Since the beginning of my touring career, I've noticed a growing trend amongst the fans of certain bands. There seems to be a certain group of kids that are obsessed with the celebrity side of the music scene. Before continuing, I want to make it clear that I do not speak against these certain people or bands, but rather the behavior of their fans.
A lot of them are not only there to see bands, they come to attain signatures and take pictures with band members. Of course, this is nothing new. Super fans have always existed; think about the hysteria that surrounded The Beatles, Rolling Stones and Elvis. Such a thing never bothered me until I began seeing it everyday. People sit in their cars by the headliner's bus for hours at a time. Why would they choose to stand outside waiting to see a "rock star" rather than going to a concert or show and enjoying some music?
A friend pointed out to me that seeing a good band is an experience. And bands put in a lot of time and effort to create a show that will entertain its audience and create this "experience." I can completely understand this since I still find the time to go to shows and enjoy the entertainment of a good band, and most certainly not in hopes of meeting some famous dude that is actually no different than you or me.
The last thing I wish to do is lose fans and friends by being one of those irritating anti-conformists. I just hope for the longevity of this wonderful form of entertainment. Here's to the life of music. Here's to the life of art.
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