One-on-one interviews: Sir Mix-A-Lot, Garbage

There's not many other places in the world, besides Summerfest, where you can see rock, rap, country - and so much more - on stages all within a few feet of each other.

 

Wednesday featured an especially eclectic mix.

 

TODAY'S TMJ4 caught up with Sir Mix-A-Lot before he rocked the Johnson Controls World Stage. His hit "Baby Got Back" was the anthem of the 90s. 

 

"I still love performing that song," he said. "Musicians would die for that kind of hit. I've always embraced it."

 

It's been nearly 25 years since "Baby Got Back" was first released. 

 

"I still love big butts," Sir Mix-A-Lot joked. "Time won't change that. I know Wisconsin fellas know what I'm talking about. The girls eat cheese here. The boys like curves."

 

Headlining the Marcus Amphitheater was 80s sensation Def Leppard. Fans were screaming "Pour Some Sugar On Me."

 

"I've been a fan of Def Leppard since 1983 when they came out with Pyromania and I've loved them ever since," Red Collings said.

 

"I grew up with Def Leppard," adds Melissa Sirovina. "I had the big hair, the 1980's blue eye shadow. I loved the way they've rocked over the years. They put on an awesome show. You can't beat it."

 

"Garbage" is another band that puts on an awesome show. They were the main act on the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse stage. While this is their first time playing Summerfest, they have strong ties to Wisconsin.

 

"It means so much to us, because we're basically from here," guitarist Steve Marker said. "We dreamed-up the idea for the band in Madison. Our second gig ever was at Shank Hall in Milwaukee. We love the people here. It's always a big party."

 

"I still live in Madison because I love it so much," adds bass player, Duke Erikson.

 

"Garbage" drummer Butch Vig, who was born in Viroqua, had to miss Summerfest due to some sinus problems. 

 

The three of them recruited lead singer Shirley Manson from Scotland.

 

"We saw her on MTV and were impressed," Erikson said. "She was aghast when three guys from Wisconsin, a place she probably never even heard of, were calling her. But she agreed to meet with us and the rest is history."