Music Blogs

Being an idol is dangerous business. Aside from the endless hours on tour, countless interviews, and miles of red carpet walks, there are the fans. Music fans are a double-edged sword. Without them, bands would be playing to five people on a Thursday bingo night instead of  a packed stadium.

But fans come at a price - sometimes a deadly one. Their enthusiasm often crosses the line into fanaticism. As a result, musicians end up seeking shelter from the very people who provide their way of life. Here's a look at some moments where fans have gone bad.

Should celebrities be treated like politicians and get special police protection? [Poll]

Note to all of you potential stalkers out there: check yourself. If you're a grown woman carrying a photo of the Jonas Brothers in your purse, you may want to think twice. All of you dudes stealing your daughter's Hannah Montana posters? Get a life. And a shrink.

Miley Cyrus
There's no doubt that Miley Cyrus has legions of 'tween fans who are all capable of going mental at any moment. Count my daughter among them. However, one fan recently crossed the line.  Earlier this year, 53-year old Mark McLeod was arrested outside the set of Cyrus' new film "The Last Song." He claimed he we engaged to the 16-year old who accepted his proposal through "secret messages" on her TV show. Another reason to skip "Hannah Montana" this season.

 

Leona Lewis
Winning the British talent show "The X Factor" has sent Leona Lewis' career into overdrive. Since her 2006 victory, Lewis has been nominated for three Grammy Awards and has sold over 6 million records. All of Lewis' fans were happy to line up on October 14 to get a glimpse of the diva and pick up a copy of her book, "Dreams." Everyone except 29-year old Peter Kowalczyk who punched Lewis in the face. Apparently, Kowalczyk was turned down by "X Factor" producers. Isn't he punching the wrong person? 

John Lennon
Lennon's tragic death is the most horrific example of a fan turning against his idol. On December 8, 1980, Lennon was shot dead outside of his New York apartment building by fan-turned-stalker Mark David Chapman. Lennon had signed an autograph for Chapman earlier that evening. By Chapman's own delusional admission, he was upset at Lennon for both his '66 statement that the Beatles were "bigger than Jesus" and Lennon's song "God" in which the former Beatle renounced his belief in the Fab Four and religion.

 

George Harrison
Harrison's fan attack didn't end as tragically as John Lennon's but it left lasting emotional and physical scars for the Quiet Beatle. In 1999, Michael Abram broke into Harrison's home, woke him, then stabbed him repeatedly until his wife, Olivia, beat Abram off and police arrived. Harrsion suffered  a punctured lung and made few public appearances afterwards. Abrams was admitted to a psychiatric ward and later released in 2002.

Noel Gallagher
In mid-performance at last year's Virgin Festival in Canada, an overzealous fan pushed Noel Gallagher offstage. Surprisingly, brother Liam came his brother's defense by taking a swing at the stage crasher. After being cleared off by security, Oasis' show resumed without incident. Noel's used to violence. He was punched by a fan at 1994 gig. Plus, there are all the brawls with Liam. Maybe Noel will find peace in his new solo career.





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