Well intended fan interaction can turn into a security problem, as in Josh Groban's case. (photo: Rachel/NCGrobanFan)
It is no secret that I am a huge fan of Josh Groban; what you'd call a Grobanite. I've been a member of his official internet fan community since 2002 and official fan club member since 2004.
Grobanites have, since the beginning I guess, had a reputation of being 'crazy' in terms of how much they're willing to do for Josh and how far they're willing to travel to catch a glimpse of him - that,
and the fact that a lot of these people are women in their 40's and 50's seems to fascinate the media. There's a lot of inside jokes and made-up words; I don't blame people for thinking we're a crazy bunch.
But it's ALWAYS been about the music. Josh's voice was the one thing that caught our attention, that brought us together, the reason why we keep going to his concerts.
Or so I thought
Lately I've read stories that have shocked me so much I still can't grasp what was said; it's unbelieveable: People who are so persistent and stubborn with their gift-giving that they refuse to let Josh go on with the concert until he's unwrapped every little present and heard the story behind every little item. People who try to grab his private parts as he's sitting on the edge of the stage. People heavily influenced by alcohol licking his leg, trying to fondle his thighs.
The last two incidents shocked me the most, especially when it was revealed
that in the first case, the so-called fan in question had done it NOT because she couldn't control herself,
but purposely to "give him a scare". Is it suddenly ok to sexually assault the artist at a concert??
This goes for Grobanites and other equally intense fan communities - It's OK to have fun at a concert, but please RESPECT whoever's up there on stage.
For once, let it all be about the music.
