Chuck Klosterman has a look at those kooks who attempt to physically resemble their musical idol, and comes to a conclusion which I think reaches beyond just that phenomenon:
My suspicion is that highly prolific artists – especially ones slagged off by cultural elitists – unknowingly present themselves in such a way that audiences recognise elements of themselves within the sonic iconography. If a musician a) ignores public criticism while b) producing a substantial body of work, an unwavering fanbase will self-select itself. They will see the artist as extra-human, will feel they “understand” how that artist’s music reflects (and replicates) their own experience, and will immerse themselves in the musician’s catalogue.
Don’t miss the photo gallery.
Sad, really sad.
Xorg – do you have a bright orange jumpsuit, or possibly a hideous blue plaid suit of Swedish manufacture in your closet somewhere? When I go out, it’s always pink terri cloth bathrobe with argyle socks. There’s at least one guy in the Marilyn Manson group photo that looks like he crept in through a gateway to another dimension, such as the one seen at the end of the original “Phantasm” movie.
Is it just me? Most of the time I have no clue who those über-fans are supposed do dress like.
O wait, here are the – SPOILER ALERT – answers:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/gallery/2008/may/16/disciples?picture=334199785