Ten top music artists who had many fans turn on them

Before we proceed, please be aware that some parts to come could potentially elevate your heart rate. Some readers may find it disagreeable that I’ve included certain popular musicians in the list that follows.

In this manner, I’ve tried to simplify and make the text more conversational while maintaining its original intent.

Regarding these artists, it’s important to note that opinions vary greatly, and while they’ve garnered immense love and admiration, their popularity has waned in some circles. However, this doesn’t diminish their ongoing success, as you’ll see from the examples provided.

Over time, it’s common for fans to lose interest in an artist they initially admired. This can happen due to various factors. For instance, as artists evolve and experiment with different styles, their work might venture into areas that we no longer find appealing or appreciate. On the other hand, it could be that our personal preferences and tastes have evolved, causing us to no longer connect with the artist’s work. In some cases, an artist’s sudden rise to fame might lead fans to perceive them as having “sold out,” and we may choose to distance ourselves from that success.

Ten top artists we loved and then went cold on

As a devoted fan, I’ve come across instances where my admiration for an artist or band member takes an unexpected turn. Sometimes, their actions or words don’t align with my values, or simply put, they aren’t individuals I can connect with anymore. In compiling this list, I’ve steered clear of artists embroiled in major sexual misconduct scandals, as this isn’t about the shock factor cooling off, but rather personal disillusionment. Here’s a list of ten artists whose work I once cherished, but for various reasons, have grown distant from.

Coldplay

Coldplay kick-started their career spectacularly with the debut of “Parachute” in 2000. The sequel, “A Rush Of Blood To The Head,” released in 2002, was equally impressive. Many excellent tracks on these albums significantly contributed to the band’s rise. Their third offering, “X&Y,” came three years later in 2005, signifying a move towards a more grandiose or stadium-worthy sound and style.

Without a doubt, it’s clear that the band hasn’t been experiencing success lately; quite the opposite. They continue to embark on global tours, draw impressive crowds, deliver stellar concerts, and produce an abundance of new music, keeping them at the forefront of the musical scene. However, their third album and subsequent growth seemed to shift people’s perspective of the band.

On most online platforms, you’ll often find Coldplay and their music being negatively criticized by numerous people. They are frequently called bland, commercial, annoying, and formulaic. However, it’s not uncommon to see supporters defending the band and praising their live performances as exceptional. I personally agree with this, and so do countless others. Yet, they still receive a rather frosty reception from many quarters.

Arctic Monkeys

Around 2005 and 2006, Arctic Monkeys gained popularity online in a viral manner. Their music and reputation spread rapidly across the internet. Known for their hard-hitting indie sound with a touch of post-punk swagger, they quickly became a preferred choice among many. Early successful albums, singles, and the catchy “I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor” contributed significantly to their rise in mainstream success.

The band’s transformation in style and genre over time is clearly evident, as demonstrated by the stark differences in their performances at Glastonbury in 2013 and 2023.

In 2022, their seventh studio album, titled The Car, was categorized as art/baroque rock and lounge pop. The album’s appearance and sound seemed artistic, pompous, and more grandiose compared to their earlier, harder sounds. This shift was a stark departure for many long-time fans, who felt disappointed by the change and lost interest, although it did attract some new listeners and they continue to maintain popularity.

Oasis

In the 1990s, Oasis gained significant fame due to their captivating music, style, and initial pair of albums that caught everyone’s attention. The first two albums, namely “Definitely Maybe” and “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory“, were as impressive as one could expect. However, things began to wane after that. Their subsequent album, “Be Here Now“, didn’t live up to the expectations set by their earlier works, and the band’s cool factor seemed to diminish in people’s eyes. Oasis had passed their prime, and perhaps the public grew tired of the sibling rivalries within the band.

Over the last couple of months, there’s been a significant increase in enthusiasm and favorable sentiments towards the band. This surge is primarily due to announcements about upcoming concerts next year. However, this excitement has been somewhat tempered by excessive ticket pricing and clear ticket scalping. As for Liam and Noel Gallagher, I wouldn’t go so far as to say reconciliation just yet, but we’ll have to wait and see what unfolds during the summer.

U2

A remarkably thriving musical group. Their rise to fame started from playing modest gigs with intense vitality, culminating in residencies in Las Vegas – quite an incredible odyssey it has been. Initially identified as a band for the people, they appear to have moved away, maybe becoming more didactic and affected, or is that just Bono’s persona?

As a devoted fan, I can confidently say that their early albums resonate deeply with us, still holding a special place in our hearts. The band boasted an impressive array of powerful anthems, all characterized by The Edge’s exceptional guitar work and unique style. However, it seems to be a shared opinion among fans that later releases strayed from the band’s strengths, failing to reach the same level of impact.

One perspective is that there’s much room for debate regarding which albums are considered good or not. Personally, I believe the quality remained solid until the 1983 album “War” was released, after which it seemed to decline. However, many will undoubtedly have a different opinion on this matter. The release of “Songs Of Innocence” in 2014 to everyone’s iTunes accounts is an example where opinions significantly shifted – from positive to negative. A free album might have been expected to generate enthusiasm, but instead, it sparked backlash. This marked a noticeable change in public sentiment, yet the album still achieved significant commercial success.

Manic Street Preachers

There’s a possibility I could face a ban in Wales, home to Manic Street Preachers, for featuring them in this context. It’s a contentious decision. Moreover, the situation could potentially reverse itself in the near future as well.

Established back in 1986, they recently released their 15th studio album titled “Critical Thinking“. With nearly four decades of musical output, it’s understandable that there might have been a few missteps. However, they’ve certainly had some impressive high points – one UK chart-topper among them, along with several albums that reached the top five. They even managed to score a couple of number-one singles as well.

Celebrating their achievements is indeed warranted, given the challenges they faced following Richey Edwards’ mysterious disappearance in 1995. The band has managed to thrive despite this unexpected setback. However, there’s a sense that they have been attempting to recreate the same album repeatedly. In simpler terms, their more recent albums haven’t been as captivating as earlier works, and they seem to have faded from some fans’ attention.

Perhaps it seems stern, but it’s an opinion I’ve come across frequently. The new album titled “Critical Thinking” could potentially be a saving grace. Initially, it appears vibrant, innovative, and a revisit to their earlier style. It might just be that the Manics are warming us up once more.

Morrissey

People have a deep affection for Morrissey’s early work and the band, the Smiths. Their music was iconic and hugely popular during the 1980s. All four of their albums released back then received critical acclaim and were adored by fans. Johnny Marr, the guitarist, is widely regarded as a musical legend and has collaborated with numerous other artists on their recordings.

Later comes Morrissey, who initially served as the band’s main frontman. Known for his distinctive style, appearance, demeanor, and challenge to conventional rock star behavior, he was often referred to as ‘this charming man’. However, over time, opinions about him have shifted, with many viewing him as less endearing and even somewhat rude.

The singer’s contrasting perspectives on life, immigration, and other conservative social issues have led several fans of the band to disassociate themselves from him. Additionally, disagreements with Marr regarding trademarks and The Smiths’ intellectual property rights have not made things easier.

Guns N’ Roses

The band really gained momentum when their debut album, “Appetite For Destruction,” made it big. It wasn’t until more than a year later that the album started selling well, eventually moving over 30 million copies post its initial slow start. Guns N’ Roses then proved themselves as an exceptional live act, continued to produce fantastic albums, and held sway in the realm of rock music.

However, the band faced a series of challenges that turned public opinion against them. Their habitual tardiness for shows along with the Riverport riot ignited by Axl Rose’s sudden exit during a performance tarnished their image among fans. To add fuel to the fire, they postponed a tour, experienced internal conflicts, and reassembled at different times.

It became clear to many that the quality of the music wasn’t as impressive as initially believed; instead, it seemed to decline gradually over time. While they can still put on a great live performance, it’s somewhat unpredictable, and there’s a risk involved in purchasing tickets, hoping for a night worth remembering.

Kings of Leon

In 2003, the Followill brothers made a splash with their exceptional first album, titled “Youth & Young Manhood“. Their unique blend of bluesy, garage rock with a southern twist, coupled with their enchanting, peculiar vocals, won many hearts and made us fans of the band. Subsequent albums were well-received, but by their third album, some changes in their style started to raise questions and concerns among listeners.

As a die-hard fan, I’ve got to admit, their fourth album, “Only By The Night,” was a game-changer, drawing in crowds left and right. But, it’s the smash hit “Sex On Fire” that seems to have stirred up some chilly feelings among us early supporters. It may have expanded their fanbase, but it seemed to lose touch with those of us who followed them from the start.

I enjoy both the song and the album, but some might find it too commercially appealing. There’s often a sense of satisfaction in discovering an up-and-coming band and keeping them secret, which can be lost when they become more widely known. It seems that Kings Of Leon may have fallen into this category for some people.

Journey

It’s quite astonishing to comprehend the remarkable success of Journey. With more than 100,000 albums sold globally, their achievements are simply impressive. Clearly, there’s a demand for skillfully crafted power ballads, but it’s also important to note that such popularity has its expiration date.

The particular music genre they adopted might have played a role in the band receiving significant criticism in recent times, as they are frequently accused of succumbing to commercial pressures. Their later work is often seen as overly sentimental and cheesy, bordering on parody. To some extent, Jonathan Cain shares this blame, as his songwriting has been perceived as steering them towards that path.

Steve Perry himself acknowledges some criticism, too. His powerful voice was often overshadowed by some grating qualities, such as being criticized for self-indulgence. Fans perceived the band as growing too commercial and prioritizing profits over artistry. To add to the mix, their most popular song, “Don’t Stop Believin’,” eventually became one of those repetitive tracks that started to grate on listeners’ nerves after repeated plays.

Red Hot Chili Peppers

This band might have a unique twist compared to others. Many individuals will argue they’ve never been fond of the Red Hot Chili Peppers since day one. However, with more than 120 million records sold globally, it’s clear they achieved immense success, which suggests not everyone disliked them. Their innovative way of blending different music genres such as funk, rock, punk, hints of metal, and even a taste of hip-hop in their albums has kept their sound fresh and diverse.

Initially, their unique style drew a significant audience and loyal fan base, but opinions eventually shifted. I believe the primary factor causing fans to lose interest was simply recognizing that they weren’t particularly skilled. Additionally, their immature vulgarity, evident in both their music and performances, might have played a role in turning people away.

Perhaps what I mean is, maybe their blend of various styles and genres doesn’t seem cohesive or effective in any aspect. Their early live shows might have been characterized by a shock factor, but that seems to be absent now, leaving behind repetitive improvisations and jamming sessions on stage as a nuisance instead. Sure, they continue to sell out arenas and attract fans, but at times it appears as though they are merely going through the motions for financial reasons.

2025-02-16 14:01