From: owner-shindell-list-digest@smoe.org (shindell-list-digest) To: shindell-list-digest@smoe.org Subject: shindell-list-digest V3 #89 Reply-To: shindell-list@smoe.org Sender: owner-shindell-list-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-shindell-list-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk shindell-list-digest Friday, March 16 2001 Volume 03 : Number 089 Today's Subjects: ----------------- [RS] The other side of fandom. [Rongrittz@aol.com] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2001 22:09:53 EST From: Rongrittz@aol.com Subject: [RS] The other side of fandom. << I was making reference to the Fez show where a "very happy" woman actually rushed the stage during "Are You Happy Now". >> The whole thing is very scary, and I can fully understand how performers can be reluctant to share any more of themselves than just the music. I see it all too often, when fans try to insinuate themselves into an artist's personal life, and expect the artist to give more than the only thing we, the fans, are truly entitled to: our money's worth, either on a CD or at a concert. We expect them to drag themselves out after an exhausting show for a meet & greet, and are angered when they don't. We expect them to know our names, and are disappointed if they don't. We want them to enthusiastically accept our gifts, we want them to respond to our emails, we want them to be our friend. Isn't it enough that they give us music that speaks to our souls? I don't think it's a coincidence that so many of Richard's songs speak through the voice of others. Maybe he doesn't want us to get too close to "Richard Shindell" himself. I'm sure he sees the drooling adoration that seems to follow Dar Williams around, and just doesn't want it. Can't say that I blame him, particularly when fans cross the line and start grabbing arms . . . or rushing the stage . . . or worse. There was this guy named John Lennon . . . RG ------------------------------ End of shindell-list-digest V3 #89 **********************************