cool watching those two legends talk, man. They can’t all be David Lee Roth during an interview
My opinion on that is, David was a one trick pony, and he milked the shit out of it. David always acted like he was on top of the world because he knew he didn't belong there. He was Mtv from 83-86, how is he still talked about today is beyond my comprehension.
"Minutes to Memories..." from Scarecrow. I can't even estimate how many times I've listened to that song... As a young man, as an older man... It's timeless. One of the deepest songs I've ever heard, about an old man talking to a younger man on a bus trip. I loved it when I was nineteen...and I love it age 56. John Mellencamp is one of the greatest storytellers of all time. My total respect, for what he's accomplished, and what he's still accomplishing today.
Agree with all the comments. I’d like to add, from the SAME song, “Hold on to 16 as long as you can, changes come around real soon make us women and men”. These two lyrics describe youth, vis a vi life, painfully perfectly.
Lotta hair dye, physical trainers and good physicians. This shit don't happen by letting mother nature take you hand and guide you naturally through life. I mean really.
Not to mention. These guys had cushy lives. It's not like they worked 40 to 80 hour work weeks, under physical or mental strain to make a weeks pay. One big album can financially carry you for years vs the weeks it took to produce. Maybe a few 16 to 18 hour days but, the down time from production to release is huge. And now to slather each other with platitudes is laughable.
@@jojomcgee3430 , Are you serious ? You think a 9-5 job is harder on you than being a rockstar ? Many rockstars die young from drugs and booze because of the stress and lifestyle.
@@green323turbo And many more, like ten thousand times more a year, die young from drugs and booze from stress from life as a person who isn't a rock star. I'm gonna assume u didn't think your post through very well cuz nobody could possibly be so fucking daft.
Sammy is the best guy ever ! John Mellencamp is such a deep person that most of us have a hard time relating to. I grew in Indiana up 30 miles from him during the early 80s and love all of his music even though he prob doesn't . Sammy keep up your positive message where ever you go . We all LOVE the RED ROCKER!!!!!!
If you want "Bubbly" from Mellencamp than you're from Mars. He's ALWAYS been conversational and calm when interviewed in settings like this. Sammy on the other hand is the interviewer and his energy level is supposed to be up and aggressive in a positive manner. John Mellencamp is also at home and inside his art studio where his mind is most likely more at ease and at rest. Cool interview.
Mellencamp; an artist - not a craftsman. They are not the same but many will argue the point. If he did the same thing day after day but was an artist at heart - he would never be truly happy. A crafts-person would,.... as they perfected their craft. I appreciate his honesty. A salt of the earth individual. Great interview Mr. Hager. One of the best.
Met John Mellencamp at a bait shop in Bloomington, spent an hour talking about his 57 Cadillac! He was just John to the people there ! Very gracious and interesting
Was glad to still be recognized after all these years. On top of the fact he drove a car to a bait shop, knowing he'd get, hopefully, recognized as a musician.
Also guessing, not a flood of paparazzi. My 17 and 14 year old couldn't pick one of either songs or pictures. Just two old guys stroking there egos. Sad...
@@jojomcgee3430 Yes, it's very sad, these two broken down old guys who have much more money than they know what to do with, who wake up every day with no responsibilities to anyone other than their families and can do whatever the hell they want. They must be very upset to know your two kids don't know their music.
Yes but to different personalities, john does seem a little ungrateful,I mean he’s the one who dropped off the demo tapes so he did kinda want to be a recording artist.
Minutes to Memories is one of my favorite songs, and after hearing this interview I can see how its lyrics really are representative of how Mellencamp has probably lived his life - doing things his own way and sometimes paying a high price.
That song may have the best lyrics of anything I've ever heard. Every dad ought to teach it to his son and teach him what it means. It's a really conservative sounding song coming from John.
As a fan of John Mellencamp, it's very disappointing to discover that he never enjoyed performing that much, or at all. His songs were magic. Damn. Thank GOD for Sammy Hagar.
This is THE BEST interview I've ever seen with John. I can easily say I never liked his persona but loved his music. Now I know why. This man is a high achieving genius that sees things i probably dont. I would pay money to hang out with John for a day and learn his P.O.V. And Sammy, Rock Candy is the first rock song that got inside me and made me love music. The riff, the hook and the lyric. Just kicked my teenage butt...thank you Sammy for all you have done to entertain. And thank you for this interview. It is a PERFECT FORMAT for you "SLUGGER". PEACE FROM INDIANAPOLIS.
This was one of the most enjoyable things I've watching in a long time. Two totally different personalities coming together was awesome! An introvert and an extrovert finding common ground. Love this so much!
I stopped watching at the 10 minute mark. Too depressing and disturbing. No appreciation for what he has. I've known people like him. Total negativity.
Two irrelevant musicians. That's sad. Find anyone under the age of 47 that can recall either one of them. Serious. Play their songs in 20 something bar. Then offer a free beer if you can name the artist. We tried this 3 weeks ago at a friend's bar. Was a sad moment for us. We realized that at47, we were old.
@@jojomcgee3430 I'm 41 years old and became a VH and Sammy fan in the 80's as a kid and always liked John. Bill Withers Lean on me was the first song I ever liked and actually remembered, when I heard it on the bus one morning on the way to kindergarten. Elton John, Phil Collins, Journey, Kansas, REO Speedwagon, Heart, and many of the others from the 70's and up were all favorites. I heard an old song on a movie and based on the movie guessed Janice Joplin......Surprisingly, I was right. I had never really listened to her or realized it was her if I did, but I had heard enough music and read or watched enough about music to realize she was iconic and was a fit for the movie. My brother doesn't know any of the older stuff we heard when growing up and pretty much only listens to metal/screaming rock crap. On the other hand, I listen to some pop, like Lady Gaga, loved Vanessa Carlton, listened to some 90's mainstream rap (if that is even the genre for dr. dre, snoop dog, tu pac, and similar) and like a bunch of the indie artists that range from pop to rock. I do hate country, jaz, big band, and most blues as well as any modern rap and most R&B. Pandora and youtube has lead me to find many artists that probably aren't super popular on the radio but I haven't listened to the radio or commercials in probably 17 years. There are some of us who appreciate the classics and less popular artists, but many young people are not into them. There were a lot of young people at the last Sammy/Scorpions (another favorite of mine) concert I saw in 2009 and many young people comment on YT videos of older artists, but I'm sure they are a small fraction of their age group.
Loved John all through the eighties and feel he has a unique sound that drives American rock like few others , but this interview shows me he needs to show some grace in accepting the fortunes life has dealt him. Everyone has to go through the ordinary - cos that’s pretty much what life is , dotted with different highlights as you go along. I can appreciate he did not always derive pleasure from the expectations that were thrust on him but he achieved significant highlights that few life a life to ever achieve. Just be grateful John. Sammy’s enthusiasm and encouraging countenance is infectious and he comes across as a genuine straight shooter and nice guy. Great interview👌😎
As a Hoosier boy, I've always been connected to John's music, not so much the individual that he is; and I guess he'd be fine with that. Sammy is someone I've grown to admire more and more as I age and get to know Sammy the man more than Sammy the Rock Star. Great piece.
I didn't grow up in Indiana but my grandparents and cousins lived everywhere from Muncie, Anderson, and Fort Wayne. We would make that trip from Virginia to Indiana every year. He is to people from the Midwest what Bruce Springsteen is to people from New Jersey and that area. He pissed off a lot of people in the music business because he didn't take any shit from anybody and it was held against him. He is genuine, authentic, and the real deal. And when they threatened not to play his music on the radio he still didn't give in. He is highly respected from artists everywhere.
JM is the REAL deal...most straightforward musician i ever heard...he just drips with American masculinity from the 50s...and he sounds studio perfect in an art studio!!!
This is awesome! I finally know. This finally filled in the gap about John and his public life. I felt something was missing but didn't know or understand what it might be. It's 1000% (yes, one thousand) awesome that John's an artist at heart. DO WHAT YOU LOVE MAN! A person has to be true to themselves and John is doing it. Be who you are. Be happy. Thank you John for the music. Thank you both for the interview. May the Almighty be with you both forever! (I know, neither will ever read this but I'm posting it anyway LOL) ❤️
Mr. Mellencamp is real. There are still people out there who appreciate authenticity! Great music, out of this world artistic talent. Keep doing what makes you happy John! Love the interview Sammy!
In the 80's my Mom Loved John Mellencamp so much that when John would come on the TV my Dad would call my Mom in the room saying "Your Man's on tv". Love his work. My parents were both painters.
John is a down to earth guy... I lived in Bloomington Indiana for 7 years and worked for a pool service for 4 years and cleaned him pool for 3 years. I have meet him twice and was a really down to earth guy.. If you didn't know he was a famous person you would never know.
@@MsChris696969 As a painter he may be on Joni Mitchell level?! German expressionist type. Those little ditty songs are much higher level of picture this! 🚬
@@pjo1964 yes, that's the image. I just think his music is good but his paintings are in the way. He wants us to know he is not average joe. But we don't care. I rather hear his overlaboured 'dream killing town' than a overlaboured expressionist painting.
John seems like an ungrateful person,it’s ok to say you don’t want to be famous when you’re famous,Sammy is more polite than I would have been with him
I don't think John is ungrateful, I think he just doesn't go for all the B.S. of life or the entertainment industry. He wants to do what he wants to do and John doesn't care if he is popular or not. John is probably happy hanging with a few friends than being in a big crowd.
He wasn't being a dick to Sammy, so he had no reason to be impolite. Some people just don't care for being a "rock star" and touring, but they do it because it brings the money in. He would probably have enjoyed it more if he were able to just live off royalties alone, but not many musicians can do that. Royalties for record sales are actually very low after managers, the label, etc. get their cut.
@@patrickq7489 yeah he's basically saying he earned money by selling records to a bunch of saps. Playing Mr modest is ok when you stand around and go gee wiz guys I just got lucky, but to keep saying he has nothing to offer but took the money anyway isnt endearing.
Watching and listening to these two artists share their feelings and experiences was time well spent. I am inspired by John and Sammy for their unique perspectives and contributions to the world.
Sammy is very intelligent, that is why he has done well with his talents. He made great choices, and he is a fun guy to be around. That is why the Van Hagar albums and concerts made a hell of a lot of more money than the old Roth and Roll bits.
OMG!!! It's May, 2022 and I'm just catching up to Sammy's road trips! Where the Hell have I been! What great variety! You're awesome Sammy! Don't stop rock'n!!
I watched a few of this video have your video I haven't heard of John Mellencamp's in the 80s you look humble his music is humble and now did you make this video at his home is a humble man Thank you John thank you Sammy
John can talk all that sheot all he wants, but if you saw him live performing songs from Lonesome Jubilee with Lisa Germano killin' it on the fiddle and John killing the vocals..... with the backups, the guitar and drums, etc.... he loved it, and they loved him. He's the kind of guy that can't take a compliment or can't admit he ever enjoyed anything. But, he did..... there was no way not to. Listen to the song Jackie Brown, then listen to it 10 more times. You can't write and perform a song like that and casually blow it off as 'just doing a job to pay the bills'. That's bullshit. You don't do a song like that unless your heart is "all-in".
You are right on the money. John likes to play up how disinterested he is or was, yet he kept pumping out the songs and Mtv videos in true commercial fashion.
Yeah he's bullshit here. You read anything by Myers or Crane or Aranoff etc--the man was driven and wanted to be #1 and was always glued into whatever Bruce or Seger or Petty were doing. He spends too much time complaining about what a good thing he had.
@@mowm88 I think his politics conflicts with being a rich rock n roller. His songs like small town, minutes to memories and a couple others have such a conservative message in them and he is so far left its unreal. He is one of the few that I learned to ignore his political time of the program but its damned distracting. If you get past that he is great. He says he hates it but something drove him to exhaustion in the 80s when he was hospitalized. There are bands and people though that play there stuff off the new album for that tour and then rarely plays it agian and move on. But he mixes it up and plays unplugged shows.
Saw him in Reno (about 1984-5). Great show. Also saw Sammy H. in Spokane, WA. long before that. Love that 'duet', so true. Life goes on, if you're 'lucky'!
What a pair of opposites! John is a classic artistic introvert who gets drained in social situations, and Sammy is the classic performing extrovert who gets energized by them. Amazing they can even have a productive meeting, because these two personalities cannot genuinely relate to each other. I was a traveling musician for 25 years, and I SO much better understand Mellencamp.
Man Sammy Hagar is really getting the music back to the people. He has had more rock star friends and he is doing the legwork to get music everywhere. He is the polar opposite of Van Halen I don't know how he played with them so long lol. I guess that's the only time I seen Sammy mad is toward the end with Van Halen lol
I enjoyed this interview......so much. Thanks, Sammy. I live in Kentucky and have seen John soooo many times. Individually and with Farm Aid. He is a true, authentic, talented artist. Btw....saw Sammy, as well. By himself not with Van Halen!!! Love Sammy, also. Painting looks great.
Saw him at Madison Square Garden. We were first row. He was unbelievable. He came out and sang his hits in the order they were released. Ridiculously amazing. Love him always.
@arthur kitchen Cancer is a bitch.Just lost a friend to cancer. She was only 45!! John is lucky he aint even done with life from his smoking.He had one attack years ago.
has 23 albums but his earliest stuff will last forever..just an incredible addition to music history, and yes hes unique.. only a few that are even closely comparable musicly
I like John because he is from Indiana, has the right attitude, and is his own best friend. I'm from Indiana as well and have enjoyed his music for decades. Hang tough John 💪
Genius? Dyaln was genius....Lennon/McCartney were genius. Mellencamp was a 'tortured soul' folk singer and Sammy is still a dime a dozen rocker. Nothing genius about that.
I relate to John so much even though I'm 12 years younger than him. I was raised in a really small farm town, my daddy was a farmer and so was my granddad and uncles, so I totally appreciate what he has done for the small farmers and I relate to his music so much. I am also of German descent on my dads side. I am the same type of personality as John. Brutally honest, a very serious person, a little bit melancholy, I love deeply but can't stand mush or public displays of affection, I think people like that should get a room. Totally practical, my husband bought me a dozen red roses for Valentines and it pissed me off that he had to pay so much for them. It ruined it for me cuz I felt he got screwed. He said to me, "you're the only woman I know that would get pissed off that I spent too much money on her". I lose sleep at night over the injustices of the world and it pisses me off so bad to see people get away with shit, mainly politicians and I have no patience for bullshit or phony people. I tell it like it is and don't really care if people like me or not, being well liked means nothing to me if I have to be fake to be liked then people don't really like the real me anyway so who cares? It means you have to kiss ass and pretend a lot and that ain't me. But I do still know how to have fun and my friends have been friends for life. I've been told I'm rude, I've been told I'm curt, i've been told I'm stuck up or a bitch but people just don't get me. One thing I've never been accused of is being fake or a phony. I think John gets a bad rap, people just don't understand him, like they never understood me either. I wish I could have known John in real life, I think we have a lot in common plus I think he's incredibly sexy. Stay Cool John!
I think many of we boomers (and like you, I barely fit within that bracket) .....were raised in an era so different from now, and those of us rural folks even more so. I get everything you're saying-- about being real; and the practical thing? It must be the old- European thriftiness coming to roost..(Dutch)....as I used to get irked at the ex when he'd buy cut flowers too----if you're going to spend the money, give me something I can drop into soil and enjoy for years! And yes, John's aged well and certainly has that animal magnetism thing going~ lol
I saw him in I think '88 at Poplar Creek (Hoffman Estates, IL). He was amazing. The entire place, everyone, was dancing the entire concert. He didn't seem like he didn't want to be there to me. He was electric.
John always talks down about his early work. Especially “American Fool”. But that is the album that threw him into the limelight. His most successful record by far. I never even heard of him before that. When “Hurt So Good” and then “Jack and Diane” came out, I remember All my friends wanting the record or cassette. Back then when you wanted a song, either you mowed lawns or something to be able to buy it, or you were lucky enough to have a friend that had it and they’d record it for you on cassette, or you’d record the songs off the radio (as long as the dj shut the ‘F’ up during the intro). I mowed 3 lawns to get this cassette. And when I got it for Xmas, I was shaking with excitement. Kids nowadays can just download it. I played the holy crap out of that cassette. I wish John knew how much of a mark he made with me on his early stuff. He might give it more credit! Cuz it’s his best album, from start to finish that he ever did! “Uh-Huh” was the next and it was great too (another Xmas gift) but American Fool is Rock solid Great throughout and will always hold a special place in my heart!!!!! And I hope John reads these comments!
John is not a downer or depressed. he is very well grounded and modest. i sense his intellect and it shows with the painting shown. . so detailed oriented.
When the Lovin' Spoonful was writing "Summer in the City" Paul McCartney was writing "Eleanor Rigby", "For No One", "Got to Get you into my Life". Definitely was past "I Want to hold Your Hand". Still, great interview.
Yeah its sad that John cannot appreciate nor enjoy his own success. Most true musicians would kill for his career. I also found this interview depressing.
@@rudistorm3348 Same thing I was thinking. Some people just don't appreciate what they have. If he wasn't so successful in music he would probably be a nobody working in a factory somewhere.
I always loved Mellencamps music, and more so the integrity of it. The man is the real deal and I seriously hope that Rock and Roll Roadtrip doea a part 2 with John!! Great interview Sammy!!
