Calendar
John Mellencamp hit the airways as “John Cougar” in 1982 with a string of top 10 singles amassing a total of 22 top 40 hits in the US. John Cougar Mellencamp has been nominated for 13 Grammy Awards, winning one. He has sold over 30 million albums in the US, and over 60 million worldwide. American Fool pays tribute to this iconic Americana Rock artist and his stellar career. With John Lienhard playing the title role, the band has been performing since 2014 and is a faithful recreation of the excitement of one of Mellencamp’s live concerts.
John Lienhard as John Cougar Mellencamp
John grew up in a musical family playing drums and singing in bands around the NW. Mellencamp was known for his passion, heart and understanding of the lives of ordinary folks living in the American Midwest. John is also the lead singer in a large 70's band called American Vinyl, featuring a full horn section. Drums were John's first passion. He continues to work his chops in Rear View Mirror, focusing on the groovy rock of the 60's.
John Paredes - Keyboards/vocals
Originally from Los Angeles, with first influences by 70’s artists such as Bob James, ELP, Jean-Michele Jarre and Vangelis, John started with early synthesizer compositions leading him to work as a session synthesist and keyboardist for Los Angeles-based recording studios from the late 80’s to the mid-90's, working on pop albums as well as film trailers while attending CalArts for Digital Music Composition. Since moving to Seattle in 2006 with his family John has been heavily involved in the Tribute scene starting with Petty Thief (Tom Petty), Rear View Mirror (60’s), American Vinyl (70's show band), The Harvest Moon Band (Neil Young), Reckless (Bryan Adams), Wasted On The Way (CSNY), Feelin' Alright (Joe Cocker), Bell Bottom Blues (Eric Clapton), Taylor Made (James Taylor).
Dave George - Bass/vocals
Dave acquired his 1st bass guitar at the age of 12 and was hooked from the moment he picked it up. “The bass line always jumped out of every song I was listening to.” His influences include; John Paul Jones, John Entwistle, Paul McCartney, Geddy Lee, Flea, Duff McKagan, Stu Hamm, Victor Wooten, Tim Commerford, Chris Wolstenholme, (just to name a few). He has performed and recorded with original acts Dysinformation, Agents of Chaos, In Aisle Eight, and also performed with some of the Northwest’s premier cover/tribute bands including Bent, Heartless, Petty Thief, Wild Child, and is currently with Mas Tequila.
KARL HAUG - Lead guitar/vocals
The Piano lessons his parents made him take never went over well with Karl so as a teenager, he started borrowing his sister's guitar and then the fun began. Karl has performed solo on his acoustic guitar, played mandolin in duos, and played both acoustic and electric guitar in an assortment of rock, folk, and blues bands. Working with these bands and recording a number of CDs has helped him develop a unique style of playing and singing. In addition to American Fool, he performs with tributes Just One Look (Ronstadt), The Kings of Hollywood (Eagles), Wildflower (Sheryl Crow), Stonsey (The Rolling Stones) and is the guitarist for “White”, dummer Alan White’s band.
MARC MONTAGNINO - Drums/vocals
A native of Eastern Washington, Marc has been involved in the Seattle Music Scene for over 3 decades, contributing his drumming and talents towards a multitude of local bands including Wings N Things (McCartney), Borrowed Time (Styx), Just One Look (Ronstadt), The Kings of Hollywood (Eagles), Third Stage (Boston), Stonesy (Rolling Stones) Invisible Touch (Phil Collins), Wildflower (Sheryl Crow) and Whiskey River (Skynrd). His ability to play a huge variety of drumming styles as well as his vocalist abilities has earned Marc a successful place in the local music industry as one of Seattle's most versatile and talented drummers.
ARNY BAILEY - Rhythm Guitar/vocals
A multi-instrumentalist and lead vocalist, Arny performs with tributes Wings N Things (McCartney), Borrowed Time (Styx), Just One Look (Ronstadt), The Kings of Hollywood (Eagles), Third Stage (Boston) Wildflower (Sheryl Crow). Also creator, writer, director for The Tribute Time Machine Show starring Pat Cashman. In 2021 ARNY became the final lead guitar player for Paul Revere’s Raiders performing in many shows until their final performance in Chicago on April 3rd, 2022, ending a 62 year run for the band.
