Turn The Music Off, Biyatch!

Filed under: Politik > John McCain > John Mellencamp

Rocker John Mellencamp's reps have 'quietly' asked John McCain to STOP playing Mellencamp's tunes, Our Country and Small Town, at McCain rallies.

Mellencamp is a fierce Democrat. And, until recently, he supported Dem drop out John Edwards (who had been playing those same two songs at his rallies!).

We think Mellencamp should let senior citizen Johnny Mac play his tunes.

McCain's supporters could learn something from the progressive lyrics!!

[Photo via Getty Images.]

Posted: Feb 5, 2008 at 1:48 pm / Email this »

See All 161 Comments

161 comments to “Turn The Music Off, Biyatch!”

More comments: « 1 [2]

Marie Cooper says – reply to this

101

As much as I dislike him it'd be better him than Hillary
Kim says – reply to this

102

Lala, If you examined the evidence a bit more carefully, you would know that John McCain was separated from his first wife not only before she was in a wheelchair, but also before he ever met Cindy, his current wife. And their marriage just didn't work out. It's not like he has some big "mid-life crisis" and left his first wife in the dust. Part of the reason their marriage hit a rough spot is because he was still suffering PTSD from his stay at the Hanoi Hilton.
alps says – reply to this

103

perez, you just lost a reader. this is not a political site. it's an entertainment site. stick to that.
dagny says – reply to this

104

puhhhhlllleeeeeeeze. mccain's supporters are all the most left-leaning liberal republicans on the planet. getting endorsements from giuliani and ahhhhnold - two of the most leftist righties ever - that's supposed to convince us of his conservative status? i don't think so.
liz says – reply to this

105

so his supporters can learn something?? kinda like you need a history lesson instead of taking your good friend whoopie's word as fact?
Robin says – reply to this

106

101st! oh paaalease, he will sell his song to any advertisment that wants to buy it, but you cant use it at a Rep rally. I guess no Rep buys any Chevy stuff, only Dem. I guess, perez, that means you.
whatever dude says – reply to this

107

Re: Then boycott his old ass –

Geez, calm down. It's JCM's song and he can do with as he pleases.
Republican says – reply to this

108

You know I don't know who started the trend of Hollywood being all Democrats but it's REALLY getting old. The whole 60's hippy thing needs to go already….but then again every time you open your mouths and start spitting lies out about Republicans it pisses off 50 percent of the population and we elect a Republican for president…so maybe you should keep acting ignorant after all. We're not all bible thumpers…we're not all rich…we're not all against the environment. Those are lies spread by the liberals and you people need to educate yourselves and learn the truth…
you are a fucktard says – reply to this

109

Don't try to pretend you understand anything other than cocksucking, Perez. Stay out of politics. You're hurting the country with your idiocy.
aimee says – reply to this

110

I wouldnt want a douchebag using my music to his advantage either
Candice says – reply to this

111

Stick to Celebrity Gossip girlfriend.
Alli says – reply to this

112

'merica…fuck yea!
mccain should use that song instead. haha.
Roni says – reply to this

113

Good for JCM! He should have been asked permission first anyway!
REPUBILCAN says – reply to this

114

ok Perez how liberal can you get? SERIOUSLY!!! SOME of your readers are in fact republicans!! Of course most of them are democrats because republicans are too intellectual to read this SHIT. SO STOP DISSING YOUR SUPERIORS!!!
BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA DUDE SUCKS! says – reply to this

115

NO YOU SUCK DUDE!
mollay says – reply to this

116

Fuck you Perez
No one wants you shoving your shitty uneducated opinions down our throats.

McCain is better than Hillary.
He's going to win.
TEAM HILARY person is STUPID says – reply to this

117

TEAM HILARY PErson are you referring to Cindy McCain or yourself?
barbara says – reply to this

118

perez, why don't you just leave the politics to the people who actually know what's going on in the world? stick to celebrity gossip. any idiot can do that.
d says – reply to this

119

Are you people that uneducated that you are making judgments about presidential candidates by looking at their wives? That is absurd, and quite disappointing. It seems young Americans know so little about politics that they need to discuss candidate's "stepford" wives. Color– of hair, of skin– should be of no consideration. If it is for you, you are making inappropriate, racial judgments that should have no place in American politics.

Whoever criticized John McCain's wife for being "blonde" and then bashed her in their comment (I believe your name is "fd") because she had "closeted" anti-gay views– realize the contradiction in your comment. You are judging her by her hair color and appearance, and then claiming it is wrong to judge a gay lifestyle. Then, you call her Christian, in an accusatory tone–as if it was a derogatory term. It is not. Read the Constitution. Freedom of religion, and I believe implicitly in there somewhere, is freedom of hair color.

Judge not least ye be judged.

If you are going to be so illogical and poor at argumentation, at least don't put it in writing and so blatantly expose your ignorance.
mmmmj says – reply to this

120

When you posted the blog about supporting Hillary Clinton yesterday, you said in no way were you trying to affect our votes. But now, you brainwash people who love your site into thinking being republican is a bad thing. NOT ALL REPUBLICANS LIKE BUSH. I am one, and I am quite upset with his 2nd term. You post all the negative stories about the republican candidates, but fail to mention all the crap Clinton and Obama have failed to do. One being a picture in which Obama, during the whole national anthem, did not put his hand over his heart when all the other democrats did. The list goes on, but I am not here to bash either. I just want people out there to know to not be afraid to vote republican just because of what your peers may be saying. John McCain is not completely conservative. He supports embryonic stem cell research, which I believe to be very important for the future of your loved ones and friends. Instead of focusing on the war in Iraq ONLY (if we take out the troops all at once, it will only create way more chaos), while agree it should have not began in the first place, but we might as well finish the job, focus on things that will help out Americans. AND IF YOU PEOPLE DON'T VOTE, PLEASE DON'T SIT HERE AND ARGUE BEHIND YOUR COMPUTER ABOUT SOMETHING YOU AREN'T EVEN PARTICIPATING IN. IF YOU ARE REGISTERED, PLEASE GO VOTE NOW IN CALIFORNIA. IF YOU ARE NOT, DON'T SIT HERE AND TRY AND ARGUE WHEN WE ALL KNOW YOU TRULY MUST HAVE NO DIGNITY AT ALL.
Paige REPUBLICAN says – reply to this

121

SCREW YOU Perez…republicans have good opinions too, don't be so subjective (thought THAT was what liberals are famous for doing being "open-minded"…or are they more famous for being hypocritical???).
kat says – reply to this

122

Re: BeccaMe – YOU ARE SO SPOT ON!!!
Me says – reply to this

123

Perez, if this was flipped around, and it was a democrat that was using a song by an artist who supported a republican, you would be saying how stupid and backward the artist was. Clearly, you are a cock sucking liberal, we get that. Just don't hate on people who have an opinion that is not of the democratic nature…because call me crazy, but that doesn't seem very progressive….MORON!
Tatiana says – reply to this

124

I'm 16 and a McCain follower since the beginning and no, it is not because my parents are. They are both democrat. Im really an independent because both parties are do obviously corrupt, but either way McCain is still my mine. And Perez fyi its kind of hypocritical to mock McCain because of his crazy wife drama and yet still support Hilary.
McCain is what this country needs. Hilary is crazzzy.
brooke c says – reply to this

125

i can't believe this….. i never post comments on these things, and i usually like perez' biting commentaries, but this is too much! i'm a registered democrat supporting obama, but even i respect mccain. he is extremely progressive and has some very liberal stances. it pisses me off that perez is making these generalities about people based on their parties….take the time to get a little bit informed before you go spreading your opinion around!
nathalie says – reply to this

126

GOOGLE RON PAUL!!! ….god forbid the news talks about him..
Bill says – reply to this

127

Totally, this is a celeb blog, we do get you're a Democrat; we get it…Barak uses Aretha Franklin's "Think," which is pretty much about infidelity. Who gives a crap, it's background noise at events…The Coug just wants some free publicity since he sells no records.
pumpkin says – reply to this

128

Re: Tatiana – Bless your precious heart. Thank you for supporting McCain. He truley is the best candidate. Eventhough you are only 16, perhaps you can look into volunteering for his campaign cause for president (if he is nominated). It would be great if they let you do that at your age. When you are 18 and allowed to vote, you will be a fine voting citizen. Read his bio-pic on Wikipedia if you haven't. Then also do some research on how hellish the Hanoi Hilton was. Also buy his book if you get a chance or are so inclined.
Kristin says – reply to this

129

Perez, you have a right to your own opinion, but by being so critical of Republicans, you're slowly losing some of your fan base. I have loved you forever, but it's getting more and more tedious to read your tirades against Republicans. I am a Republican myself, an educated, open-minded one at that. I'm not a redneck, a yuppie, or a Bible-beater. I'm actually Cuban…and from your hometown of Miami! My best friend is gay! I don't have problems with progressive ideas, but I hate it that you're closed-minded enough to lump all Republicans in one, giant "moron" category.
jjinsd says – reply to this

130

F McCain, tell him to play some Republican redneck BS. Maybe he'll play closet case Ricky Martin at his next rally.
Mac says – reply to this

131

Hey Mccaine left his crippled 1st wife for Cindy his current wife. That is just NOT RIGHT, especially if he is soooooooooooooooo conservative.
bws55 says – reply to this

132

Christ, Perez, shove it with the political stuff already. You don't know a thing about politics - as evidenced by your absurd 'endorsement' of Hillary. Why do you think that all Republicans/conservatives/etc are racist bigoted drooling idiots? You ever heard of Andrew Sullivan? You might do well to read a book or two by him.
carmine says – reply to this

133

oh, boo, their his songs. oh, and polar beer in alaska? show's how much republican supporters know.
STFU Perez says – reply to this

134

fuck you and your biased fucking coverage. this isnt a fucking political blog.
Jack says – reply to this

135

McCain used to be sharp but he's senile now. He also cheated on his first wife A LOT (the one who waited patiently for him to get back from Hanoi) before settling on this plastic surgery mess. Keep it coming on him, Perez!
*~Hoosier Honey~* says – reply to this

136

Mellecamp is a douche, a tool, and most importantly…………A HAS-BEEN!!!! I used to be a fan, until he started spouting off about politics. Yes, politics can be entertaining, but dammit, entertainers should entertain and shut the fuck up about politics. We pay you to sing, act, dance, juggle or whatever you do to amuse us, but we don't give a flying fuck about your political views. Shut up Johnny Cougar, you don't speak for your fellow Hoosiers, especially this one!
Jackie says – reply to this

137

I understand Perez that you are a Democrat, which is why all your posts support Obama (a great guy) and Clinton. What I don't understand is how you support a party that is Pro-choice, and yet the instant you hear Pamela Anderson gets an abortion, it is an uproar! Isn't that what you Democrats want? Isn't she living out the Democrat's ideals?
..... says – reply to this

138

fuck mccain. seriously. all you people who call yourselves "conservative" republicans and keep saying you want "change" are full of shit. mccain is as liberal as they come on EVERYTHING. he is endorsed by liberals and has contemplated being john kerry's running mate when mccains ass didnt get anywhere in the 2000 election. we didnt like him then. why should we like him now? he is inconsistent and basically an idiot. several times you can see him saying "well, uh, i dont know much about that but i will have people working for me who do' WTF!?!?!
SUPERTUESDAY says – reply to this

139

Re: Steph – ALL YOU CARE ABOUT IS HIS MODERATE VIEWS OF HOMOSEXUALITY? WOW. THAT IS REAL CONVINCING AND DEEP REASON. MUST HAVE PUT A LOT OF THOUGH INTO THAT. MAYBE YOU SHOULD ACTUALLY DO SOME RESEARCH. RON PAUL WANTS TO GIVE STATES THE POWER TO DETERMINE HOW GAY MARRIAGE SHOULD BE HANDLED WHICH IS THE BEST THING FOR THIS COUNTRY, THAT WAY MORE GAYS WOULD HAVE A BETTER CHANCE AT GETTING WHAT THEY WANT.
lauren says – reply to this

140

perez, i enjoy reading your site for CELEBRITY gossip. I am very knowledgable when it comes to politics and seeing you endorse candidates is insulting. this is not your area and you shouldn't be saying who you support one way or another. and just like you don't like it when Reps. go against your precious gay rights, don't you think you're doing the same thing by stereotyping all conservatives? im sure you didn't think to hard about that one. dumbass
Yourfairytale says – reply to this

141

This happened in the '80s with Reagan and Bruce "The Boss" Springsteen. When will Republicans learn that most rockers are fairly liberal and thus, the lyrics don't mesh with their ideals?
heidi says – reply to this

142

By allowing anyone to play his songs with/without his permission signals to the public that he endorses this person/cause regardless of his personal view point. If he owns his songs, he alone should have the decision on how they are interpreted and who they might benefit.
nicole says – reply to this

143

i love mccain! and hes keeping up the pace in the polls tonight.. McCain all the way in 2008!
Liz says – reply to this

144

uh…
john mellencamp has always been a die hard democrat. of course he does not want a candidate he does not support playing his music. it's as bad as when reagan played springsteen's born in the usa (a song, by the way, about how the government screwed up our country with vietnam).
YRALLIH AMABO says – reply to this

145

You people need to study copyright law. Pay the licensing fee and ANYONE can play Mellencramp's songs, including McCain. This is how fair use works. There's a good chance Mellencramp doesn't even own publishing rights, like most artists. BTW, Reagan continued playing Springsteen's song throughout his campaign…. request denied.
miss canadiana says – reply to this

146

McCain is a perv…look at his plastic pimped out wife…cmon ig the u.s. votes another republican in the white house….there won't be a recession…there will be a depression…both economically and mentalllyyy!!!!
canadian! says – reply to this

147

p.s. retard Dennis below can't spell bear aka polar BEAR in alaska…another reason to promote education in the states…haha
krystal says – reply to this

148

At some recent John McCain campaign rallies, John Mellencamp’s “Our Country” and “Pink Houses” have been booming out over the speakers.
And, until recently, he supported John Edwards – who had been playing “Our Country” and “Small Town” at his rallies.

Jeeeeez Perez, at least report your shit right. They haven't been playing the same 2 songs. Only one.

Vote Gravel '08!
Meagan Cowan says – reply to this

149

ummm… PROGRESSIVE???it would be so refreshing if people who decide, as in MAKE THE CHOICE, to talk about politics would actually know about politics…

#1) should music being played during campaigns be an issue that requires discussion? (should it not be a tribute, regardless of political parties? music is impressive, representative, and moving REGARDLESS of politics)

#2) does ANYONE actually know what McCain stands for? (ie, his immigration policy is NOT amnesty, if anyone would care to research… it is REALITY)
—– p.s: do any liberals actually know Obama's mortgage policy???

#3) unless you are able to COMPETENTLY discuss politics, SHUT UP. at the same time, BECAUSE I AM A CONSERVATIVE, perez, I completely support your ability to ignorantly post about politics, but, if you would like to maintain any credibility, EITHER:
a.) stop posting about politics (unless you educate yourself about what liberal and conservative actually means)
— a TRUE conservative would ABSOLUTELY support gay marriag, … liberals would be more likely to want to control social aspects such as that— a true conservative would NOT support ANY governmental intervention on SOCIAL issues (ie, seperation of church and state)

just trying to throw in a TRUE conservative opinion… i wish that people would actually know what conservative and liberal means.
Kim says – reply to this

150

Mellantramp should be happy that ANYONE is playing ANY of his played out, geriatric music. Prick.
I don't believe it says – reply to this

151

McCain is good for the GOP, a Maverick, independent. He is NOT a lock stepping group think party first Republican dick head. I don't agree on his Iraq occupation or his immigration stands, but if more Dems take control of both House's, than it will be OK. I'm still leaning team HILLARY. Obama is an "inspiration" but too inexperienced, not tough enough to get things done. Inspirational is good, but Hillary is a policy "wonk" who will get'er done.
ami says – reply to this

152

I SWEAR I CANT STAND THAT FUGLY ASS OLD VIEJA. BITCH LOOKS LIKE SHE TOOK ALL THE BOTOX IN THE WORLD AND STABBED THAT SHIT ON HER FORHEAD. I DONT SUPPORT HER HUSBAND SHE HAS BEEN TAILKING MAD SHIT ON CLINTON AND PERSONALLY I THINK SHE NEEDS TO SHOVE A DICK IN HER MOUTH AND SHUT THE FUCK UP UGLY ASS TRANNY. FUCK THE REPLUBICANS PARTY PEOPLE LIKE THEM GOT THIS COUNTRY SO FUCKED UP . tHEY ONLY HELP OUT THE RICH AND THEY DONT GIVE A SHIT ABOUT THE POOR. I'LL SAY IT AGAIN FUCK REPLUBLICANS:()
oogabooga says – reply to this

153

Just shut up and sign your songs. If they bought your CD then they get to play it. Last I heard (from one of YOUR songs) this is America.
I don't believe it says – reply to this

154

Re: Meagan Cowan – Well Meagan THERE ARE NO TRUE CONSERVATIVES. They are all lock stepping, authoritarian, group think Party first, greedy, corrupt Neo-Cons, and hate of gays, woman, blacks, browns and liberals holds them together. SO YOU SHOULD SHUT UP. A TRUE Liberal, is for small government, less intervention in our lives. Bush gave us needless war, budget deficit. The liberals gave us budget surplus. FACTS!
jRcanary says – reply to this

155

You guys realize, ignoring the strong possibility of death by Old Age, he will be the next president. You think America is going to vote a dark guy or a woman into the whitehouse????
sher says – reply to this

156

I thought it was Pink Houses and Our Country they were playing….that's what I heard - Pink Houses is even worse!!!!
TRINA says – reply to this

157

Re: Republican – You are so right their is a silent Majority that the media never focuses on I wish that hippy shit would just go away as well.Where my Reps At maybe were the onlys ones who pay attention to this nonsense sight
politcssuck says – reply to this

158

McCain is way more progressive than any of his opponents were, and you better get used to it b.c he will be president. You know jack shit about politics perez. If you knew anything you'd STOP supporting hillary. If she wins she will split the dem vote. No obama supporter woul vote for her. Plus a lot of people are voting for him just to be progressive and they know nothing about politics and probably wont even vote in the general election if he loses. The rest of them will split the votes between McCain and Clinton. If you knew anything you would also know that McCain has a history of democratic supporters.

You should have all been supporting Edwards…the only one who gave a shit about any of you and the only one with PLANS to back up everything he said.
Leslie says – reply to this

159

Perez…that wasn't a very smart comment…that mccain supporters could learn something from mellencamps progressive lyrics…mccain is very progressive for the republican party, if anything he is more of a moderate than republican. which I would say is very progressive. We need balance!
Nurse Ratchett says – reply to this

160

JCM should be happy someone gives a shit about his music. You may not like John McCain or his party affiliation, but this man SERVED his country and was a true POW for 5 years. JCM probably doesn't even know the Pledge of Allegiance. So many of these whining celebs have no clue about serving their country. They love the spoils of war and criticize those who give it to them. So Mr. Mellencamp, shut the hell up!!!
Lucky says – reply to this

161

Sure vote for McCain . . . and then watch Roe v. Wade get overturned!