Talk about hypocrisy. This article take what Mellencamp says completely out of context and then admits his words were symbolic in nature. Not once in his statement did John say he was unwilling to give back. He stated that file sharing was ruining the music business and the article flips this to state that he claims that its ruining his own work, something he did not say. Also they atricle claims the John Mellencamp refuses to give back? That is just irresponsible journalism and very untrue. Heres a bit of John Mellencamps selfishness for you.
John Mellencamp has a long and distinguished record as a social activist and humanitarian. Together with Willie Nelson and Neil Young, he organized the first Farm Aid concert in 1985 to raise awareness about the loss of family farms and to raise funds to keep farm families on their land. Farm Aid stages America's longest running annual concert event that unites farmers, artists, consumers, and concerned citizens to build a powerful movement for good food from family farms. Farm Aid has raised more than $30 million to promote a strong and resilient family farm system of agriculture.
In addition, Mellencamp has long worked for peace and social justice through his songs and personal appearances, including his participation in the 2004 multi-artist "Vote for Change" Tour. Social awareness has been a hallmark of Mellencamp song lyrics since the 1985 album, Scarecrow, which featured the hits "Small Town" and "Rain on the Scarecrow." More recently, Mellencamp's 2007 release, Freedom's Road, included the songs, "Jim Crow," "Ghost Towns Along the Highway" and "Our Country." This past April, Mellencamp poignantly demonstrated his support for the men and women in uniform (in spite of his opposition to the war) by performing a concert for 200 wounded veterans and their families at Washington's Walter Reed Hospital. In October 2007, Mellencamp released the topical song, "Jena," in response to the racially charged situation in that Louisiana town. Mellencamp was recognized with the Woody Guthrie Award in 2003 by the Huntington's Disease Society of America. Most recently, Mellencamp was nominated for a 2008 Grammy for Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance for "Our Country."
Commenting on the award, ASCAP Foundation President Marilyn Bergman said: "John Mellencamp has always been known as a "people's artist," a performer who touches a common chord across class, age and regional lines. In helping to establish Farm Aid, he was instrumental in bringing awareness of the plight of small farmers to wide attention. His fearless advocacy on issues ranging from peace to racial prejudice is to be applauded. For these reasons and more, we are proud to present John with the ASCAP Foundation Champion Award for music in the service of humanity."
So, John Mellencamp is a hypocrite? I think we can see where the real hypocrites are.
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John Mellencamp has a long and distinguished record as a social activist and humanitarian. Together with Willie Nelson and Neil Young, he organized the first Farm Aid concert in 1985 to raise awareness about the loss of family farms and to raise funds to keep farm families on their land. Farm Aid stages America's longest running annual concert event that unites farmers, artists, consumers, and concerned citizens to build a powerful movement for good food from family farms. Farm Aid has raised more than $30 million to promote a strong and resilient family farm system of agriculture.
In addition, Mellencamp has long worked for peace and social justice through his songs and personal appearances, including his participation in the 2004 multi-artist "Vote for Change" Tour. Social awareness has been a hallmark of Mellencamp song lyrics since the 1985 album, Scarecrow, which featured the hits "Small Town" and "Rain on the Scarecrow." More recently, Mellencamp's 2007 release, Freedom's Road, included the songs, "Jim Crow," "Ghost Towns Along the Highway" and "Our Country." This past April, Mellencamp poignantly demonstrated his support for the men and women in uniform (in spite of his opposition to the war) by performing a concert for 200 wounded veterans and their families at Washington's Walter Reed Hospital. In October 2007, Mellencamp released the topical song, "Jena," in response to the racially charged situation in that Louisiana town. Mellencamp was recognized with the Woody Guthrie Award in 2003 by the Huntington's Disease Society of America. Most recently, Mellencamp was nominated for a 2008 Grammy for Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance for "Our Country."
Commenting on the award, ASCAP Foundation President Marilyn Bergman said: "John Mellencamp has always been known as a "people's artist," a performer who touches a common chord across class, age and regional lines. In helping to establish Farm Aid, he was instrumental in bringing awareness of the plight of small farmers to wide attention. His fearless advocacy on issues ranging from peace to racial prejudice is to be applauded. For these reasons and more, we are proud to present John with the ASCAP Foundation Champion Award for music in the service of humanity."
So, John Mellencamp is a hypocrite? I think we can see where the real hypocrites are.
Techdirt has not posted any stories submitted by rshetts.
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