“I don't like it when other people sing my brother's songs, but you're pretty good”
— Janet Mellencamp (John's Sister)
“You can tell that you've done your homework”
— Toby Myers, JCM Band 1981-2003
“Close your eyes and you'll think you're at a Mellencamp concert”
— Moe Z M.D., JCM Band 1994-2002
“My Boy!”
— Richard Mellencamp (John's Dad)
In 2007, Mellencougar, a Tribute to John Mellencamp began with a group of radio guys talking about playing John's music live. We had all seen John "Cougar" Mellencamp and his awesome band many times and even got to meet him backstage in Milwaukee, WI. Shortly after we began, Don got a call from Toby Myers to play his birthday and it made for a very memorable show. Toby Myers and Moe Z M.D. both joined the band for that show and several after that!
In the picture below you will see the inside of Toby's stage/studio located inside his barn.
Being able to play John Mellencamp's music in different places in America has been fun, especially in his hometown of Seymour, Indiana has been incredible...especially when members of his family have come to the shows! It gives a deeper understanding to singing songs like Small Town...you have to feel it to get it and do it right.
Mellencougar is the only tribute band to John Mellencamp that has featured people that played with John! You will enjoy John's music and dance to the songs that mean so much to us. Small Town, R.O.C.K. in the USA, Pink Houses, Key West Intermezzo, Rumbleseat, Crumblin' Down, I Need a Lover and gratefully the list continues. Mellencougar has also performed with John's cousin Bobby Clark who even wrote a song for John Mellencamp by the name of Grandview. Here's a video! https://youtu.be/ye4lLx4e4bY
Theaters, Casinos and Festivals throughout America have booked Mellencougar, a Tribute to John Mellencamp and continue to do so. We hope to see you soon!