Pet Shop Boys Community

Spurred by a comment by our illustrious Drico, I wondered about what makes a "hardcore" fan of a band.

The AI generated definition (below) is such that either any one of us could call ourselves that of the PSB's, or not, if you take that definition to its extremities.
EDIT: just for clarity I used AI as a launch point to define this to save time. I'm not suggesting AI is in any way giving an accurate definition.

I'm committed to PSB up to a certain point, but there is a line I have to draw. I'd say many of the attributes below do not align with my "relationship" with Neil and Chris.

Be interested to see what everyone's take is on this.

A hardcore fan of a music band typically exhibits several key attributes that show deep dedication and passion for that band. Some common traits include:

Extensive Knowledge: Hardcore fans know everything about the band— from their discography (including rare or unreleased tracks), to the band's history, personal lives of band members, interviews, and even the band's influences and inspirations.

Frequent Concert Attendance: They often attend concerts, sometimes even traveling long distances to see the band perform. They may go to multiple shows during a tour and stay connected with tour dates.

Merchandise Collection: Hardcore fans usually own a large collection of band-related merchandise such as limited edition albums, concert posters, clothing, vinyl records, or other rare items.

Social Media Engagement: They follow the band on social media and are active in fan groups or forums, sharing content, discussing band news, and interacting with other fans. Some may even be involved in fan-driven campaigns or projects.

Emotional Connection: For hardcore fans, the band's music has a deeper emotional significance. The lyrics might resonate with them personally, and the music could serve as a soundtrack to key life moments.

Support for the Band's Work: They actively buy albums, attend new releases, and promote the band by recommending them to others. They often purchase the band's music in various formats (digital, vinyl, CD, etc.) to show support.

Knowledge of Band Members: Hardcore fans tend to know detailed information about the band members, including their solo projects, side projects, and personal interests.

Involvement in Fan Culture: They often participate in fan art, tribute videos, or fan-based events like meet-ups, listening parties, and fan conventions.

Commitment to the Band’s Message: Many hardcore fans align themselves with the band’s message, whether it be the band's political stance, cultural influence, or overall philosophy, making them advocates for the band’s values.

Deep Passion and Loyalty: They will defend the band against critics and remain loyal even through changes in musical style or lineup changes, believing in the authenticity or the evolution of the band.

Extensive Knowledge: yes, certainly
Frequent Concert Attendance: yes, sort of. I do have to travel far because of where I live but I'm not a prolific concert goer
Merchandise Collection: nope, never been interested. I only want the Music.
Social Media Engagement:Well, here we are
Emotional Connection: One would expect so but I've come to realise that it's not the case for me. When I heare West End girls on the radio it mostly feels as fresh as back in the mid 80's. Crazy.
Support for the Band's Work: Of course I buy the stuff but I never really talk about them to others etc
Knowledge of Band Members: sort of but nothing extreme
Involvement in Fan Culture: not really. I've met other fans occasionally Before Concerts etc
Commitment to the Band’s Message: yes I do agree with most of their political stance
Deep Passion and Loyalty: difficult to assess when it comes to PSB, it's just been the two of them forever. I don't feel the extreme need anymore to like absolutely Everything they've done but I do appreciate them going in other directions and thereby helping me discover and perhaps starting to enjoy different genres.

I don't really care about whatever AI stuff you generated there,
but my definition of a proper Pet Head is a fan who meets certain criteria.
They're familiar with all the works of PSB and continue to follow the band's every move.
That's enough for me to class them as a hardcore fan.

I'm not in the top tier of dedicated fans, as I haven't met Neil/Chris nor have I read every Literally.
I can't name every collaborator, producer or director. I know most of them though.
I chalk up the fact I haven't read the books and publications to just not being someone who reads books.
I've listened to every radio documentary, interview, TV appearance & radio appearance though.
I have my collection of PSB media. I've listened to the unreleased demos and leaks.

I'd say I'm a hardcore fan. I think most of us in this forum are.

I feel part of me is PSB. I've listened to them enough that the music embodies my personality and vice versa.
Listening to PSB reminds me of who I am.
If someone were to recreate me from scratch, PSB would be a big part of it.

All of the above.

There can only be one test:

Did you, or did you not, buy that tea set?

QED

Drico.

I have:

Bought virtually every release on some format or other since Love Comes Quickly

Lost count of how many times I’ve seen them live - especially since the Fundamental tour

Got all the Literallys since they started selling on the official website

Have a load of promotional artwork framed on a wall in my home office / study

Wouldn’t say I was hard core though ! Honest !!

DopeFiend wrote: Wed 19 Feb 2025, 4:28 pm
I feel part of me is PSB. I've listened to them enough that the music embodies my personality and vice versa.
Listening to PSB reminds me of who I am.
If someone were to recreate me from scratch, PSB would be a big part of it.

That sounds spooky.

I cycle on tandems, wear conical hats
Eat wagon wheels with underground rats
Raise an eyebrow with ironic intent
Whilst loving the one who's paying my rent
Yawn in tuxedos white shirt and bow tie
Dream of the Queen who's popped in with Di
I'll dance nude to Stravinsky just for a bet
But I'm damned if I'll buy that fukkin' tea set

daveid wrote: Wed 19 Feb 2025, 8:26 pm I cycle on tandems, wear conical hats
Eat wagon wheels with underground rats
Raise an eyebrow with ironic intent
Whilst loving the one who's paying my rent
Yawn in tuxedos white shirt and bow tie
Dream of the Queen who's popped in with Di
I'll dance nude to Stravinsky just for a bet
But I'm damned if I'll buy that fukkin' tea set

Brava!

Drico One wrote: Wed 19 Feb 2025, 5:54 pm There can only be one test:

Did you, or did you not, buy that tea set?

QED

Drico.

Exactly, over to you Gabby.

daveid wrote: Wed 19 Feb 2025, 8:26 pm I cycle on tandems, wear conical hats
Eat wagon wheels with underground rats
Raise an eyebrow with ironic intent
Whilst loving the one who's paying my rent
Yawn in tuxedos white shirt and bow tie
Dream of the Queen who's popped in with Di
I'll dance nude to Stravinsky just for a bet
But I'm damned if I'll buy that fukkin' tea set

Oh, you sneer at the tea set, a true fan's delight,
But without it, your fandom’s nowhere in sight.
How can you claim loyalty, how can you pretend,
Without that fine teapot, how will it end?

You can cycle on tandems, or wear fancy hats,
But you’ll miss the real magic where true love’s at.
The teacups and saucers, the porcelain dream,
Are what link you to fandom, or so it would seem.

You dream of the Queen and dance nude on a dare,
But where’s your devotion? It’s hiding somewhere!
A Pet Shop Boys fan knows what’s essential, you see,
It’s the damn tea set that seals your decree.

So don’t mock the porcelain, it’s not just for show,
It’s a symbol, a relic, where fandom will flow.
Without it, your loyalty’s weak, at best,
Get the set, join the ranks, and pass the test.


.

There's no hardcore fan or fans, they're just the best, you cannot hate their music.

Gabby wrote: Wed 19 Feb 2025, 9:08 pm

daveid wrote: Wed 19 Feb 2025, 8:26 pm I cycle on tandems, wear conical hats
Eat wagon wheels with underground rats
Raise an eyebrow with ironic intent
Whilst loving the one who's paying my rent
Yawn in tuxedos white shirt and bow tie
Dream of the Queen who's popped in with Di
I'll dance nude to Stravinsky just for a bet
But I'm damned if I'll buy that fukkin' tea set

Oh, you sneer at the tea set, a true fan's delight,
But without it, your fandom’s nowhere in sight.
How can you claim loyalty, how can you pretend,
Without that fine teapot, how will it end?

You can cycle on tandems, or wear fancy hats,
But you’ll miss the real magic where true love’s at.
The teacups and saucers, the porcelain dream,
Are what link you to fandom, or so it would seem.

You dream of the Queen and dance nude on a dare,
But where’s your devotion? It’s hiding somewhere!
A Pet Shop Boys fan knows what’s essential, you see,
It’s the damn tea set that seals your decree.

So don’t mock the porcelain, it’s not just for show,
It’s a symbol, a relic, where fandom will flow.
Without it, your loyalty’s weak, at best,
Get the set, join the ranks, and pass the test.


.
giphy.gif

Weak Loyal Tea?
Pet Shop Boys since 1984 new range...

Drico One wrote: Wed 19 Feb 2025, 5:54 pm There can only be one test:

Did you, or did you not, buy that tea set?

QED

Drico.

'Hardcore', certainly, but possibly one or more of the following: 'gullible', 'brainwashed', 'daft' or 'more money than sense'.

That being said, I do very much regret taking that view about the 'Yes' box set back in the day...


StevePSB

Buying a tea set? Pah. Back in the day the hardcore fan was going through Neil’s rubbish bin.

(Not me).