John Mellencamp Shares His Regrets About ‘R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.’
In a recent episode of Real Time With Bill Maher, John Mellencamp opened up about his complex feelings towards one of his most commercially successful songs, “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A. (A Salute To 60’s Rock).” The track, which serves as the closing number on his multi-platinum 1985 album Scarecrow, reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it a standout alongside hits like “Hurts So Good” and the iconic “Jack & Diane.”
The Backstory Behind ‘R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.’
Despite its chart success, Mellencamp was initially resistant to including “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.” on the album. During his conversation with Maher, he candidly revealed, “I had a song called ‘R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.’ And I hated it. I just thought, this is f—ing stupid and silly.”
How Industry Pressure Influenced His Decision
Mellencamp’s reluctance stemmed from his belief that the song didn’t fit the thematic coherence he aimed for in his albums. He explained that he typically refrained from sharing his music with record executives before presenting a finished product. However, he made an exception with this particular track. “I made the mistake of letting somebody hear ‘R.O.C.K.’ and they just went nuts,” he recalled, noting the label’s enthusiastic response. “They said, ‘That’s a number one record.’ Well, it’s not gonna be on the album because it didn’t fit on the album.”
Despite his protests, the pressure from the label led to a compromise: “I arm wrestled the guy, and we tied. Well, I had to put it on the record,” he concluded.
Upcoming Tour and Setlist Highlights
Fast forward to today, and despite his initial disdain for “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.,” Mellencamp confirmed that the song will be included in the setlist for his upcoming Dancing Words tour. This tour marks a significant return as he performs his biggest hits for the first time in years. Kicking off on July 10 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the tour will continue until August 12 in Mountain View, California, with tickets already on sale.
Fans attending the concerts should be aware: Mellencamp is known for his candid remarks, so heckling could lead to some colorful responses.
Conclusion
John Mellencamp’s reflections on “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.” serve as a reminder of the complexities artists face when balancing personal integrity with commercial expectations. While he may have initially disliked the song, its success has undeniably become a significant part of his legacy. As Mellencamp prepares for his upcoming tour, it will be interesting to see how he embraces this hit that he once viewed with skepticism.
FAQs
What is the main reason John Mellencamp disliked ‘R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.’?
Mellencamp felt that the song was “stupid and silly” and did not fit the thematic direction of his album Scarecrow.
How did the record label influence the inclusion of the song on the album?
The record label executives were enthusiastic about the track, insisting it had the potential to be a number one hit, which led Mellencamp to reluctantly include it on the album.
When does John Mellencamp’s ‘Dancing Words’ tour begin?
The tour kicks off on July 10 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is scheduled to conclude on August 12 in Mountain View, California.
Will ‘R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.’ be performed during the tour?
Yes, despite his initial reservations, Mellencamp confirmed that the song will be part of the setlist for the upcoming tour.
