A groupie is a die-hard fan of a band or musical performer who is usually female. The term comes from a female affiliating herself with a group, a band. The female is the groupie, while the band is the group. Naturally, not every fan is a groupie, and not every groupie is a woman. Furthermore, there are now groupies for athletes, actors, and, strangely enough, high-profile criminals.
A groupie is thought to be more devoted to her favorite celebrities than a fan. A fan might have all of her favorite band’s albums and a few photos. She or he could also go to all of the band’s shows that are within a reasonable distance of his or her home. A groupie tends to stick close to the band, even going on tour with them. The groupie will try to make conversational or sexual contact with the band, and may become an annoyance virtually stalking band members.
Obsessive groupies will almost certainly engage in sexual activity with any band member, including roadies. Even if they are rejected, the groupie will usually try again in the hopes of being considered a member of the band or important to one of the band members. The relationship between an obsessive groupie and a band is akin to a bad love affair. The obsessive groupie is only interested in things related to the band.
Unfortunately, most popular bands and artists’ “sex, drugs, and rock and roll” atmosphere fuels such groupies. With sex and drugs readily available, a groupie can easily become delusional about her own significance. In Cameron Crowe’s film Almost Famous, the lead groupie, played brilliantly Kate Hudson, overdoses on drugs after being used and then rejected the lead guitarist.
The film is a compassionate look at both men and women losing themselves in their casual use of each other, and their disregard for each other, which is fueled excessive use of both alcohol and drugs. Based on Crowe’s real experiences as a young writer, the film is a compassionate look at both men and women losing themselves in their casual use of each other, and their disregard for each other, which is fueled excessive use of both alcohol and drugs. Crowe comes to the conclusion that these transient relationships are both harmful and tragic. Everyone associated with the band suffers as a result of the groupie environment.
That is not a position shared all musicians or groupies. Many people say their experiences have been incredible and that they wouldn’t change a thing. For example, Pamela Des Barres’ novel I’m with The Band is a positive portrayal of the sexually charged groupie culture of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Des Barres does not spare the reader from excessive detail about her sexual escapades in the book, which is very frank. The book reads more like bragging about a lifestyle than a statement of regret for her decisions. Many band members undoubtedly take advantage of sexual intercourse offers. During KISS’s tours, Gene Simmons claims to have had sexual relations with over 4000 women.
While there are still plenty of groupies, the post-HIV era requires a little more caution. Some of the best musicians, such as Queen’s Freddy Mercury, died of AIDS-related complications. Mercury’s chances of contracting HIV were almost certainly increased years of unprotected sexual intercourse with multiple partners. Many musicians have attempted to reform their lifestyles since his death, or at the very least have been more cautious in their approach to casual sex with groupies.