Fan clubs, they have been around for a very long time. Back in the day, one would join a fan club and write to their favorite star, they would in return get newsletters, contest to enter and maybe a "signed" photo. Sometimes you might even get other little things that would make a kid and/or teen heart pound with excitement Getting that special thing just for them, from their star was just the best thing ever.
I remember those days. I myself was in a few; Donny and Marie Osmond (hey I was a little kid), Michael Jackson (newsletters and a certificate) and New Kids On The Block (a "signed" photo, a membership card, a birthday card every year, newsletters etc). Even though it was "meaningless" things, it would brighten up my day. For those few moments, my worries, fears and bad days of a bullied insecure girl were washed away. Never in my wildest dreams would I think that when I grew up, I could still be in a fan club and get even more out of it than I did when I was a kid.
Things have changed A LOT since the 70's - 80's. Today, fan clubs are online. To get updates on your favorite star (sports person etc), all you have to do is follow them on twitter, facebook and other social medias. Fan clubs online are pretty much like they used to be back in the day except you get your info, join contest etc right away. There is only one that I have joined since being an adult and I am more than happy that I did (more on that later).
I really don't know much about what goes on in other fan clubs but by reading about the FC, I can tell they are your average fan club. The only difference is, you get to interact with other fans. This can actually be great a thing. Talking with people from other parts of the world, meeting new people who share the same interest and maybe even making new friends. Those things are priceless. It's what you get out of one that really matters.
That being said, the way some of the fan clubs are being run is not so great. Different clubs do different things that make it not so great. There is one fan club though that I personally love, think it's the best and will never forget. Darren Hayes.
If you don't know who he is, here is a run down: In the 90's there was a band called Savage Garden. They had hits like, 'Truly, Madly, Deeply' and 'I knew I love you'. Darren was the singer. After the break up shortly after their second album, Darren went on to do his own music. He's made four amazing albums and one digital side project that just recently was released on CD.
I have been a fan since the 90's. Didn't know he went solo until 2007 (see an older blog about this journey click here). When I re-discovered him, I fell in love with his music all over again. I couldn't join his fan club when I found out there was one. I could be wrong but I believe I joined the club in 2009. I am so glad I did.
I had no idea what to expect. This might sound crazy but I was also nervous and a little scared. Nervous and scared to join a fan club? Yes. I have social anxiety although I just recently discovered this and just thought I was really shy. The thought of interacting with anybody can really scare me. Knowing this, I not only just wanted to join his fan club but I HAD to join.
Everyone there welcomed me and was very nice. I knew some people from myspace so that made it a little easier. It was like going to the first day of school (without the bullying) and seeing a few people from the year before and not knowing others.
I have now been there for about four years. Even though it has been a short time, the FC has meant a lot to me for different reasons. It's a family. A lot of us understands where each one comes from, having similar backgrounds. If one needs to vent happy, sad, fear etc, we know there is always someone there to listen. As scared as I have been, I have been able to push myself and go out of my comfort zone. That alone has been a ride.
The people that run the FC including Darren's sister, has been amazing. They work really hard, have done an awesome job and I very much appreciate it. Everyone is so sweet. Darren, the person that brought us together. I just can't say enough how thankful I am. He is one of us. He is down to earth, very funny, caring, understanding and is willing to listen when we need to talk. He is an inspiration and a beautiful person inside and out. He is more like a friend than someone who is in the public eye if that makes sense. Sometimes it is very hard for me to get the right words out. I don't think I would be the person I am if I didn't have the awesome experiences in the FC.
For me, it's not a FC, it's another family. When it closes, I will miss it. I know there still will be something there, I will still be able to talk to some of the people I have gotten to know and Darren will still be around but it won't be quite the same. I am very thankful and grateful for time spent there and everything that came with it.
I know everyone not only needs a break but deserves one. I wish everyone who has helped run the FC and all the fans the very best. I can't what what's to come for 2014. Darren, I hope your new dreams will come true. Thank you for everything you do. You are really an amazing guy.
Here's to the past and the future with new and different journeys.
