#2438 - John Mellancamp

The conversation centers on John Mellencamp's life, career, and perspectives on fame. Mellencamp recounts his early days, including running an illegal tattoo parlor and his start in music, marked by a record deal where he hadn't yet written songs. He details the transition from "Johnny Cougar" and his experiences with MTV, including the backlash against his tattoos. Mellencamp reflects on his heart attack at 42, which led to him spending more time with his children, and his eventual shift to playing in theaters rather than large venues. The discussion also touches on the impact of SoundScan on the music industry and the state of rock music today.