What being a fan means to me...

[suzieq]

Originally Posted by Evil One

So you agree that I've not crapped on Meat's new album yet are already putting words in my mouth?

I agree you have not crapped on Meat's new album. However, I have not put words in your mouth. You've only gave me the perception of you offering constructive criticism from your post. And there is a way to give that criticism without crapping on Meat's new album. To be frankly honest, I hope my perception is 100% wrong and everything will be peaches and cream from all his fans. Reality is....someone isn't going to like something about the new album. And it doesn't really matter who it is.

Originally Posted by mszee

I really don't think that it is fair to predict what the other person might say or do in the future...we hardly know ourselves...how can we claim we know somebody else...

Fair? Predict? I said, "I wouldn't be surprised" on two counts. I'm no soothsayer, I'm only sharing an opinion of what I think based on a previous post that I cited.

IMO: It is likely that there will be no praise without constructive criticism based on a few posts.

IMO: It is also likely that "someone" will reply to this post. Is that prediction?!? It's not rocket science to see the forest through the trees.

I actually give people credit actually for being able to criticize Meat's work. It's something I can't do. So that's a good thing. Meat likes and accepts constructive criticism so there are a fair number of helpful people here that can do that for him.

Suzieq

[mszee]

My prediction is that I am done with this debate...

Anyway...when I say I don't like something...I don't critisize...I express my personal opinion and it is very subjective opinion as it is very personal one...I never force it down people's throat not do I critisize people who hate what I love...beauty is in the eye of the beholder...

In other news...so sorry, Meat...but I can't offer constructive critisizm...see...I had a whole meditation session yesterday with my on self and came to the following conclusion...the thing is...I am not at all qualified to critisize you constructively...or even probably critisize at all...

[Julie in the rv mirror]

Originally Posted by suzieq

As far as the uncritical deal....the only person I am uncritical of is Meat, he works too damn hard and he has way too many other helpers with "constructive criticism" plus I'm not very good at it....I'll just leave that "job" to other useful fans. Hard for me to imagine myself not being emotional connected to Meat, so I'll use another artist that I would just be a consumer of. Let's take Bon Jovi, knowing that they've put out albums in the past that were excellent and I have most of them, if I knew nothing more than they had a new album coming out....I'd probably buy it just because of their track record. And I have NO emotional attachment there. I like their music as a rule, but I'm not a following fan.

So, just for the sake of discussion, are you saying that you would be more critical toward Bon Jovi's albums? (I don't get that from your post) Don't you think that they (and other artists) work very hard as well? For the record, I'm also in the "consumer" category as far as Bon Jovi goes, but I know they also have many passionate fans.

I agree that it's very difficult to be impartial, or even "critical", if you will, when we feel an emotional attachment to a particular artist. I'm guilty of it myself, although my posts in this thread may seem to indicate otherwise. It may also be, as someone else posted, because someone feels an emotional attachment to an artist's work, that they react strongly, positively or negatively, particularly if that work is something different than what they are used to. I'm OK with different, and choose to look at each piece for what it is, on it's own. I admittedly used to lean somewhat toward the other side, and missed out on some good music as a result. I've since learned my lesson.

I completely understand buying an artist's albums because you like other stuff they've done, and/or because you want to support them- I've done both. What I don't get is people who say "I will play that song whether I like it or not." Why? Is there some sense of disloyalty if you don't? And this is not a dig at those people- I'm just curious. Even on some of my very favorite albums there are a track or two that I skip.

I too have seen this kind of discussion on another artist's fan board, and yes, it could go on endlessly. There are also some people there who can be extremely critical, yet still consider themselves to be big fans. I don't necessarily agree with that position, either, but I think it can make for some interesting discussions- that is, when it doesn't escalate to fighting.

I do agree, too, that it is easy to say some things sitting behind a keyboard that one might not be so bold as to say in person. I've sometimes wondered how some people on the other fan board would react if the artist responded to their comments (as I've sometimes wished he would do).

Also, in case anyone thinks I'm avoiding giving my opinion of the new album, I can only comment on the single so far, and I like it. It's catchy. Now, I'm down with the "concept album" concept, so I'm very interested to see how it fits in with the other songs. And for that, I'll have to wait.

[mszee]

I actually am on one other fan board only and I haven't seen too much criticism there cause there ain't much to criticize...

However, all crazy parodies of Lady Gaga and Adam Lambert I've seen were there to see because they themselves posted those youtube links...and they thought it was funny and brilliant...so I guess some just enjoy laughing at themselves....

[suzieq]

Originally Posted by Julie in the rv mirror

So, just for the sake of discussion, are you saying that you would be more critical toward Bon Jovi's albums? (I don't get that from your post) Don't you think that they (and other artists) work very hard as well? For the record, I'm also in the "consumer" category as far as Bon Jovi goes, but I know they also have many passionate fans.

Ok good, now we're getting to the nuts and bolts of it. You pose a good question, I could be more critical toward Bon Jovi albums because I'm not emotionally attached to it. I like a majority of their stuff, I'm sure they work hard for their fans, but I don't follow their career like some of their passionate fans. The main thing here is, I've followed Meat's career over the years, I see the years of dedication, and I see the criticism (not just by fans, but by media). I can only speak for myself but because of my emotional connections, I cannot criticize Meat. It would be easier to pick a demo by someone else (but don't tell me Meat recorded it), and have me listen objectively to the demo. I would have to do it blindly because my mind is already going to put a positive spin to it if I know Meat did it. So I'd be listing to the +.

Originally Posted by Julie in the rv mirror

I agree that it's very difficult to be impartial, or even "critical", if you will, when we feel an emotional attachment to a particular artist. I'm guilty of it myself, although my posts in this thread may seem to indicate otherwise. It may also be, as someone else posted, because someone feels an emotional attachment to an artist's work, that they react strongly, positively or negatively, particularly if that work is something different than what they are used to. I'm OK with different, and choose to look at each piece for what it is, on it's own. I admittedly used to lean somewhat toward the other side, and missed out on some good music as a result. I've since learned my lesson.

I'm okay with different too. I'm open minded and willing to go on different paths with my favorite artist. They say life is like a box of chocolates....

Originally Posted by Julie in the rv mirror

What I don't get is people who say "I will play that song whether I like it or not." Why? Is there some sense of disloyalty if you don't? And this is not a dig at those people- I'm just curious. Even on some of my very favorite albums there are a track or two that I skip.

I honestly don't know why people say they would play the song whether they like it or not. I can't answer that, I'm not one of those. The skip button is handy for me but completely situational.

Originally Posted by Julie in the rv mirror

I too have seen this kind of discussion on another artist's fan board, and yes, it could go on endlessly. There are also some people there who can be extremely critical, yet still consider themselves to be big fans. I don't necessarily agree with that position, either, but I think it can make for some interesting discussions- that is, when it doesn't escalate to fighting.

exactly

Originally Posted by Julie in the rv mirror

I do agree, too, that it is easy to say some things sitting behind a keyboard that one might not be so bold as to say in person. I've sometimes wondered how some people on the other fan board would react if the artist responded to their comments (as I've sometimes wished he would do).

Amen!

Originally Posted by Julie in the rv mirror

Also, in case anyone thinks I'm avoiding giving my opinion of the new album, I can only comment on the single so far, and I like it. It's catchy. Now, I'm down with the "concept album" concept, so I'm very interested to see how it fits in with the other songs. And for that, I'll have to wait.

I like the single too....and I really like the album reviews thread from the fans that had the opportunity to sit and listen to the album. I'm ready to treasure works of past and welcome HCTB with open arms.

Suzieq

[CarylB]

Originally Posted by suzieq

Ok good, now we're getting to the nuts and bolts of it. You pose a good question, I could be more critical toward Bon Jovi albums because I'm not emotionally attached to it. I like a majority of their stuff, I'm sure they work hard for their fans, but I don't follow their career like some of their passionate fans. The main thing here is, I've followed Meat's career over the years, I see the years of dedication, and I see the criticism (not just by fans, but by media). I can only speak for myself but because of my emotional connections, I cannot criticize Meat. It would be easier to pick a demo by someone else (but don't tell me Meat recorded it), and have me listen objectively to the demo. I would have to do it blindly because my mind is already going to put a positive spin to it if I know Meat did it. So I'd be listing to the +.
Suzieq

This is very much where I sit And frankly I wouldn't join the fansites of those artists I feel less attachment to.

I don't offer "constructive criticism" to Meat because, like you, I don't feel I have the expertise or credibity to do this. All I can do is tell him what has captivated me, what I have liked, what has made it special.

And there's something else that I guess is part and parcel of that emotional attachment as far as I'm concerned. Some people will always reach to the stars .. and some of those have it in their power to create magic for others and lift them to the stars as well. Meat has that as far as I'm concerned.

For me Meat always creates magic in the studio or on stage, every time. Magic's so very special, and to try and analyse it and pick it apart is for me as futile as trying to capture moonlight in a bottle. I simply embrace it without question or critique and it always fills me with wonder.

Caryl

[Julie in the rv mirror]

Originally Posted by CarylB

And frankly I wouldn't join the fansites of those artists I feel less attachment to.

I wouldn't either. But, not everyone feels that way. Some people are just in it for the music, and separate that from the artist, as a person. For me, I find it difficult, if not impossible to separate the two.

So, here's a question- again, strictly in a general sense- how much does that emotional attachment affect our enjoyment of the music? I honestly don't know, and I'm genuinely curious. Do we like the music more because we like the artist as a person- at least what we perceive them to be? Or, is it the other way around?

[CarylB]

Originally Posted by Julie in the rv mirror

I wouldn't either. But, not everyone feels that way. Some people are just in it for the music, and separate that from the artist, as a person. For me, I find it difficult, if not impossible to separate the two.

I guess that depends on how one defines fan. You can say you're a fan of something and mean you just enjoy it .. to me, "fan" as in member of a fanclub is closer to the MW definition, an ardent admirer/enthusiast .. and ardent implies a warmth of feeling, typically expressed in eager zealous support. So, again to me, separating music and artist would be difficult.

Also to me a perfomance consists of two things (whether studio or live) the music and the person, so the feelings of that person would always be important, and would inform the way I spoke or wrote to them about it, either directly or publicly where they might hear or see it. A couple of years ago I went to a concert to see a performer who had been one of the icons of my youth. I was very disappointed as were the friends I went with, and we wouldn't repeat the experience, but nor did we seek out his website to leave criticism. And the more I like and admire the person, the more I would want to be sensitive to their feelings.

So, here's a question- again, strictly in a general sense- how much does that emotional attachment affect our enjoyment of the music? I honestly don't know, and I'm genuinely curious. Do we like the music more because we like the artist as a person- at least what we perceive them to be? Or, is it the other way around?

Interesting and difficult. Certainly I have no emotional attachment to say, Motzart or Handel .. but I love their music. I don't need to like the composer as a person to enjoy the work being performed by someone else. I had no liking for much of wjat I knew of Michael Jackson as a person, but there were songs he performed that I enjoyed very much, and there are many artists with whom I feel no emotional attachment to the person, but whose performances I've attended which I've enjoyed, and some whose performance has made a real emotional connection.

In th case of Meat, his performances are so full of passion I'd find it hard NOT to make an emotional connection to the performance .. it doesn't have to be an amazing song for me to love the way he delivers it. The strength and power of any music imo is how far it can and does resonate with our emotions. Liking and admiring what I see in him as a person? Without doubt that enhances it for me greatly. Bottom line for me though is that special magic he has on stage, and that comes through to me in his studio work. Suspending criticism and just being open to it and to the feelings it evokes is what makes it extra special. At the playback, as the album started for a few seconds I was struck by how different it was, how different to what I'd expected. But I closed my eyes and opened my ears and my heart, and in return was lifted away on an incredible journey ..

Caryl

[suzieq]

I like this type of forum discussion. It really makes me think about the "why".

Originally Posted by Julie in the rv mirror

I wouldn't either. But, not everyone feels that way. Some people are just in it for the music, and separate that from the artist, as a person. For me, I find it difficult, if not impossible to separate the two.

This is how I discover new music/artists. I hear a song...it's played a few times...I like the song enough to find out who the artist is....then maybe buy the single off Itunes or the next time I'm near a music store, I may check out the CD. So in my world, I like the music first then figure out the artist. So, I like a broad scope of music and can totally separate the artists from the actual output. Occasionally, I'll get the advice from friends....hey check out, XXX, I think you'll dig it.

Here's where it gets sketchy for me....I've enjoyed an artists output, then find out that he/she has done some morally wrong things....at times I feel I shouldn't support that person because they are a bad person....but then sometimes the music is so good, I can't help it. I struggle with this. But I always go back to the music vs. the character of the artist.

Meat's music impacted me differently. I wanted to know more about this band or man singing, instantly. Credit due to the passion of BOOH and FCOL. And a fan of Meat Loaf was born.

Originally Posted by Julie in the rv mirror

So, here's a question- again, strictly in a general sense- how much does that emotional attachment affect our enjoyment of the music? I honestly don't know, and I'm genuinely curious. Do we like the music more because we like the artist as a person- at least what we perceive them to be? Or, is it the other way around?

Another good couple of pondering questions. I don't know the answer to the first one either, but it is interesting. I can only speak for myself, but I usually like Meat's covers of songs better than the original. In this case it is Meat's unique voice that I like, not necessarily because I like him as a person (or my perception as he). As far as new original music by an artist, I think yes, I'm positively charged to liking Meat's music more, but because I love Meat's voice and it begins there, then it goes to liking the perception of the artist.

Flip side, if someone sings a Meat song (inevitably at Karaoke), I don't enjoy the song, etc. It's often just the wrong voice for me. The same will hold for me if someone was singing an Elvis song, it's just not enjoyable for me. I'm not even emo. to Elvis.

However, I can enjoy a song from Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, or Bon Jovi that is covered by someone else. I enjoy a lot of music on American Idol that are done by the contestants. All in all, I think it just depends and there isn't a blanket answer.

Suzieq

[Julie in the rv mirror]

First, I'd like to say thanks to the folks who have been indulging me..it has been an interesting discussion.

Originally Posted by CarylB

A couple of years ago I went to a concert to see a performer who had been one of the icons of my youth. I was very disappointed as were the friends I went with, and we wouldn't repeat the experience, but nor did we seek out his website to leave criticism. And the more I like and admire the person, the more I would want to be sensitive to their feelings.

When you say you were disappointed, do you mean you thought the performance was poor, or the setlist was not what you wanted to hear? Or was it the performer's "personality"? You say you'd never see him live again, but do you still listen to/ like his albums? I'm not a Bob Dylan fan (don't dislike him, just don't really know his music), but I've heard (as in read) from people who like him a lot, that he is awful live. Yet they still really like his albums.

I wouldn't purposely seek out an artist's website to slam them, either. But let's say that you were already a member there. What, if anything, would you say about your experience?

Originally Posted by CarylB

Interesting and difficult. Certainly I have no emotional attachment to say, Motzart or Handel .. but I love their music. I don't need to like the composer as a person to enjoy the work being performed by someone else. I had no liking for much of wjat I knew of Michael Jackson as a person, but there were songs he performed that I enjoyed very much, and there are many artists with whom I feel no emotional attachment to the person, but whose performances I've attended which I've enjoyed, and some whose performance has made a real emotional connection.

Originally Posted by suzieq

Here's where it gets sketchy for me....I've enjoyed an artists output, then find out that he/she has done some morally wrong things....at times I feel I shouldn't support that person because they are a bad person....but then sometimes the music is so good, I can't help it. I struggle with this. But I always go back to the music vs. the character of the artist.

OK, good, this is what I was getting at, albeit in a roundabout way. As Caryl said, I didn't think too much of what type of person Michael Jackson seemed to be (other than to have sympathy for him as being very troubled), but I can't deny that he was an extremely talented person.

I've heard (read) some people say that they wouldn't want to meet their idol, for fear that he or she would not live up to their expectations, and that would affect their opinion of the artist.

I've thought about this, using my own favorite artists, and honestly, I don't think there is a given proportion of how much I like their music versus how much I "like" them. For example, I saw Elton John and Billy Joel together. Billy was much more engaging with the crowd, funny; Elton stood up and waved a few times. Billy graciously introduced his band members toward the end of the show; Elton never acknowledged his. (Granted, this is probably just personality differences between both performers.) Yet, if I had to choose just one of them to see again, it would be Elton, hands down.

Originally Posted by suzieq

This is how I discover new music/artists. I hear a song...it's played a few times...I like the song enough to find out who the artist is....then maybe buy the single off Itunes or the next time I'm near a music store, I may check out the CD. So in my world, I like the music first then figure out the artist. So, I like a broad scope of music and can totally separate the artists from the actual output. Occasionally, I'll get the advice from friends....hey check out, XXX, I think you'll dig it.

This is pretty much how it goes for me as well.

Originally Posted by suzieq

Flip side, if someone sings a Meat song (inevitably at Karaoke), I don't enjoy the song, etc. It's often just the wrong voice for me. The same will hold for me if someone was singing an Elvis song, it's just not enjoyable for me. I'm not even emo. to Elvis.

However, I can enjoy a song from Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, or Bon Jovi that is covered by someone else. I enjoy a lot of music on American Idol that are done by the contestants. All in all, I think it just depends and there isn't a blanket answer.

Suzieq

You're right, it does depend. In the case of Karaoke, it's probably just the performance that's awful (Not knocking Karaoke, I think it's loads of fun, and some people are very good at it)

In terms of not liking a cover, the only one I really can't listen to is Barry Manilow's version of Read 'Em and Weep. And I know Jim Steinman produced it and all, but I still think it's awful. But I like other stuff Barry has done.

It's rare, but sometimes I even like cover versions more than the original. I think Mary J. Blige absoulutely kills on U2's One, for instance. (I like U2, don't love them)

[PanicLord]

Originally Posted by In terms of not liking a cover, the only one I really can't listen to is Barry Manilow's version of [I

Read 'Em and Weep[/I]. And I know Jim Steinman produced it and all, but I still think it's awful. But I like other stuff Barry has done.

I agree, absolutely appalling. Hits all the notes etc, but no emotion whatsoever.


[QUOTE=It's rare, but sometimes I even like cover versions more than the original. [/QUOTE]

Yeah - Bonnie Tyler's version of To Love Somebody is brilliant!

[CarylB]

Originally Posted by Julie in the rv mirror

First, I'd like to say thanks to the folks who have been indulging me..it has been an interesting discussion.




When you say you were disappointed, do you mean you thought the performance was poor, or the setlist was not what you wanted to hear? Or was it the performer's "personality"? You say you'd never see him live again, but do you still listen to/ like his albums? I'm not a Bob Dylan fan (don't dislike him, just don't really know his music), but I've heard (as in read) from people who like him a lot, that he is awful live. Yet they still really like his albums.

I wouldn't purposely seek out an artist's website to slam them, either. But let's say that you were already a member there. What, if anything, would you say about your experience?

lol .. funnily enough it was Bob Dylan I went to see. Set list disappointed me, but to be fair we went thinking that we should see him once live before he or we dropped off the perch I haven't kept up with his musical output over the years, so I accept I was likely to be disappointed .. (Although as an aside had we been attending a Meat concert for the first time, we would have heard some of the familiar classics .. something for regular concert goers to remember perhaps when saying "Drop Paradise .. etc" I suppose as Meat concert goers the lack of the big early classics in Dylan's set was bound to surprise us )

Performance also disapponted me .. band was good, but we didn't find him so at all. He was pretty static, standing behind a keyboard at the side of the stage for a lot of the time, but cme to the front for his fans at the end.

And .. the six rows in front of us were obviously serious fans, and clearly having a whale of a time. Can't say what I would have done were I a member of his fanclub .. although I think I can guess ... if I'd bothered to join his fanclub or forum I would have done so because I felt more connection to him as a person and performer, so I would have kept my disappointment to myself .. Might have said that it was my first concert and I'd been hoping to hear some of the early classics? But were I a member of such a board I would have probably gone with different expectations anyway. I coudn't offer him useful guidance even if he read his board, so I'd say something positive or say nothing.

You mention Elton John. I have a lot of time for him as a performer, and I find him an interesting person now. But there's no significant connection, so I don't seek out a forum for him. I love his concerts, but don't feel the need to try and tell him. I vote with my returning feet

So I guess I need to care quite a lot for the performer to want to join a club or forum .. for me that's Meat. And if I care for someone I want to consider their feelings very carefully before I give feedback.

As to fear of meeting "idols" .. I'm not someone who's ever hung around waiting to see any performer, because I've never had the desire really. The exception is Meat, but wanting to meet him developed because I felt I understood something of the person he is, something of his qualities and values, and wanted to meet someone I thought was a good person who was also exceptionally talented. I wanted to meet the person who takes Meat Loaf on stage I didn't expect to be disappointed, and I wasn't

Caryl

[suzieq]

Originally Posted by Julie in the rv mirror

I wouldn't purposely seek out an artist's website to slam them, either. But let's say that you were already a member there. What, if anything, would you say about your experience?

My only membership for an artist is here. I'm not including a sports membership site, a motivator I listen to, or my radio station. So because of my expressed views earlier, I am like Caryl. I'm wrapped up in the experience as a whole. I am ready to take whatever Meat has in store. I leave set lists, production quality, costuming, sound, lighting, choreography all up for Meat to decide and present. Every show is like Christmas for me. Barring the show where Meat was so ill, my only concern was his health and him doing what was best for him.

Originally Posted by Julie in the rv mirror

I've heard (read) some people say that they wouldn't want to meet their idol, for fear that he or she would not live up to their expectations, and that would affect their opinion of the artist.

I have heard that too and it was a concern for me. But it was more of a fear of an unknown. Meat was in my neck of the woods for the Storytellers tour and I was seated in the nosebleeds then. But the fuzzy microphone passed my way for a question. I could not muster a voice because I feared that he would think my question wasn't according to the rules of the Storyteller format and make fun of me (cause the man has a wonderful sense of humor). I didn't have a thick enough skin for it. I would've cried and would've changed my opinion of him. But it wouldn't have been HIS fault. So, what happened...I waved the mic through .... two seats down from me a lady (unrelated to me) asked a question and it was the same question I had in my head. It was about Rocky Horror Picture Show (Hot Patootie)....he asked if she could dance....and she was asked to come up on stage to dance. Because of my own fear, I missed a GOLDEN opportunity, so I broke my fear. I kicked myself from Storytellers, grew up, and decided that Meat was worth the risk. I figured I laugh at my shortcomings all the time, why wouldn't I be able to take it from Meat. Now, I'm glad I took that chance. My biggest reason for wanting to meet my idol was to thank him face to face. He's heard many a thank you and I get that....but there is a sense of well being and all is right in the world when you give back that thank you. I've met him a few times now, I think I have yet to actually thank him (LOL), but somehow I think he already knows.

Originally Posted by Julie in the rv mirror

In terms of not liking a cover, the only one I really can't listen to is Barry Manilow's version of Read 'Em and Weep. And I know Jim Steinman produced it and all, but I still think it's awful. But I like other stuff Barry has done.

Yes, I understand completely.

Originally Posted by Julie in the rv mirror

It's rare, but sometimes I even like cover versions more than the original. I think Mary J. Blige absoulutely kills on U2's One, for instance. (I like U2, don't love them)

I've come across some cover versions that I've liked more than the original myself. And I agree it's rare, but it does happen.

Originally Posted by CarylB

So I guess I need to care quite a lot for the performer to want to join a club or forum .. for me that's Meat. And if I care for someone I want to consider their feelings very carefully before I give feedback.
Caryl

This is where I stand too.

Suzieq

[PanicLord]

Wow, loving all the responses, thanks folks, really interesting!

Thought I'd come back in and try and explain why I am such a fan as opposed to just what being a fan means to me, as a few of you have above.

It's a combination of things, but the song I'm Gonna Love Her For Both Of Us really sums it up for me; it is my favourite song. It's full of drama, passion, and power. I can imagine myself being the person rescuing the girl in this situation. And all that emotional connection happens through the fantastic writing of both lyrics and melody, the amazing production, and the phenomenal power of Meat's voice.

The key thing that does it for me is that Meat sings it like he really means it.

Another thread mentioned Barry Manilow's cover of Read Em And Weep. This is a good example of how Meat owns a song when he sings it. He wipes the floor with Barry, who otherwise is a decent enough singer and a good showman. But whereas Barry hits each note acceptably, Meat sings the whole thing like his life depends upon it, and really performs the song. So much better.

That is all based on Meat's Steinman recordings so far, the "rock opera" style of song. However, I also think Meat does "normal" (for want of a better word) rock songs superbly. I recently rediscovered how much I like Amnesty Is Granted and Running For The Red Light. Here, yet again, it's the sheer energy and conviction with which he sings them that makes them so special. He turns them from being great rock songs into extraordinary rock songs.

And then of course there's the live shows. The Royal Albert Hall show was out of this world. Hearing those songs live made my hair stand on end. It was electrifying.

Overall then for me, it really comes down to the man himself - his passion, his conviction, his belief in what he's singing. The emotional investment Meat makes in his songs in turn makes me invest in the songs in a way that happens very rarely with anyone else. That's why I'm a fan and why I'll never stop rocking!

[suzieq]

BRAVO PanicLord! BRAVO!

Ok, for the Barry Manilow moment here. I saw him in concert in 08', his version of Mandy was absolutely flawless performance wise, notes wise, lyrics wise. Stunning. And I actually bought his CD because of the conviction. When you connect with an audience through a song, it's very powerful. However, I am no where near subscribing to his fansite or ready to comment on how sexy he is. That's all reserved for the honorable mentioned in the site here. :)

Luckily for us, Meat can hit a broad scope of relating to people through many a song. Because he can convince in every song he does and he is convinced himself. I really consider that a great talent and never boring.

Suzieq

[Julie in the rv mirror]

Originally Posted by CarylB

lol .. funnily enough it was Bob Dylan I went to see. Set list disappointed me, but to be fair we went thinking that we should see him once live before he or we dropped off the perch I haven't kept up with his musical output over the years, so I accept I was likely to be disappointed .. (Although as an aside had we been attending a Meat concert for the first time, we would have heard some of the familiar classics .. something for regular concert goers to remember perhaps when saying "Drop Paradise .. etc" I suppose as Meat concert goers the lack of the big early classics in Dylan's set was bound to surprise us )

Performance also disapponted me .. band was good, but we didn't find him so at all. He was pretty static, standing behind a keyboard at the side of the stage for a lot of the time, but cme to the front for his fans at the end.

lol- When you said "icon", I had a feeling you were talking about Bob. Your comments are very typical to others I've read. Good point that if you had been on his fanboard, you would have known what to expect.

Originally Posted by CarylB

As to fear of meeting "idols" .. I'm not someone who's ever hung around waiting to see any performer, because I've never had the desire really. The exception is Meat, but wanting to meet him developed because I felt I understood something of the person he is, something of his qualities and values, and wanted to meet someone I thought was a good person who was also exceptionally talented. I wanted to meet the person who takes Meat Loaf on stage I didn't expect to be disappointed, and I wasn't

I'm not someone who's ever hung around the arenas, either, but I did it exactly once (for some of the same reasons you mentioned), and I got to meet Bruce Springsteen, if you can call a handshake and me mumbling, "Thank You", meeting him. I was so nervous! But, as Suzie said, that was all about me (I'm extremely shy), not him. He was really very nice.

That is so cool, Suzie, that you were at Storytellers! That was a chance of a lifetime- you are very lucky. The closest I have ever gotten to Meat was when I had first row once at a concert.

I belong to a couple of fanboards, and there are a couple of others I look at on occasion, but never post. It's a matter of degrees, I guess.

Originally Posted by suzieq

Ok, for the Barry Manilow moment here. I saw him in concert in 08', his version of Mandy was absolutely flawless performance wise, notes wise, lyrics wise. Stunning. And I actually bought his CD because of the conviction. When you connect with an audience through a song, it's very powerful. However, I am no where near subscribing to his fansite or ready to comment on how sexy he is. That's all reserved for the honorable mentioned in the site here. :)

Originally Posted by PanicLord

Another thread mentioned Barry Manilow's cover of Read Em And Weep. This is a good example of how Meat owns a song when he sings it. He wipes the floor with Barry, who otherwise is a decent enough singer and a good showman. But whereas Barry hits each note acceptably, Meat sings the whole thing like his life depends upon it, and really performs the song. So much better.

I saw Barry for the first time last year; it was my husband's Christmas present. My only complaint was that the show was very short- he only sang for about 70 mins. And he is a showman- dancing, singing, etc. But, I liked him the best when he just sat at the piano and sang. Mandy was wonderful, but I thought Weekend in New England was simply stunning. That one song was worth the whole show, IMO. So yes, he connected. But Read "Em and Weep"? Sorry Barry...not so much. I agree with PanicLord- Meat owns that song. But I wonder what I would think of Barry's version had I not heard Meat's first?

I'm also obviously here because I am a Meat Loaf fan, and I will say that his songs have touched me, and that he is a great live performer. However, I am terrible at gushing- online, in person, on paper- any kind of way. I'm horrible at putting my feelings into words. So, just as I said to Bruce, I guess I'll just say, "Thank You."

[Megan]

the thread is what being a fan means to me....
the most important word is ME... each of us have our own opinions on being a fan - this is a fan website free to open discussions and information. I would think the most important thing is to respect Meat and each other. Like some on here i feel an emotional attachment to Meat's work.. right or wrong that's me. I am of the opinion i will like it because it is Meat's work. I am excited for his new CD to come out... watching his tweets shows me how much fun he is having -- IMO that will transcend into his music/CD. I do not imply this is "sucking up" or "kissing ass" it is how i feel. A fan who enjoy Meat's music - and most of his movies (i have a tough time watching him be a bad guy.. but i know they are more fun to play LOL)

thanks for your time :) Megan

[nikox1]

Originally Posted by Megan

the thread is what being a fan means to me....
the most important word is ME... each of us have our own opinions on being a fan - this is a fan website free to open discussions and information. I would think the most important thing is to respect Meat and each other. Like some on here i feel an emotional attachment to Meat's work.. right or wrong that's me. I am of the opinion i will like it because it is Meat's work. I am excited for his new CD to come out... watching his tweets shows me how much fun he is having -- IMO that will transcend into his music/CD. I do not imply this is "sucking up" or "kissing ass" it is how i feel. A fan who enjoy Meat's music - and most of his movies (i have a tough time watching him be a bad guy.. but i know they are more fun to play LOL)

thanks for your time :) Megan

well said, spoken like a new yorker from texas

[Megan]

Originally Posted by nikox1

well said, spoken like a new yorker from texas

Thanks nikox1 :) strange combination i know! ROFL

[nikox1]

Originally Posted by Megan

Thanks nikox1 :) strange combination i know! ROFL

your welcome!! my middle name is strange, so dont worry about it!!