John Mellencamp recalled how things went rough in the past, especially when he almost lost his life due to a major health scare.
Ahead of his new album release, Mellencamp took his time to recall the hardships he faced in his life, particularly the health issue that almost took his life in 1994.
In a new interview with People magazine, the 70-year-old musician shared how he no longer takes his life for granted soon after suffering a heart attack when he was only 42.
"I had lots of doctors going, 'John, your cholesterol's way too high and you smoke,'" he said. "I'd go, 'F--k it.' I learned my lesson after I had a heart attack at 42."
Mellencamp told the news outlet that he started smoking at the age of 14. He still smokes nowadays, though, but he reportedly became more mindful of his well-being to safeguard his health.
When he is not making music, the singer reportedly spends his time painting in his art studio, which he considers as his favorite place to be in the world. In addition, he ensures he has time with his five children.
John Mellencamp Survived What His Friends Cannot
As his alcohol and drug use affected his health, Mellencamp admitted that he left behind partying as well as those vices in 1971. He overcame them, but unfortunately, his childhood friends could not.
"There comes a time when you got to go, 'OK, I'm done with this s-t.' It's funny and attractive to be 25 years old and be someplace high and drunk. But when you get to a certain age, it's not funny anymore. It's not cute, not sexy. Nothing good about it," he said, saying that his friends could not quit partying.
After quitting those things that could have hindered him in the industry, he managed to have a decades-long career in music. According to People (via Fox News), Mellencamp sold nearly 30 million records and released 25 albums. His projects also led him to earn 14 Grammy nominations.
Though he can freely say he has been successful in life, Mellencamp revealed that his definition of success is having a guitar, motorcycle, stereo, and a woman who puts her arms around his neck.
John Mellencamp will drop his "Strictly a One-Eyed Jack" album on Friday.
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