Posted on 04/29/2007 10:28:12 AM PDT by SandRat
WASHINGTON, April 29, 2007 Popular rock musician John Mellencamp took to the stage at Walter Reed Army Medical Center April 27 and delivered his trademark Americana singing style as a tribute to the wounded soldiers who inspired him at the hospital.
In the hour-long performance, the Indiana-born-rocker, who became a star in the 1980s, performed many of his older hits such as his opener Small Town, and Little Pink Houses, as well as songs from his current Freedom's Road album. Jack and Diane was probably the most popular, bringing the crowd to its feet, rivaled only by the finale Hurts So Good. The stage was the historical Old Red Cross Building built in 1926 on Walter Reeds campus. Soldiers, families and staff sat on the hard wood floors or on chairs they brought, but they mostly stood and danced as Mellencamp performed. In the front, some waved a flag during parts of the performance. Toward the end, Mellencamp came off the stage to sing to front-row concertgoers. Mellencamp opened by saying he hoped that everyone could forget about any problems they may have and have a good time. The concert provided a respite for soldiers and their family members recovering at the center. Army 1st Lt. Josh Mantz arrived at Walter Reed less than a week ago, after being wounded in Iraq. Mantz attended the concert with his fiancé, Justina Hollenbach, and best friend, Jesse Scholl. All three are Mellencamp fans. Its just awesome what he is doing, said Mantz. It took a lot of stress off of them [Hollenbach and Scholl]. It kind of let them forget about the stress theyve had the past few days worrying about me. It takes a lot of stress off the soldiers, a lot of stress off of the families. Its a nice little break. It can be a real sad place without people like John who lighten things up a little bit, he said. An outspoken opponent of the war in Iraq, Mellencamp steered clear of any political statement, choosing instead to emphasize his support to the troops. Mellencamp performed his hit Our Country at the opening of the Center for the Intrepid at Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, in January. His publicist, Bob Merlis, said Mellencamp was impressed then by the attitudes of the soldiers recovering from severe wounds. Hes very inspired by them. He was awestruck, Merlis said. He said to me, I dont know if this happened to me that Id have this really positive outlook like some of these guys do. While at the center, Mellencamp visited with troops and even struck up an impromptu rendition of Pink Houses with a soldier who had a guitar. Mellencamp earned a GRAMMY award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 1982 with Hurts So Good from his 1982 American Fool album. |
Related Sites: America Supports You Walter Reed Army Medical Center |
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Entertaing the Wound Warriors: John Mellencamp Rocks Walter Reed
I hate his politics, but as long as the troops received some needed comfort and happiness, that’s all that matters to me.
Cougar—and the rest of America—could do more for our brave servicemen and women by praying for VICTORY IN IRAN, ASAP!!!!
This guy’s music has always struck me a mediocre at best, but if the troops liked him that’s all that matters. Good for him — and thanks for keeping a lid on the anti-war crap!
Ping
This showed class for a change among our dear left. Hat’s off to him.
The American soldiers showed even more class by not booing him off stage.
He stands head & shoulders above most of his lefty ilk. Good for you, Mr. Melloncamp!
Well I am glad John kept his message positive. His music tends to be patriotic and uplifting, far different than the politics that he has spewed recently.
Don't go too far, Mellencamp has said some pretty negative things about the war. I am glad he is taking a page from Bono and not insulting half his fan base with goofy left-wing politics.
Well I don’t hold any of the leftist in very high esteem, so it wasn’t much of a compliment. ;o)
I like his music, hate his political views but what he did here means lots more than either one. You did a great thing, John! Thank you.
Prayers for our wounded warriors.
Al Franken in the other hand is a real creep. He went over to Iraq and spouted his anti-war crap in his act. It was disguised as comedy, but he worked in all the moonbat talking points.
Good for our boys and thanks John Mellencamp. Yes, I’m aware of what a vile lefty kook he can be
John Cougar is a crap monkey. I used to love his stuff, now I turn it off and scream at the radio.
Thanks for the ping!
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