Fandom, Image and Authenticity: Joy Devotion and the Second Lives of Kurt Cobain and Ian Curtis

Pop Music, Culture and Identity

by Kenneth A. Loparo

Kurt Cobain and Ian Curtis. Through death, they became icons. However, the lead singers have been removed from their humanity, replaced by easily replicated and distributed commodities bearing their image. This book examines how the anglicised singers provide secular guidance to the modern consumer in an ever more uncertain world.

210 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Felipe · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn't what I expected, and I admit that may be partially my own fault. However, Bickerdike did seem to go off topic quite a bit, and that wouldn't be so bothersome if she didn't sound so very judgmental about... well, everything.

I chafed especially at her apparent dismissal of digital fandom. I readily admit that my own sensitivities may have colored my reading, but I do wish she had provided some justification for prioritizing physical spaces as opposed to simply working on the assumption that the reader knows and/or agrees with her.

I would readily believe that I am not the target audience for this book, but again... it simply wasn't what I expected/hoped for. (Also, while I appreciate a more casual tone as much as the next young academic, even I was rolling my eyes at some points.)

Ah, well. Take this review and my rating with a grain of salt.

[Jenny Karpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really, really helpful for my Master thesis, well-written and full of expertise. Best scientific book about Joy Division I‘ve read during my research.