I was recently talking to a writer doing some research about Christian music groupies. You know, those rabid fans who'll do anything to meet their favorite artist or band.
I suppose in the church community we like to think that Christian music fans and bands are immune to the idol worshipping pop culture so prevelent in our society today.
And yet ... it's there. I've especially seen it in the festival environment, where kids have all the time in the world to hang out by the stage or track down their favorite artist. I've seen young church girls as obsessed with Christian rock artists as I was with Donny Osmond back in the day. And yes, I've heard of fans actually tracking down the home address of an artist and showing up unannounced (not that announcing yourself would be any better).
OK, so it's not the Beatles, but it can be crazy.
So let me ask you this:
What's the most outrageous thing you've ever done to meet your favorite Christian music artist? And what happened after you met them?
Where is the line between supportive fan and crazy stalker?
I'd love to know what you think!
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What has surprised me is just how accessible most Christian artists are after concerts. If the venue allows for it, I've found time and again that the musicians often want to talk to those who come to their shows. Although you probably won't get to talk to Amy Grant or the Newsboys after an arena show, most Christian bands still play at small venues and like to have contact with the fans. They usually come sign their merchandise as well...but some really just want to care about folks that come out. I remember talking with a member of The 77s many years ago who really wanted to hear about the people at the college I was attending and the spiritual needs of the community. Lots different from the average rock conversation! But virtually every Christian artist I have met has been very kind and generous, although a couple were just pooped after playing 2-hour rock shows, which is understandable.
As far as crazy plans to see Christian artists go, I was going to sneak into an over-21 club when I was back in early college...not to drink, but to see Bruce Cockburn. (Now most of your readers are really scratching their heads!) For various reasons it didn't happen, but my friend who did get in (who was actually of age) got me a signed set list from the show. It still hangs on the wall of my den.
I have a female friend who I met in 2008 and her first comment to the group of singles from our church once the topic turned to music was "I am a shameless concert groupie". I was stunned, especially from someone with teenage kids and a marriage (2nd) on the rocks. Turned out this person became friends with the guitarist (male) of this popular touring band and still is today. I am very uncomfortable with this type of behavior considering past stories I have heard regarding groupies.
I think the term "groupie" brings up a different image in mainstream music than in Christian, at least for a grown woman. I don't know what band she follows, but I'm married, with a grown daughter, and there are bands that I love and artists with whom I'm friends, and when they come to town I never miss a show. A bass player in a very, very popular Christian band once told me that they love when people they know come to shows because they're on the road so much and away from their family, and they need a friendly, familiar face and to see someone who doesn't want anything from them. I usually bring cookies or some treat.
Then again, I've seen teen girls throw themselves at Christian artists. That kind of groupie is NOT good!
Joanne
host of the GS blog
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