John Mellencamp Community

Hi I am Sharon! I am one of the administrators of Mellencamp.com some of you may know me from the CCB Message board!  Welcome and I hope you like our new site!

I am TonyB, John's long time webmaster/web manager. I am sure many of you have conversed with me over the years on our old message boards or by email.

Send me an email at [email protected] with any questions/problems you have!

Have fun on here, 2010 is a great year to be a Mellencamp fan!

Kim, aka wildviolet here.  I've been scarce for a while with the changes at CCB.  I enjoy John's music because his lyrics resonate with me.  It's always been there for me in good times and bad. 

Phew! The change over from Club Cherry Bomb was easy!

I'm Ruth.  Been around JM's message boards for quite few years now and although I haven't met anyone else from the boards in person, I consider many of the other regulars as good freinds.  I live in Australia and have been listening to JM's music since 1978.  I love his music, I love seeing him in concert, and love the way he has grown as songwriter over the years.

Paula here, aka mellenheadinohio.  I've been around for a lot of years, back in the days of the old Sony boards, all through Club Cherry Bomb's run, and now, into the new Mellencamp.com

I love the look of the new site.  I'm really glad to see the message boards transfer.

It's an exciting time to be a Mellenhead!

Hello to all the 'old' Mellenheads, and welcome to all the new!

Hello, everyone! Very happy to see a new Mellenhead community forming. I've been following JM on the web for over 10 years, first on a yahoo list, then somewhat on the old Sony boards, and 5 years on CCB. Love the new look, with all the bells and whistles, and the fact we can still communicate via a forum.

 :) ;) ;D >:( :( :o ??? :P :-[ :-X  :-\ :-* :'(

This sure is lot to decipher first thing in the morning. I'll be back after I've had some coffee.

Hi everyone!!  I'm soooo happy to be back!  I'm Kyra, living in Central Indiana!  Been loving John since I was about 10.  I'm thankful that my parents loved him, too, so I was able to grow up with his music until I was able to buy it for myself! 

I love the new site and cannot wait for the tour announcement!!!  Hope to see you all on the road!!!
 :D

Patricia from Sacramento here, glad to have a new home and see old friends reconnecting! hope to find some new ones too!

Rich - Try freshly made orange-carrot-ginger juice in the morning. That's the stuff!

A new home and new ID.  I use to post a lot on CCB in a thread that had some pretty HOT pics in it. ;-)   Been a fan since '79/80 and was a member of CCB for 5 yrs.  Found some great people there and am happy to see that they are making their way over to the new digs. I live in CA (Bay Area) and have been known to travel to some shows in the Mid West & hang with some of the best people I know!  ~L  

Hello everyone!! Gail here, from NJ but living in western PA. I've been a Mellenhead since the early 80's, joined CCB about 5 years ago. I've met some amazing Mellenheads through CCB, including JM. It'll be great reconnecting with the old Mellenheads, meeting some new and seeing more of Leigh's beautiful man pics!!

Hello to all my old friends!
Hopefully some new people will find their way here too!

CCB was my home inside the internet for so many years that i hate to see it go, however this looks like it will be a good place too!

Hi everyone, ThornGenX here, or some may think of it as "I'm baaaack."  Nice to see a new forum.  I have been to one Mellencamp concert a couple years ago in Berkeley, CA.  It was lots of fun meeting some of you and of course hanging out with my friend Farfelp.

Hey everyone! It's so funny cuz we all already know each other! I hope we have some new "faces" join our new discussion board.

So, yep, it's Christine, aka jm_walktall. I've been a fan since I was 15 years old, from the moment I saw the Crumblin Down video for the first time, my life changed forever. I've been a "Crazy One" since 1991...been to too many shows to count, somewhere near 80. I have four JM tattoos: his autograph, a collection of song titles in the shape of a cross that John actually drew, a scarecrow, and the symbols from Life Death Love and Freedom.

If I could sum up why I love John in 25 words or less? His music is a philosophy by which I live my life every day, and I wouldn't be who or where I am today without his music. And, he is the one thing in my life that has never let me down. With JM's music, and with the friends I've met over the years because of JM, I am never alone, and I have some of the best friends anyone could ever want and need.

Okay, so I can't count, but if I don't stop there, I'll go on for days...

Welcome back to all of us!

Susan here from Tennessee. Hi everyone...........hope to see a lot of u this year.....Mellenheads are the BEST!

I'm Lee from Dallas, TX & I've been a member here for a while now. I've always been a huge fan of John's music & have quite a few of his albums. He always puts on a good live show. I hope he comes to Dallas on the upcoming tour.

Been a fan since the 80's and I absolutely wore out Mellencamp's last studio album since he teamed with T-Bone.  Will be seeing him live for the first time from the third row in Ontario, CA. soon!
-Adam
Fullerton, CA

welcome adam!

your first time live!  how exciting!  and from the 3rd row?  boy are you in for a treat!!

report back and share your experience with us!

Hello, I am Ottawa aka Brian and I am alive and well. I live in Indianapolis, IN. I have 5 kids and 3 grand kids. To all my fellow Club Cherry Bombers friends I am alive and doing as well as I can. I can't remember my last show but it has been a few years for sure. Much of my life is the same with the exception that my children are all older now. Jacob will be 18 next month and Rachael the youngest will be 17 in October. No more child tax credits :-( Well I may go to one of the Indy shows. Look forward to see those I know.

BRIAN!!!!!!!!!

i've missed you!  have thought about you many times.  i sent you a friend request on Facebooks months ago, but doesn't appear you get on there much.

i'm so glad to see you here!! 

not sure if/what shows i'll end up doing, but if i come to Indy, we'll for sure have to meet up.

please keep in touch!

I'm Selena, from Minneapolis, Minnesota.  I've been a devoted Mellencamp fan for 28 years now.  I'm glad I had the good sense at age 12 to latch onto such a prolific artist with a seemingly limitless creative drive, because his music has been a constant companion to me as I've grown up and grown older. 

People who knew me as that crazy Cougar fan in junior high would be amazed if they pulled up next to me at a light, because they'd hear Mellencamp playing and wonder if I even skipped a beat between the 80's and the present day.  Well I guess one difference is that I no longer try to style my hair like his! (Yes, I tried (unsuccessfully, I might add) to emulate his over-the-eye hair as a 13 year old girl!)

John's compassion, his insight into the human condition, and his drive to keep pushing on are truly inspiring to me. I will always love his music, and will always think he's the best dancer!

Really nice to see a lot of familiar names popping up here so soon......and a few new ones too.

It'll be great to re-conncect with Mellenheads again even if it is only via the internet.

Well hello to all.    Been a long time since I done much posting.   I see many old friends and I remember all the stuff Brian went through and his posts good to see he is well.    Trying to figure out if Mellenme is posting under a name.   I had the chance to meet several of you at St Louis several years ago when JM played at the Fabulous Fox.   Let me know if any of you are coming back and we will meet at the Hard Rock again.   I got to see JM twice last year,  once at Farm Aid and once right  in front of the Stage In East St Louis w/ Dylan  it Rocked !  I think my heart rhythm changed.

Hey, Mandy here.  I was a member of CCB, but I haven't posted in awhile.  Hopefully I'll catch a show this year!

Hi everyone, this is Doug in Indy.

I've been a Mellenhead since before I ever heard the term. Not hardly a day goes by without listening to some of JM's music. He creates the soundtrack to my life it seems...

I am digging the new website format. very nice!

Amen to that!

Hi, I'm Val from Indiana.  Have loved John's music since he first started playing in the Bloomington area.  Have been to see him quite a few times over the years, (the last two times he played Terre Haute being the most recent!)  Hoping to go again if I can get a ticket!

Was a paying member for several years, had to give up the membership and am thrilled to have the site free for fans now. 

Val

hey Val!  long time, no see!  glad to see you back!

Thanks! Good to see you too and it's good to be back!  Good to see a lot of familiar people!  Hi Brian!  So good to see you. 

Val

Leigh...you are using my profile pic!  I tried to upload it several days ago and I couldn't get it to go!  Then I got busy!  Now I have to go back to the drawing board to pick the perfect picture!  I still get to see more shows than you. LOL

I'm Jane from Ohio.  Lifetime JM fan - seems like it anyway.  Seen over 50-60 shows (I think it's more but I have lost count).  My dearest and closest friends are my mellencamp friends. 

Your profile pic???  This is the one I had on CCB! LOL  There are soooo many perfect pictures to choose from, I am sure you can find one that you can be happy with.

You kill me Jane!  I hope you are not deprived of shows on this tour.  To hear that you went to less than 6 would be just devastating! LOL  Let me see if I can guess the 6 that are on your list:  Bloomington, Cincinnati, Indianapolis (Clowes Memorial Hall & Hinkle Fieldhouse), Fort Wayne, and Cleveland?  May add Nashville for the hell of it and make it 7?  HA HA HA

Leigh...you are using my profile pic!  I tried to upload it several days ago and I couldn't get it to go!  Then I got busy!  Now I have to go back to the drawing board to pick the perfect picture!  I still get to see more shows than you. LOL

I'm Jane from Ohio.  Lifetime JM fan - seems like it anyway.  Seen over 50-60 shows (I think it's more but I have lost count).  My dearest and closest friends are my mellencamp friends.

Hey everyone, I'm Buck from Minnesota.  I've been a fan since '81, I hope to be at the Mpls. show in November.  See ya

Finally, someone from MN!  I know there are more of you out there!  We love him in this state.
I am Patti from Central MN.  I am hoping to attend both Mpls shows, One I am taking my brother and his wife to their first performance of our beloved, in NON No Nose Bleed seats.  That is all they ever got years ago when he performed in Arenas.  I remember those days too, do you?  I love his Theater Tours.  He was here in 97 at the Northrop Auditorium for his Mr. Happy Go Lucky tour.  How much fun was that?  Welcome all to our new Site!  We are your fellow Mellenheads!
Patti 

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 I've been a fan since I first heard "Cherry Bomb" as a little girl. I've grown up here in central Indiana listening to John's music and living some of it too. His music always inspires me.
Thanks for your hard work on this great new site Tony! Totally excited for all the Mellencamp activity this year and ready to buy my concert tix in the morning!
~Sarah  :-*

******BRIAN******

It is SO good to "hear" your voice!! Paula and I were talking about you a few weeks ago, wondering where you were and how you were doing. I am so glad to see you here on the new message board!

I hope life is treating you well, my friend. I am looking forward to catching up with you!

It great to know that there are people out there who care and take the time to think of me. I credit many of you for helping me hang in there when the sun did not shine much for me. It still amazes me all the kindness that so many of you shown me when the chips were down in my life. I still work at night at the hospital as I have for the last 17 and half years. The notion
of being retired in less than 10 years is dancing in my head. My father passed away at  the end of May in 2009. I spent four days with him before he died. I realize that we won't be here forever and I looking forward to doing what I want to do not what I have to do. It has been nearly 30 years of non stop children and the notion that I will not need to considered what is best for the kids will come to an end. My choices will soon allow me to follow my own path one that will allow me to follow my own dreams. I almost done with a very long more a year project so I will be able to make time for pictures on Facebook and other enjoyable activities
such as posting from time to time. Brian :) :) :)

Dolly from NY.  Had the pleasure of meeting so many mellenheads at
shows in NYC.  ASCAP Awards at Lincoln Center, Centerstage, Filming under the Brooklyn Bridge, Housing Works benefit (A personal favorite!)
I've been very fortunate to be able to attend these shows thru Club Cherry Bomb, and appreciate all that everyone does behind the scenes to
make this happen.  Looking forward to NYC area shows in 2011!
Hello to all my mellenhead friends out there!

It is so good to see you here!  I hope we can catch up at one of the Indy shows!!

Hi, I'm Dave and my wife is Teri,

I left Indiana in 1981 because I was a rebel in my teen years and I thought I hated Indiana so I joined the Navy to get away and see the world. I got really lucky and got to go on an "Around the World" cruise on a brand new aircraft carrier working an a brand new infra red system. Anyway, I was so proud to discover that wherever I went, I found people who loved John's music; Washington state, Austrailia, Europe, Hawaii, the Phillipines, Japan, etc. It made me really proud to be from Indiana.
When my enlistment was complete, I came back to Indiana because I wanted to get an engineering degree from Purdue. I got a job fixing camcorders before school started and met the love of my life, Teri. She had a (what I call) a "shrine" to John Mellencamp in her apartment. She and her friends were going to all of his shows and I became an even more of a fan of John's music.
The years went on and we went to his shows together. We had great times and danced!  His music really makes us feel proud to be from Indiana!
My destiny took me to Bloomington, IN where I live and work.
I wrote a letter to John a few years ago before my wife's birthday to tell him what a fan my wife was and he was kind enough to send her a birthday card.
Teri and I are 10 years younger than John, but when we listen to his music, we're kids again! We love his music!!! Thank you so much for being you, John Mellencamp!
Dave

Hey Dave. Cool story. Rich.

thanks for sharing. very cool dave (and teri)  welcome!

Howdy everyone  I am Rick from Grand Prairie, Tx (between Dallas and Fort Worth).  I have been a huge Mellencamp fan for more years than I remember.  I have seen John and the Band in San Diego, Conneticut, Minnesota, Biloxi, Oklahoma City and evertime he comes to Dallas.  I bought tickets for the show in Nashville for No Better Than This....just because of the history of it all!

I hope to meet y'all in Nashville, of if the tour comes to Dallas in 2011!

Rick Herold

Good Morning All! I'm Colleen from Western New York. i am so glad to see so many familiar people here. The site looks great.

Brian, it is so good to hear from you! I've been able to keep up with a bunch of the folks, but sure miss hearing from you and several others I hope will pop up.

hi everyone great new site will still miss ccb

I'm Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!

Hi everyone, Dar here from the outskirts of Pittsburgh.  I've been a forever fan and attended my first live show in 1994 and have been addicted since.  John's music is the soundtrack of my life and I now have 26 shows under my belt.  Met some of the best people over the years and I see a lot of them are here again! Going to a concert is like a family reunion (without all the weird relatives!) Met the man once, something I will always cherish, and enjoyed my first ever front and center last summer.

Just got home from a two week vacation to find a new community and message board.  Damn urban development!  Couldn't find my way around for a few minutes but it seems to be getting easier.  I have to believe that someone was watching over me as my presale is the only one not to have occurred while I was gone without computer access.  I would have liked to catch a few more shows, especially Cleveland, so I'll be keeping my eyes and ears open for any "extras". I hope I can get tickets tomorrow!!!!!!!

Welcome new friends! Hope to see some of the gang this summer and Hello Again Brian!!!!! Good to hear from you!

Dar

hey dar!

the site is pretty user friendly.  i was apprehensive at first, but i'm glad to see many old and new Mellenheads have found their way here.

i had thought about Pittsburgh.  guess i'll wait and see what pops up tomorrow.

considered Cleveland too, but figured i'd better try to restrain myself, so didn't try for any there.

(have you figured out private messages on here yet?)

No, I didn't think that there were private messages anymore.

I think my whole family may be going to the pittsburgh show, so I may end up not going for the best seats, so I might need another show to do up close and personal if possible. 

Yes you can still do personal messages. There is an icon under each person's name over on the left below where their avatar can go.

Great! Thanks Tony!

Hey--I am Sherry aka tattudemellenhead. I have been loving Johns music since I first seen his Hurt So Good and Jack n Diane videos on MTV. I always describe my following as I was a Mellencamp fan for a long time but became a mellenhead after my first Mellencamp concert. I was hooked and I am even more hooked today.  :)  Love him and the band, the music, the lyrics, all of it!!!  I will be attending my first Farm Aid this year and I am super excited.

Hey I am new to the board, I would check the cherrybomb posts occasionally.  Think the new site is user friendly and visually appealing.  I am one of the young mellencamp fans at 24, I don't know if anyone on this board is around that age.  Ive only been to one mellencamp concert, the other two I had tickets for were cancelled, :-(  I live in Tucson and was born and lived most my life near chicago, and hope to catch his concert in late November (hope he doesnt cancel, lol)  I like all of his music, especially alot of the songs that are not as popular, think "beige to beige", "it all comes true", "ghost towns along the highway", "this may not be the end of the world", "forgiveness" etc...  Think is new album is great, breathe of fresh air without being a downer like LDL&F. 

Hi guys and girls... New to this or any other Mellencamp forum... Been a lifelong fan, living in SA but unfortunately never had the pleasure of seeing the man live... If I do ever make it to The States I will make sure to time it with a tour.
Cannot wait to hear the new album. Life, death, Love & Freedom is, in my humble opinion, one of the best albums ever made so I am really keen to hear the new one.

I got the "No Better Than This" album t-shirt today (American Made) and it feels great
and the CD will come tomorrow. I ordered the t-shirt CD combo. I looking forward to the Clowes Hall show in Indy. It been a couple years since I been to show but it has been 30 years since I saw John on top of Mike's shoulders when he was opening for The Kinks in 1980. I was along the front wall where the stage had a walkout that extended 15 feet into the front on the right side of the stage. There was no wall along the walk way and no chairs on the floor. I don't know if many of you remember the shows from the 1970's with no chairs on the floor. Sleeping bags and girls who could not keep their hands to themselves. Different times and a different kind of feel to the free wheeling style of live music. Where the drum solo was as special as the lead singer belting out the words that you could recite in your sleep. A time when some songs were first heard live long before they got radio play. I always said if it were not live it was jive. Seeing a Alice Cooper show was more than just music it was an experience! ;) ;) 8) :(

i remember those days brian.  and camping out all night outside whatever record store was the ticketmaster broker.  not sure i could do that, or general admission, now that i'm older, so much older. 

Ticketmaster in the record store...I remember it well!
I long for those young girl days!

Transplanted Hoosier living in MD now and work in PA.  Have been a Mellenhead forever, lived in Orleans IN, west of Seymour and South of Bloomington.  Remember at IU when John would play around at the bars but wasn't old enough or lucky enough to see him there.  Seen him too many times to count now and puts on the best show.

Hope he comes East on the 2nd leg of the tour.  Wife hasn't experienced a Mellencamp show so will have to baptize her numerous times  :)

Met him a few times and have his autograph on an old beer bottle from when I got lucky and got backstage when he opened up for Heart in Indy.  Was awesome.

Look forward to visiting the site and seeing the comments often.

Hello, I'm another hoosier m'head, been around now and then since Sony and seen JM often as possible since '80. Haven't been on board for quite a while, been busy enduring the highs and lows of life. See some familiar names from the past, i'm Deb with a new name. Used to be, once upon a time, drtjm09 @CCB. Last seen JM @ Willie's picnic last 4th of July, could have seen him attending a rugby tournament in my small town for one of the boys this summer, about 1/2 mile from my house, but didn't know 'til it was over  :-\. Glad to "see" new and old faces still enjoying our fella. Hope to see a show this tour, very much enjoy the vibe of the new album. Take care yall.

Hi Dimon Deb!  Welcome back! Good to hear from you again!

Dar

Thank you. I have been a Mellencamp fan for many many years, since I was 10 years old and I am now 37. So alot of years. I have been to more John Mellencamp concerts than I can remember. My husband just bought me tickets for his show in Ft. Wayne on November 16. They are in the second row in the orcrastra pit. I am so excited I have never been that close before. I just love John's music.  :)

good to see you deb, been a long time!

HI to all you Old Posters! Welcome aboard to all the new faces i am seeing around!

 8)

Hey Deb.... Nice to 'see' you.  I was wondering if we'd see you around here.    ;D

Nice to be "Seen"....thought about using the name Bad Penny, cause I just keep showing up. This new site is in my price range, as I'm still unemployed. Things are looking up around here, just not in my particular work. The Prez has been to my small town 4 times 'cause we're the armpit of the economy. yippee. Still, I try to perservere. JMs music is always such a comfort. That which doesn't kill, eh? Hope all's well with yall. Rock on.

Brian, I remember the days of festival seating, and seeing many artists at one show for a "cheap" price!  Alice Cooper was great and it was an experience. My favorite from the 70's was Led Zeppelin live.  Loved Aerosmith, and The Rolling Stones shows too.

Also saw John open for Heart, remember being upset because I loved John and didn't realize he wasn't the opener when we got there!  But I did really like Heart. Went with a group of girlfriends. 

My husband and I went to many shows in the 70's. Some on campus outdoors, all day events, lots of fun.

Also saw John at bars in Bloomington (wasn't old enough but managed to get in!) 

Good to see everyone that is posting!

Can't wait to see John in October.

Val

OMG--I HAVE BEEN A HUGE FAN SINCE HIGH SCHOOL-GROWING UP IN A SMALL TOWN, WESTPORT, IN ON JOHNNY "COUGAR" MUSIC. I WAS INTRODUCED (AND ALL OF US IN WESTPORT) BY A GUY NAMED JOHN BENJAMEN FRANKLIN (GOD REST HIS SOUL). HE WENT TO SAME SCHOOL AS YOU AND KNEW OF YOU, IT DIDN'T TAKE MUCH FOR ALL OF US BEFORE WE WERE TOTALLY HOOKED ON YOU. YOUR MUSIC REMINDS OF OUR DEARLY MISSED FRIEND WHO WAS KILLED BY A DRUNK DRIVER BACK IN 1981 IN SEYMOUR, IN, WHERE HE DROVE A TRUCK FOR HIS DAD HAULING SCRAP METAL. I TOTALLY LOVE YOUR MUSIC,LYRICS, SOUND ALL OF IT, GREAT WORK OF ART IN SO MANY WAYS. I AM NOW GETTING MY 13 YEAR OLD SON INTO YOUR MUSIC, HOPEFULLY I CAN BRING HIM TO ONE OF YOUR CONCERTS HERE IN INDY IN NOVEMBER, I PROMISED I WOULS SEE WHAT I COULD DO. :-*                                                GINO       

I just wanted to say I have been a silent follower of John's I lived in Seymour back in the late 70's and became friends with his family, knew a lot of John very close friends and was able to experience him on his own turf from time to time. Had great seats to all of his concert through the family and so I have continued for 30+ years to buy his albums and keep a hugh collection of information on him I always thought I would put it together and share it with Justice and Teddy Jo but would not even know how to get something like that to the girls. I love John old music but the new album is different from what I am use to hearing from him but, I love it..Cant wait to see him in November when he comes to KC...

Hi, I'm Yvette from Northern Wisconsin. I've loved John's music since the early 80's when I was in Junior High and heard 'Hurt's so Good'... Bought the album and was hooked. I got to see one show in Green Bay and then last year at Farm Aid in Missouri. I bought tickets to this years Farm Aid in Milwaukee. Would love to go see the show in Mpls as well. I am hoping his tour finds his way closer next leg...

Oh, and I took the cd drive tour of Seymour back in April and took lots of pictures of his and his mom's art.  :)

I'm Marianne from Maine.  I love the new website and really appreciate all the work that must have gone into getting it up and running.  Besides being a great source of info on all things Mellencamp, its a real way to stay connected because we live about as far from the heartland as can be without falling off into the ocean! (but not in spirit!) We took our daughter with us to a show 17 years ago and we just continued the tradition with each of our sons, so for us it's been a family affair.  Met Sharon at a show in Boston a few years ago and she was so welcoming that I joined CCB and also started getting more passionate about promoting my favorite artist whenever I had the chance.  Chris and I are heading to our first FarmAid and we can't wait. 

My name is Michael Timothy McAlevey and I am an artist from Santa Monica.  Last night I listened to John's new CD and am flat out stating that it might be one of the greatest collections of music I've ever heard.

It is so different I can't even compare it.....so therefore it stands alone.

John was my favorite music to dance to but now it might be my favorite music to listen to...

INCREDIBLE

THANKS JOHN

I'm Kim and I live in an extremely rural town which is located about 2 hours from Knoxville, Nashville, and Chattanooga.  I have a 12 year old son named Ian who is the light of my life.  I've never been to a JM show and was hoping to go this time to Nashville but having major problems finding tickets.  I've been a huge fan since the late '70s.  A friend and I had to go to Seymour, IN a few years ago for job related reasons and the highlight of my trip there was the JM hometown sign off I-65.

 Hello! Denise from Missouri here. Been a fan since the late 70's. You could say I have grown up with John. Going to see him in St. Louis early November taking my daughter, 21 and my niece 16 and my best friend who is turning 50. He is playing at the Fox theater which is an odd venue. I get the "more intimate thing" I just hope it doesn't keep people from getting up and dancing!

hi to everyone from germany. I listen to Mellencamp´s music since Scarecrow and was a member of minutes to memories fanclub in the 90s, but somehow this got boring which is why i did not join the cherry club bomb net. the new website is different and great, feels more connected to the music and the artist.
hope John will come to europe once again...

My name is TONY aka northwestboy I am from the UK in the north west of england I have been a mellencamp fan for a long long time and had the great pleasure of seeing him live once so fingers crossed that he will visit us in the uk again soon ;D

Hi! Kjell from Oslo, Norway here. Been a Mellencamp fan since 'American Fool' back in 1982. Have followed him since. Like the 'old' records best!
Works in PR, married, father of two boys (11 and 14, also Mellenheads!)
Will in november attend my first conserts - in St. Louis and in Indianapolis.

Hello everyone, I have been a Mellencamp fan for about 30 years. Have always tried to keep up with what is going on with John.  I have 3 daughters who all know and love his music also!!  Haven't got to see a show in a long time, but have tickets to show in Bloomington. I'm very excited to be seeing a show with just John and his band..... and not much excites me anymore   ha!

Hey everyone!  I'm Steve...born and raised in southwest Wisconsin.  Now living in Colorado Springs.  Been a fan since '82 when I was in High School.

John's music has been with me through the good and bad over the past 30 years!  His music was there when I was dealing with my twin sister being in a coma.  When I quit college and bought an old beat up Buick and drove to Boston with $400 in my pocket on a whim.  His music was there when my girlfriend broke up with me.  I listened to him after I joined the Air Force and felt so lonely.  His music was there when I married and had two beautiful girls a few years later.  Song after song spoke to me when deployed many times.  Yes, even through the best of times, there were perfect songs to play.  But I especially remember the lowest times in my life when I needed John's music.  I played his music over and over again when my wife of 20 years left me and our girls a few years ago.  The pain was more than I can describe, but John's music spoke to me.  His music was there for me when I lost my brother to cancer just after my wife left me.  (he was only 44) 

Yeah, it was tough, but that is life.  You suck it up and tough it out.  Minutes turn to memories...real fast!  I guess you could say, the bed was made, but there were no sheets on. 

Today, I celebrate with John's music.  I raised my girls on my own for awhile and am now happily remarried.  Life couldn't be any better.  My girls (both 4.0 students) and my wife love Mellencamp as well.  I must admit it's pretty cool to hear my daughters jamming to classic Mellencamp 80s hits before a day of high school, just as I did.  You can't say that about many artists...he is truly an awesome musician.  My wife, my beautiful wife...well, she is a music teacher and she has to suffer by listening to me "try" to sing John's songs...I can't carry a tune in a bucket, but she loves me anyway.  I'm a blessed man.  Let's just say, since I met my wife, she has a new appreciation for John's music.  LOL

My wife and I are headed to the Denver concert in April and we're already way too excited!   ;D

Thanks for being there with me John...what a ride it's been thusfar!

Cheers,
Steve

hi steve  -  nice to meet you.

i think we can all relate with how john's music speaks to us.  no matter the mood, the attitude, or the reason, there is a song that helps gets us through it, enjoy it, or just straight out rock to it.

you've came to the right place to be with other who 'get it'.

glad things are going well for you, and enjoy your show!

Welcome Steve! Thanks for sharing!

Dar

hi and welcome aboard to all you new people! hope you have fun at shows or get to go to one if you are still wishing!

Taking my daughter and her friend this time around (14yr). They are excited

Hi there:

This message from Regina, Saskatchewan where I just managed to buy 4 tickets for the second show here.
Regina is really just a bigger "small town" ....I went to the box office this morning to buy tickets the "Old Fashioned" way, by actually standing in line.
Crazy but true.
I have struggled and been disappointed with trying to get tickets for other acts on line...I think it sucks how corporations, and/or radio stations can by big swacks of tickets..or scalpers...so ordinarily I am pretty DOWN on the system....
I was expecting to NOT get any as when I arrived to a line up of people my own age group and older...waiting...for the box office to open, and finding out the first show was sold out...very fortunately the staff processed the 25 people ahead of me very quickly and by 10:16am I had purchased my tickets....we got orchestra level(although I really wanted closer...but those were a little pricey).
My faith in the "system" is a little bit restored today...and best of all my 2 sons Thor, 14 and Liam 10 have tickets to see a great musician and songwriter..both boys are musical....and this is a show I am really looking forward to and one I am sure my kids will love.
Thanks for coming this way.

katy, glad you got some tickets!  ( i hate hate hate the scalpers!!!)

glad to hear you are taking your kids, they will love it!

 ::)Hi all, been a long time for me gettin here. Was around the old ccb for a few yrs good to find this place up n runnin. Yea well, even over here in England John speaks through his words and music. Still rockin me after all these years :D

This is my introduction via the tattoo I have on my left hip. I am 38 and ever since 5th grade He has been my all around #1 fav and I have been JCMFAN (we rockin in mpls two nights in a row)

I must say that's a very cool introduction, nicely done.  Love the tattoo and have to say it's one of my favorite lines too!  Welcome to the site.

Well, as they say "better late than never"!  Have been active on this site (and CCB) for quite a while but have never gotten around to introducing myself. 

Michele, aka Mitch 1982, here from the far north in Toronto, Canada.  Have been a JM follower and fan since before 1982 when we met.  As a songwriter, John's ,music has been with me for a long time and has evolved at a pace that seems to have matched my own life.  Through the ups and downs life offers there has always been a song to echo my feelings and thoughts. Maybe that's what speaks to so many of us and makes his music so popular?

Loving the site that Tony and his team have designed and continue to run.  What a great user friendly way for all of to connect, comment and share.

I have enjoyed reading what others have contributed and have also enjoyed the photos that people are sharing.  Photography has always been an artistic way of expressing myself and capturing life's precious moments and I'm glad to be able to share some of those "mellenmoments" on this site through my photos.

Welcome to everyone!

My name is Pat and I live in three states; colorado, Nebraska and Iowa as it's called a job.  I think the greatest secret in america is the Midwest as we have space to run and play.  I love John Mellencamp's songs and all the music that he has created these last 30+ years.  It is amazing to me how a song can touch ones soul and create a spirit of belief that anything is possible.  Music is powerful and Mr. Mellencamp and his awesome band of musicicans never stop touching our souls.

A message for all thee....

Twas 2 weeks before Christmas and I knew not what to say...
so I picked up some paper and started to play....
I doodled a few trees, when suddenly, I decided to make them 3D's....
So off to the computer I went with great speed, to render my idea, now that I had planted the seed.

The trees grew forever, as far as i could see...
At the end was a message for thee...
Merry christmas Mellenheads and...
See you in April! 

Peace!

Indeed!  It's a wonderful site, and after lurking for a time I decided to join in all the fun.

I hail from Ottawa, Ontario, and I've had the honour of seeing John play numerous times over the years.  I'm looking forward to sharing the Mellencamp experience with others on the board.