Sammy Hager and John Mellencamp Axs TV Interview

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Remember. This is the guy that wrote..."Life goes on. Long after the thrill of living is gone".

Whats amazing to me is how good these two look with Sammy at 71 and John 67

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 👍👍

Sammy is such a class act and nice guy.

"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.

Love Sammy Hagar! John Mellencamp is so down to earth. Really enjoyed this interview. 👍

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!!!!!!

Rain on the scarecrow, blood on the plow....an honest man’s pillow is his peace of mind!

If you think living life on your own terms is, depressing or sad, you are missing the point.

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

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.

Love guys like John who stay "true to their roots!" Guy could live ANY WHERE....still lives in a small town in Indiana!!!

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.

Mellencamp has a great singing voice.

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.