BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — As "Small Town" by John Mellencamp played throughout Indiana University Friday afternoon, you may have thought the rock-and-roll legend was holding a concert for homecoming.
Instead, it was part of a ceremony commemorating Mellencamp's decades-long career.
"I'm the luckiest guy. You're looking at the luckiest guy in the world," Mellencamp said.
During Friday's event, IU unveiled a new statue of Mellencamp, created by an alumnus.
"Anyone who encounters it will have the opportunity to experience this at least partially, the degree of which John's spirit imbues this university, this town, and the entire state," Rolling Stone writer Anthony DeCurtis told the crowd.
Along with the statue, Mellencamp donated artwork and archives to the university.
"It shows us the power of a single voice to inspire change and make a fearless choice," said a speaker at the unveiling.
For superfans like Lisa Spatafora, the unveiling reminded her why she fell in love with Mellencamp.
"His lyrics. It may sound corny, but they have saved me many, many times," she said.
Now with the lyrics, she and thousands have a new way to celebrate their favorite artist.
The statue and archives now have a permanent home at the university, but Mellencamp's art exhibit only runs until Dec. 15, 2024.