Indiana
‘We’re back!’: Rock icon John Mellencamp talks Indiana football on FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff
Indy-based Michael McAuley sculps John Mellencamp for IU
Michael McAuley made life-size tribute statue of musician John Mellencamp that will be unveiled at IU on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024.
Rock icon John Mellencamp appeared on FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff in Bloomington on Saturday before Indiana football faced off with Nebraska for homecoming weekend.
Mellencamp, who lives in Bloomington, was honored on Friday when Indiana University unveiled a sculpture of the rocker at its flagship campus.
A day later, he talked to the Big Noon Kickoff about his time as an IU football fan.
“When Lee Corso was coach, I lived right over there in an apartment,” Mellencamp said as he stood in front of Memorial Stadium. “I would come over on Saturdays. I would walk over by myself and I would buy a ticket at the venue. This was like 1972 or 73. And I would sit way the f— up there. The place was always sold out, so I was always the last person to show up.”
Corso was one of two Indiana coaches to win a bowl game. The other was Bill Mallory, who won two bowl games.
“For an old person like, it’s like, ‘We’re back!’” Mellencamp said.