Fans show their appreciation for a stellar performance by an ETA.
Keeping His Memory Alive: Part Eight - Connection
The more I talk to fans about their experiences, the more convinced I am that my relatively new hobby of going to ETA concerts plays an important role in the lives of many women in a certain age category whom society often blurs over. ETAs see the warmth and humour that women in their retirement years have to offer. Some of the relationships between ETAs and their fans span more than twenty years. Fans have watched their favourite ETAs closely, and they know more about them than just what they do on stage. Some ETAs share stories about their families with the audience during their performances, but the intimacy with their followers goes beyond the amusing stories. I have overheard fans tell the artists about their recent surgeries, or what their children have been up to lately. Fans will ask about the artists' wives, and often present gifts for an ETA's birthday or new baby. It may be just good business to listen to the stories of people who buy tickets to your concert, but I think they really do feel a connection to their fans. The ETAs I have met seem very caring and sincere. They all have an amazing knack for making you feel like you are the only person in the room when they are conversing with you. You really have to like people if you choose a career as an ETA. When I first spoke to Steve, Gordon, and Matt, I was struck by how down to earth they really are. On stage, each puts on a killer performance, but off stage, to put in simple terms, 'they are nice guys'. Perhaps it because they worked so hard on their careers, or maybe it stems from their upbringing, but all ETAs I have met are very approachable. If an artist does develop an attitude, they risk losing fans. But what really goes on in the minds of our favourite artists on stage, and off? Through email interviews, I hope to receive insightful responses to my questions. Cheers! CM
Coming soon: An exclusive interview with popular ETA , and 2014 Collingwood award winner, Brent Freeman! Look for his amusing and insightful answers in my blog Spotlight.