Fan Musings: Joined at the Heart
When a performer leaves a group or decides to stop performing, it is a loss in many ways for fans. It was a part of life that we were used to. And when it's not there anymore, it can be unsettling. Different. Sad. Empty for awhile. You even can go through a mourning phase.
I'm reminded of when I last felt this way, in 1987. That February, Garrison Keillor announced he was closing up "A Prairie Home Companion". He was tired at the time and felt it was time to stop. He had also fallen in love and wanted to live in Denmark for awhile. This brought forth a outpouring of heartbreak, sadness, sense of loss for fans who took Garrison and his many regular performers into their homes every week on the radio airwaves. The tributes poured in and a farewell broadcast gave us all a chance to cry and say goodbye. (Luckily for us though, Garrison's "retirement" did not last and he is back on the air).
One of the more touching tributes I saw during that time was a simple letter written by a fan in a commemorative magazine for Prairie Home Companion. The letter closed with a special wish for Garrison: "remember that the Father is only a prayer away." It made me cry. Many experience the same emotions when someone leaves a group, takes a break, etc.
So, why do we feel this way? Most of us have never even met these people we feel these feelings about. Somewhere, somehow, they have struck a responsive emotional chord deep inside. Some call it "anointing". For others, the feeling is unspeakable. The waters run deep. We even share this with other fans, people we may never meet face to face, but the common feelings join us by our hearts.
Artists have noted people loving them unconditionally even though they were not family. Fans tend to do that, too. I know when someone gets into my heart, he or she stays there. And through the changes, whether it be musical, creative, marital status, age, etc. I have always retained a loyalty, a deep caring. We do love them in a unique way, even though we may not always like or agree with what they say or do. And sometimes we tell them so. Because it matters. Because we care enough to notice. Just like those who are close personally.
But remember something: creative people need to grow. That is what makes them what they are. To bind them in a cage and not allow them to spread those wings is unfair. And we could be missing out on wonderful and new things to come forth. So keep them close through the changes. Keep loving them and praying for them.
--Wendy V