Tunnelvision In Show Business- One Perspective

I have often considered the spoiled, selfish, and often self destructive behavior that movie stars, recording artists, and other "celebrities" seem to have in common. Today I finished the book I got over the Thanksgiving holiday that gives an account of drummer Dick Peterson's experience with his musical group "The Kingsmen." I'm sure you've their most popular- and controversial song- "Louie, Louie."

By modern standards, the account Peterson gives of a musician's life on the road back in the mid '60s is pretty tame. But he does have an interesting take on how money, fame, and adulation of fans affected him and his fellow band members, giving what I believe is a satisfying answer to the question that begins this post:

As first, we accepted the fame and money with innocence and some measure of embarrassment. It didn't take long, however, before we starred believing our own PR. That's when the trouble starts and you begin to lose your identity and perspective. When you come to expect the adulation, when you take the money and constant boot-licking for granted, that's when you lose respect for things that matter and focus on satisfying your immediate desires. Everything- girls, cars, homes, fans,- becomes a hamburger, an easily replaced Happy Meal. With a McDonald's on every block, when you get hungry you just stop and order another hamburger. With so many girls available, that all become just another girl. With so many makes of car to choose from, when you get tired of one or wreck it, you just head to the nearest dealership and buy another model- with cash. With homes never being quite large enough, when one grows too cramped, you trade up into something bigger with better views. When old fans lose interest in you, new fans always come along ready to idolize you and beg for your autograph. Whatever gets you through the day is your only line of sight. In the end, you're left blinded to reality, unprepared for the devastating day when it all comes to an unexpected end.-p. 366.

And indeed it will all, one day, come to a blazing end.

"Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." Revelation 16:15 (KJV)