George Harrison, who knew how bad smoking was for him, died from cancer last week, but that doesn’t mean the anti-smoking message has sunk in with everyone. John Mellencamp, who is no stranger to tobacco-related illness, is still smoking, and he says he can’t do anything about it.
The topic came up earlier this week backstage at the Billboard Music Awards, where Mellencamp was given the magazine’s Century Award. Harrison was the first artist to receive the award in 1992. Mellencamp was asked for thoughts on Harrison’s death, and he said, “This smoking is bulls-t, isn’t it? I hate it,” he said with a laugh. “I’d like to quit tonight, but, you know, I’m weak. What do you want me to say?”