Oh, You Music Lovers!

Recently, I was sifting through Facebook while doing all the normal interwebby-series-of-tubey things I do. I came across a posting of a Tool fan who ranted about the nature of some Tool fans who had gone so completely overboard with their obsessiveness that they seemed like cultists and became rather annoying to those who just wanted to honestly love Tool and live out the rest of their lives. The conversation degenerated, of course, but it was thought provoking.

As a Tool fan myself, I know exactly where these other fans are coming from. I could go down that road myself if I so chose. I could quit any semblance of building for my future, name any kids I have "Maynard," follow the band on any tour, and get Lateralus tattoos all over my body. I don't do this because I think for myself, incorporate many opinions into my world view, and generally do not think Maynard is a prophet. Tool is an ubertalented band, my favorite for sure, but that doesn't mean I must devote my life to them.

To get back on track, at no point in time should a music fan ever become so obsessed with a particular band that they scorn anyone who doesn't love that band, and speak of the band as if they're on a higher plane. I shouldn't be able to listen to you, exchange every "Maynard" for "Jesus" and think you were hella on fire for God. That of course, could go with anything, be it sports teams, your own country, or whatever you may think of.

And of course, it is perfectly OK to have things you love affect you. For example, I think who I am has been largely defined by a small number of fictional characters in fantasy novels that I read when I was young. I said: "I admire that person, and will attempt to emulate their morals and standards as much as possible," perhaps subconsciously. Originally it was Kerbouchard, from Louis L'Amour's amazing book, "The Walking drum." Or Richard Cypher, from the Sword of Truth books, for example.

What books/songs/bands/people have had such an impact on your life, that they shape and model the very way you think and act?