It’s not just that there aren’t shows this week, it’s that it seems most everyone is on vacation. Well, Daily Duranie is NOT on vacation…yet. 😉
The past several months have truly been a bit of a Duran Duran high for me. When we first began this blogging project, I wasn’t really sure how it was all going to go. I didn’t really know if I’d have enough to say, nor did I know if anyone would really understand what I was writing and actually “get” it. Excitedly, I’m able to report that there are many, many of you out there who are not only as obsessed as I, but you’re willing to admit it, too! I can’t really describe the satisfaction I get from the blog, but it’s added an entirely different dimension to being a fan. I wouldn’t have ever thought I’d be more excited about getting a new album, or more excited about upcoming shows, or even attending those shows, but somehow having the blog has allowed me the opportunity to experience the band both as a fan and as a writer who just happens to be a fan. If I ever thought I was getting tired, which I suppose at one point not that long ago I did feel as though I was getting a little tired and “long in the tooth” for being a fan, blogging has renewed that youthful vigor and enthusiasm!
Then there has been Twitter and Facebook. About 2 years ago, and likely even longer, I admittedly became very critical of the way the band handled, or more truthfully, didn’t handle, their fans. Purely from my point of view – here was a band that had a fairly loyal fan base for the better part of thirty years. I’m sure fans have come and gone over the years, but that’s not really the point. There are fans who have truly been around in support of the band for probably over thirty years now. Maybe they were even around during the Rum Runner days, who knows. (I am sure that there’s got to be someone out there who went to some of those gigs at the Rum Runner and is now sick to death of the rest of us who came along only after they became famous and claim the band as our own!) Yet the band never seemed to make much of a point of reaching out. They seemed pretty content to play the shows, let their minions handle our requests, and would annoyingly say a very quick “hello” on their website on special occasions like their birthdays…and once in a while they’d even throw us a bone or two by blogging. We’d drink the news as though we had just spent a year in the desert and found water, and then immediately cry out of thirst for more. I never felt like the band really noticed, or honestly cared. Many of us grew fond of saying that we were simply the bands paycheck, and in all fairness, that IS how it felt. We learned to understand that our roles were simple: they made the music, and we bought it. No less, no more. I would presume to say that I became more vocal about the disconnect between the fans and the band as time wore on, and this was well before we even began the blog. Then suddenly, the game changed. Apparently Simon joined Twitter last July but never really used his account much, then John joined in the fall. I have to admit, I was completely surprised by the turn of events. It’s funny how one simple thing can change your entire perception, but it’s true.
I daresay that John got on the bandwagon in the nick of time (so many puns in one sentence….is that really even fair??), but he did. I appreciate that he gave the medium a fair chance, and I’m thrilled to see that he realizes it does have it’s place. Simon followed suit, and while they have completely different styles of tweeting, they are both very valuable to the fans. I’ve gotten so used to seeing John’s sudden burst of tweets – and I do often comment back – but typically it’s on Facebook because unlike John, I prefer that medium. (140 characters just isn’t enough. I’m wordy!) I realize he doesn’t read them, and that’s OK. A lot of times I’m commenting for the sake of the other fans on Facebook. If I’m on Twitter, I’ll take the time to comment, but I still don’t expect an answer back. It’s good enough to see he’s answering many other fans out there. I think we’ve all grown to cherish that simple connection, so to speak. Roger is a Facebook guy, which yes – I adore because if you’ve read my blogs at all – you know he’s my favorite. (please insert hearts and flowers and all that preteen girly stuff here.) I comment there as well, full-well knowing that once again, nothing I say is really all that exciting, and yet – I’m still satisfied with that. Mostly. If he ever did comment back – well, it’d be a good day in my house. Just saying. 🙂 Heck, I’d say that about any of them. It’s about the connection.
Oddly though, I think the interaction on Facebook and Twitter has helped them to see the fans as real humans. I realize that to them – we’ve always been those slightly (some more so than others) crazy people that tend to scream when we see them. We’re those women (face it people, most of us ARE women) who will show up at the same bar as they do after shows only to paw at them, watch them as though they are a circus act, and try to run our fingers through their hair. (really?? Do people really do that??!!?) Even so, there are a good many of us out there that haven’t ever participated in any of that, behavior, and most of us are happy just to get a nod or a smile out of them. In return, I think that we see that they too, are human. (all but that Nick Rhodes…I’m still thinking he’s alien….and until he joins the rest of the world on Facebook or Twitter…we may never really know for sure. *envision my evil smile here*) They have moods, they have feelings, and most of all….they have LIVES that don’t involve the fans. Imagine that!!
So, this week, John has imposed a vacation from Twitter on himself. When he first mentioned it, I laughed. Yes, I really did. Mainly because there have been numerous times when I myself have had to do that very same thing. Invariably it’s when they are about to announce a show in my area….but I digress. Then I commented that I thought it was a good idea, and that I hope he followed through with it. And I did! Someone else mentioned that with his addiction, that they didn’t know if he could do it – and I commented back (on Facebook I believe) that the man quit smoking cold turkey. He can be on vacation from Twitter for a little less than a week, easy! I hope he’s enjoying himself. For the rest of us though, I can’t wait until he starts to tweet again because it’s QUIET without him! Yes, I know Simon has been tweeting off and on…and someday, I’m going to open up about my real feelings about that man, but today is not that day. (and I hope when that day comes, my good friend Moocher from DDF will be around to read.)
This week, I’ve had to endure by reading a short tweet from Dom (glad he’s enjoying his week off with his kids), and getting ready for my UK trip. I’d say it was agony, but aside from today (which is crawling along RIDICULOUSLY slow), it’s been good. I’ve ordered 5 pairs of shoes so far, and bought most of my travel sized stuff for my trip. My husband has a message for the band though, and that’s to *never* take time off of Twitter again. 🙂
The real question is – will John actually come back from this vacation with a TAN?!? Is that even possible?!? 😀 (please don’t hurt me, John fans…it was meant as a friendly joke!!) We will have to see…..
-R
