John Mellencamp to McCain: Hey, That's My Country!

John Mellencamp by Michael Hickey/WireImage.com

John Mellencamp has asked presidential wannabe John McCain to cease playing "Our Country" and other songs of his, primarily because the senator's agenda doesn't jive with the singer's. "Are you sure you want to use [John's] music?" a letter from Mellencamp's peeps to McCain reads. "Logic says that the facts might prove to be an embarrassment" — namely that Mellencamp had in fact been backing John Edwards.

Leave a Comment

TVGuide Links:

Posted by

TV Guide News

Feb 8, 2008 9:49 AM

Report Abuse

Ill take the guy whos politics are different than John Cougars.
Posted by karcher151 Feb 8, 2008 9:57 AM Report Abuse

So much for music being universal.
Posted by ctheslayer Feb 8, 2008 10:49 AM Report Abuse

Well... it might have been different had McCain been paying to use those songs, rather than taking liberty.
Posted by Spiderkeg Feb 8, 2008 10:57 AM Report Abuse

He wasn't saying McCain was using them illegally. You don't have to get permission of the artist to play music at an event - you may have to pay royalities to BMI in general.

No, apparently JCM only wants Dems to listen to his music and hear his message. He's preaching to the choir.

T think the absolute WORSE choice I have ever heard at a campaign function was Mambo #5 played at a few Al Gore rallies in 2000. If you know the lyrics that wasn't the best choice for a campaign that was trying to distance itself for certain, um, negative aspects of the Clinton presidency.

Posted by ctheslayer

Feb 8, 2008 11:43 AM

Report Abuse

Go Johnny! Don't let those pseudo-patriots steal your songs.
Posted by DblA31 Feb 8, 2008 11:45 AM Report Abuse

so since I'm a conservative, should I turn off the radio every time a JCM song comes on?
Posted by Susan Marvin Feb 8, 2008 11:59 AM Report Abuse

Why would McCain want to use the song(s) of a performer who doesn't support his political views? Good for Mr. Mellencamp for speaking up.
Posted by Jonih59 Feb 8, 2008 12:06 PM Report Abuse

Does Mr Mellencamp imply that people who are conservatives should not watch or listen to artists that are claimed to be liberal and vice versa? I can't believe he wants to further divide the nation!! Shame on him!! I for one will turn his music on if the radio starts playing it since I am an independent and an moderates and not a liberal like John Mellencamp.
Posted by john_c11 Feb 8, 2008 12:10 PM Report Abuse

Did JCM give an address where all conservatives should send the cd's he doesn't want them listening to? Interesting - The Pretenders have let Rush Limbaugh use Ohio for 20+ years - and she hates him. but I guess she also realizes that music is universal and has messages that can be shared by all.
Posted by ctheslayer Feb 8, 2008 12:11 PM Report Abuse

Mellencamp isn't saying conservatives shouldn't listen. He doesn't want his music misrepresented by a corrupt message. Conservatives, and specifically the Republican party, like to project themselves as being the patriots in this country. But a lot of atrocities have been commited in the name of that kind of patriotism, and Mellencamp just doesn't want anyone thinking he's on that bandwagon.
Posted by DblA31 Feb 8, 2008 12:19 PM Report Abuse

@ctheslayer

I'm guessing you're meaning Chrissie Hynde? Who knows, maybe she gets a little bit o' money from royalties every time "My City Was Gone" is played on Limbaugh's show.

@john_c11

How is he dividing the nation? He gave support to another candidate, who is even on the wrong side of the party. He has every right to ask his songs not be played. I'm surprised McCain would bother using these songs, since the artist has different views. Someone on his campaign didn't do their research.

Posted by Spiderkeg

Feb 8, 2008 12:25 PM

Report Abuse

DblA31 - exaclty, which is why I guess he doesn't want his music heard in conservatives homes or cars, either. I don't especially find dems or reps, conservatives or liberals more patriotic, religious or moral than the other. For either to claim superiority - of which both parties are guilty - is ridiculous.
Posted by ctheslayer Feb 8, 2008 12:27 PM Report Abuse

spiderkeg - Hello?! Anyone home? Chrissie Hynde is the lead singer of The Pretenders. And yes, she does get royalties. So, I guess you're saying that if McCain had slipped JCM money on the side he would have let it slide? Sorry john_c11 - was in a hurry and thought you were being your lovable, smart-ass self. -- Edited by ctheslayer at 02/08/2008 9:39 AM
Posted by ctheslayer Feb 8, 2008 12:31 PM Report Abuse

DblA31, Since when is John McCain a conservative?!? $;\$ Hee hee, just kiddin... ">
Posted by RachelScribbles Feb 8, 2008 12:33 PM Report Abuse

In This Section

TV Guide Spotlight

Also on TVGuide.com