Here's a theory: the most committed fans of a band-not the casual CD shoppers, but the true believers-get drawn into fandom because something about the band's character resonates with their own. They have something besides musical taste in common. You could expect U2 fans to share values or traits associated with U2-a hunger for social justice, say, or a need to communicate on a large scale.
Case in point: U2 are ambitious. They are possibly the most ambitious band out there (given how so few others are vocal about their quest to be Best Band in the World). So, too, U2 fan Heather Beekink is ambitious. She spearheaded a campaign to get thousands, if not millions, of fellow fans around the world to take to the streets. They would all do so on the same day and force government leaders to do more for Africa's multiple crises by the sheer power of raised voices.
Ambition doesn't always reward you with what you had in mind. It does, however, tend to get better results than apathy.
The story of the Dream Out Loud Protest/Rally, which really did happen November 12th [2002] at noon (even if not quite as it was envisioned), can serve as a primer for others out there with a gleam in their eye. If you're thinking big, pay attention to the hard-learned lessons of this experience.
Full article in @U2's archive here.
Posted by eshtine at April 8, 2003 06:38 AM