Music fans - enthusiasm, or obsession?

Musicians rely on fans to survive as much as they do food and water. Without them, records are not sold, merchandise is abandoned and shows are left emptier than Simon Cowell’s soul. They’re completely necessary to keep a band afloat. This deal works well both ways – people get albums they love, and shows to go and see, in return for a few quid. That in itself doesn’t seem too horrific. Music is a staple part of so many people’s lives, and it’s natural to return to your favourite musicians, but is there a darker side to an adoration of an artist? I can’t help but wonder when the line crosses between being a fan, and being somewhat obsessed. It is surprisingly easy to buy into the lifestyles associated with various musicians, whether it is an intentional action or not. Perhaps it really does fill a void within people’s lives, but it doesn’t seem a particularly healthy attitude to have. Though would it even be in the interest of an artist for this to stop – could musicians be as successful without this fixated culture?

Of course, this is far from a new way of behaving. It’s been prominent since Beatlemania, all the way to Gaga’s ‘Little Monsters’. I like to think that at a point in time, someone was rocking out to Baroque, or there was mass hysteria at the mere sight of Tchaikovsky. 

Observing live music recently, I’ve witnessed all levels of musical enthusiasm, from vague interest, all the way to ‘I-know-where-you-live-and-everything-about-you’ type obsession. The more I’ve considered it, the more alarming it seems. Do we really exist in a society where reliance in music, or a particular musician, can become a major focus point of our lives - and which is completely socially accepted? I can’t claim innocence entirely (though perhaps not as ‘dedicated’ as some...), but keeping a healthy attitude towards the music in our lives, especially with the accessibility and reminders constantly provided by social media, seems more important than ever.

Looking at this from a completely cold-hearted angle – your favourite musicians inevitably want money from you. They need it (for the most part), to keep providing new music, and to be able to continue touring. But this means these people are not your friends - they’re business associates. 

Don’t get me wrong, I adore music, and I always will. I have nothing but respect for (most!) people who dedicate their lives to music. It does, however, seem important to treat enthusiasm for an artist carefully. It’s easy to forget that a record deal does not make people any less human, or ordinary. The poignant moment for me, that was the catalyst for this, happened last week. I travelled a 190 mile round trip to see my favourite musician, (the second show that week), and once home realised I’d spent more time talking to him, than my friend I was staying with. That doesn’t seem right to me.