Should those musicians who have died be hero-worshipped?

Question

I'm a massive Joy Division/New Order fan, and so I have noticed (and embraced) the obsession that there seems to be with dead celebrities and musicians.
My question- should they recieve the adulation and worship they do. With Joy Division in particular, this hero-worship seems to create the image of an immortal hero and most fans forget they were human, especially with Ian Curtis, and also that they had weaknesses and lives off-stage.
On the other hand, this fan worship keeps their memory alive.
What do you think. I'm actually writing an essay on this, so any answer would be appreciated!

If you want, give reasons. It helps.
Also, I'm guilty of hero worship, so I'm not completely exhonorated.

I'm NOT trying to dismiss the work of these artists.

Answer 1

I know what you mean to some extent.
I too felt the pangs when Curtis left us. Likewise with Syd Barrett, Johnny Cash, Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye, Lennon, Harrison, Michael Hutchence and so on.

And further back the likes of Hedrix, Morrison, Gram Parsons, Billie Holiday, Ray Charles, Sinatra, Janis Joplin... even if their deaths were brought about by their constant need for risk taking! It is probably what brought them close to the edge of 'the Norm' (where the rest of us pretend we live) - and that is why they hold a special place... rather like the Shaman of old (and I don't mean the 'Phorever People') who would go to the edge of the darkness, even to the veil of death itself to bring back healing and stories for the tribe.

In a similar vein, I was also saddened by the loss of Steve Irwin last week.

But to hero-worship them? No. Respect them, perhaps... But to forget that they were human is to forget why they were here and what they had to say.

Not saints, no such things as sinners. No-one's slave, no-ones master.
Just people. Who sometimes had something interesting to say on just what 'being human' meant.

Answer 2

I loved Joy Division. Ian Curtis was great. I don't care for New Order, too fluffy for me. They had some good stuff of course.

You pose a very good question. I understand and I suppose I even myself have been a hero worshipper. I remember having a Quaalude hangover, when I picked up the morning newspaper to read about the death of John Lennon. If any modern era music star deserved to be worshipped, it would be he.
Many others are deserving, of course the usual suspects. James Dean (non musician), Sinatra, Morrison, Joplin, Hendrix and other greats that were truly "great".
Now it seems as soon as a star dies, they are vaulted to greatness, deserving or not. I was a big Nirvana fan, but I do not think Kurt Cobain deserved the worshipping he has received. Damn good band, in my opinion, not great. Small library of work, but I just don't think he is in the categories of the other mentioned stars. Same for that comedian Will Farley, a mediocre comedian who now is revered, why, cause he died prematurely?
Hero worshipping is a good thing, it passes on knowledge to younger people, and that is a priceless thing. And we live in a free country, we can worship whoever we want. Granted it oftentimes celebrates mediocrity, but all in all it is a good thing.

Answer 3

Excellent music will always be immortalized.

The writers and performing artists may tag along. It's the music and/or the arrangement by the artist.

If one did a poll on music, how many would remember the song and music, but could not name the writer or the artist? Most may remember the artist if they had ever seen them in person, or if they had been at the top of an era with several long standing hits.

Each generation will have their favorites.

Answer 4

This remind me of something that has recently happened. I live in Argentina and this week was the 10th anniversary of the death of Gilda, a singer of what we call "tropical" music. She died in an accident when she was in her 30s. And she became a true star after she passed away. The interesting thing is that I saw in the news when people were in the cemetery commemorating this, and some people even considered her some kind of saint, they said they pray to her, for help with various problems.

Answer 5

Don't you think hero worship is a way for a ardent fan to cope with the loss of someone influential in their lives who is no longer around. Being a big INXS fan i still listen to their music, buy their new stuff, go to concerts because in doing so it makes me feel somewhat closer to that missing indivivdual even though i'd never met him. It would grieve me to never hear his music again, so why should't we hero-worship now and again who does it hurt NOBODY.

Answer 6

i dont think they should be worshiped but thir music should still be playd and they should be honerd. Think on the lines of singers like 2pac and Notorius BIG. thir music is still in the air waves and u never hear anyone complaining. if a singer dies is only respectfull for us an humans to continue remembaring them through thir music............ OR do you think other wise?? Pliz reply.

Thanx

Lein

Answer 7

no...after all they are just like u and me...only human...

Answer 8

no