Show Stories – Groupie?

groupie \ˈgrü-pē\ noun 1. a fan of a rock group who usually follows the group around on concert tours; 2. an admirer of a celebrity who attends as many of his or her public appearances as possible; 3. enthusiast, aficionado

A couple years ago, my husband played his hometown fair. It was a dream come true for him. Being a smaller town, I thought perhaps the local newspaper would want to do a feature news article on “local boy doing big things” as part of their promotions of the show. I mean, what would be a bigger draw than seeing someone in the national artist’s band who grew up in the town that the fair is being held?

New Years Eve -- Blake Shelton
FANS pack a show

As part of the article, the reporter for the newspaper did a phone interview with me. It felt a little weird to be the one being asked the questions as opposed to asking them myself! It was a neat experience, though, until she asked THE question. The one that I admit, I snapped over.

“So… were you a groupie?”

I’d been asked that question before, and I’ve been asked that question countless times since then. It’s an innocent enough question, I suppose, but the word “groupie” in the music-sense has just this negative connotation. It doesn’t help when that question is asked with a snicker.

Groupie… *snicker*

UGH! Talk about being offended!

I can’t remember now what I told the reporter, but I remember that I snapped and quickly set her straight. I made it clear the question was actually offensive in nature. Being a groupie implies that you follow a band around and you spend all your energy attempting to insert yourself into that band’s world. Oftentimes, its implied you’re actively trying to get close to the artist via the band… doing absolutely ANYTHING in takes to get “in the inner circle.”

Being a groupie is not the same as truly being a friend of a band member. Being a groupie is not even the same as being a FAN of an artist. Being a groupie CERTAINLY could not be further from being the spouse of a band member.

I was not, nor will I ever be, “a groupie.” It’s pretty much a dirty word within the music industry; it’s insulting to imply that of someone. As I said, I’ve been asked the question a million times, and I know I’ll be asked a million more times in the years. I accept that fact. However, I will never “like” that question. Never.

7 thoughts on “Show Stories – Groupie?”

  1. Well said Denise!! I have to agree as I, myself, have been asked this question by people or actually been called that by people. My vision of a “groupie” from years ago is a person chasing an artist or band to “sleep” with them. Definitely is not something that I have ever been or will ever be. Don’t get me wrong, we have made some great friends by being fans of Mark Wills, but we never intended to come across as or tried to be groupies. If anyone has that thought of me (us) then they are very, very wrong!!

    1. AMEN!!!

      There is a distinct difference between fan, friend, and groupie. You don’t have to hang around too long to figure it out. I just don’t get why people don’t realize how offensive the title “groupie” can be. Hopefully SOMEONE out there will read this and understand. I hope.

  2. Denise, I too agree that the term “groupie” is very negative. Sounds as though you have no goals or no life of your own. I am proud of you understanding that and standing up for yourself and others that certainly do not belong in that group.

  3. Love this! It’s like that time someone asked if I visited you just to be a groupie to Craig and whoever he was playing for at the time. I remember I was first shocked that they’d ask, and then I felt insulted – as if I can’t visit my friend without it seeming like manipulation. I remember saying something about “No… I came to see my best friend. I haven’t even seen so-and-so in concert. It’d be fun, I guess, but not why I’m here.” It’s like all of a sudden who you are doesn’t matter anymore. I don’t remember the specifics now, but it was the first time I flew to Nashville, I think. Just drove me crazy!

    1. WOW!!! That floors me as well! It IS insulting. BIG time! Crazy! But great answer back… its a shame people can’t take things at face value sometimes and they always look for some sort of ulterior motive.

  4. @Denise
    It’s kind of like someone, who is an aquaintance to a person I’m very close friends with, thinks we’re on the same level, when we’re totally not. To me, THAT person is a groupie or “wannabe” – not me. LOL

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