LM has expressed that she does not believe in the cult of celebrity, and further states that "…it is always hard for me to consider myself any different than any other individual in the world making his or her way through this mysterious journey called life. I suppose that this, in itself, may be one thing I would like the public to understand about me."

Wikipedia defines "the cult of celebrity" as: "The widespread interest in arbitrarily famous individuals. The public fascination with…celebrities, though not technically a cult, leads to a level of idolatry. Driven by constant publicity and exposure…the cult of celebrity…is associated with an increased focus on celebrity by the entertainment industry."

I admire LM's attempt to exist simultaneously as both a celebrity and as a regular person. But to what extent does she succeed at being the same as the rest of us? True, we are all equal in our humanness, but the very fact that so many of us enjoy LM's music makes it impossible for her not to be singled out. Therefore, can a celebrity simultaneously be a non-celebrity? Does LM manage to strike a balance between the two?

One author is rather opinionated in her take on this issue: "Celebrities who insist…that they do not court publicity, who try to wrest their private lives from the public gaze on which they are totally dependent, are naive only for failing to realise that this is the balancing-act they are required to perform" (Jacqueline Rose).

What Rose fails to distinguish is that it's not so black-and-white. Celebrities come into their renowned status in different ways and with varying intentions. For example, there is a difference between a famous person who just wants to live for his or her art, and if others like it, great - versus a celebrity who revels in fame and glory. I'm sure it's clear to all of us here on the QR MB which of these two categories LM falls into.

In LM's own words: "I think it is important to continue to live your life according to your values and hopefully who you are will be revealed and stand for itself."

Thoughts?

Donna Betts
www.art-therapy.us

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quote:

Originally posted by Loreena:
Hello messageboard folk...I read with some concern the comments from a few of individuals who sought to get an autograph...and were unable to.
Firstly, I'd like to appologise for whatever your experience was which lead to your disappointment and frustration...in fact there was only one date in the whole of last year's North American tour that I was unable to sign autographs after the concert, and that was Detroit. Following all other concerts, I made my way to the stage door area to sign and in some instances I met with and signed for well over 200 people before travelling overnight to our next city.

Clearly however , and regretably ,it sometimes takes a considerable amount of time for me to make my way out of the theatre.

In the program notes when I mention friends, family, business associates this is truly the case...In addition to this, it is not uncommon that there are dignitaries and special situations which involve individuals with handicaps or special considerations for me to meet...All of the above mentioned poeple would have been on a list for which they would be issued backstage passes. It simply is not realistic to accomodate the whole audience backstage for security and loadout reasons.And sadly, I cannot meet with everyone at once...I was always very aware that there could be people waiting outside for me and...I would be to them as soon as I possibly could.
Unfortunately, every evening is a unique experience in a new venue with new people running it...Some of those individuals have a great appreciation for the public, others tend to treat the public, well, rather casually. For that I am truly sorry.
You must know , that one of the greatest pleasures I get out of touring is actually meeting you. It is not always easy and especially for many of you when you are left waiting and wondering, sometimes in most unpleasant weather, for a very long time after a concert, not knowing for sure I will appear.

Given that we have another tour coming up this summer, please know I will be making every effort to meet with as many of you as I can whenever that is humanly possible...Please be reminded though, that some of these summer concerts in Europe can begin rather late, and we must bear in mind what is reasonable for everyone.

I hope this clarifies things a bit ...thanks again for your input here.

Warm regards,

Loreena

Hi Loreena!
it's an honour to finally get the chance to talk to you ...well I suppose you get that a lot don't you?
as you've probably noticed, I've shortened your quote quite a bit, as Loreenya has already quoted that post of yours prevously, but I have a few questions/comments about it
after reading that post which I quoted I was quite pleased. I was also reading a thread in the general discussion forum about gifts people have thought about giving you (don't look at it, it might be a surprise! ). I was wondering if you actually like recieving gifts from your fans, or do they just sit there on the ol' shelf gathering dust? I'm sure you probably get lots of gifts from fans, which is nice, but I imagine that it might get to the point where you just have too many of them. is that correct? it was nice to read that you make every effort to meet your fans and sign various items for them. makes me even more excited about the point in time (hopefully in the not-too distant future) when I can finally meet you personally, which brings me to my next question: are you including Australia in your next tour? we have a nice venue in a town called Devonport on the island of Tasmania called 'the decc' (Devonport Entertainment and Convention Centre) it's not as grand or even as large as the Alhambra, but I'm sure you could put a nice little concert on there.
gotta go! thanx for reading this (if you have)
Luv Jesse

ps, I mean 'little concert' as in the venue is small, not the length of the concert, if you get my meaning.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Jesse,

Dear Loreena,

I was reading your writings on the Cult of Celebrity. First off, I think it’s fantastic that you share your thoughts in a personal way.

When I think of the word celebrity, I think of a person who is unreachable and is only there for you to hear about. Maybe even someone who just interacts with those who are famous like him or herself. With that said, I have come to realize that this does not sound like you, to me. The word I would describe your instance is that you are well-known.

What may give you somewhat of the celebrity edge (not that you are a celebrity) is that you will have people like me, whose tongue gets tied because they meet someone they admire and are in awe of them. This, of course, is no fault of your own. I have to say that I’m not use to seeing someone as well-known as you, to be personable as you are and responsive. Course maybe I could see this more often, if I didn’t claim that I was going to faint from sheer excitement. But I digress.

I saw you perform at Barnes and Noble in New York City, playing a café like setting, and it seemed to me that you are just like us. Just like us in that, you do work, (sounds like early days and late nights), you run, plan, and represent your business. I can relate to this because I have started a small business. I could see the entrepreneurialship when it came time to introduce ourselves to you. You made sure, that after we took photos and had our cds signed, that the person assisting you, had us sign up for your newsletters and membership. That’s business, which I appreciate. Still you were personable and in touch with all those who came to hear your music. So it is not as if no one could relate to you or you to them. But I guess what is so awesome about you, is that you are living a life you love (That is right isn’t it?) and you are well-known and admired around the world. That is a big deal.

So what I’m really saying is that you are, as you once said at the meet and greet in NYC Barnes and Noble (that was Union Square) “I’m just an ordinary person”. This was in response to my dramatic words of “I think I’m going to faint!” I didn’t respond to you then because I didn’t know what to say at that moment. I think I was still stunned in meeting you. But as I thought about it, and I would like to say to you now, is that yes, you are an ordinary person, but an ordinary person, who I think is doing some extraordinary things (if you will). And you know what? That is how it should be. We need to have individuals like your self to go beyond where others have not reached just yet. Only because you and other wonderful artists are so inspiring. You give hope in the knowledge that all things can be made possible. For me, it makes me look at my life, my dreams, my goals and my path in life. Gives me the feeling that I could possibly step out and express the gifts given to me by the almighty above.

May Blessings Be Upon You Always!

Lizjul

Hi Loreenya

I've been thinking a while about what you’ve written

quote:

Originally posted by Loreenya:
I would like to say that Ms. McKennitt will always be a celebrity, whether she likes it or not. ... Loreenya

Yes, ms. McK is a celebrity. But does that remove her right of having a private life? Or any other celebrity for that matter?

I come to think about respect, again.
Isn’t it a kind of lack of respect not to let the celebrities live their own lives in privacy? At least when they are at home or not in a celebrity-related situation, like shopping or visiting the beach with the family or walking the dog.

I'm not saying that you Loreenya do not have that respect, as I don't really know what you mean by saying

quote:

... whether she likes it or not.

I'm not quite sure of your intention by saying this. Is it meant as a statement?

I would very much like to know what you mean.


Take as much time you like to answer. I know I'm a little hard on you.


Sincerely

Anxious 2

It's another decision in the UK courts. I'm wondering how much weight it carries in the US and Canada (does British jurisprudence carry over to Canada as part of the commonwealth?) and what enforcement mechanisms are there other than dragging the offender into court. These are civil cases that are initiated after the fact. The idea is to prevent someone from violating your privacy instead of being forced to sue them after it happens...

quote:

Originally posted by angie:
I'm shocked.

A voice of reason ... in the UK papers?

Times Article about Rowling judgment/privacy laws

quote:

Originally posted by angie:
I'm shocked.

A voice of reason ... in the UK papers?

Times Article about Rowling judgment/privacy laws

About time.

I'm shocked.

A voice of reason ... in the UK papers?

Times Article about Rowling judgment/privacy laws

I would like to say that Ms. McKennitt will always be a celebrity, whether she likes it or not. Besides, she has been the talk of the town in her hometown, Stratford. Even if she is one, she doesn't have to go on some game show like "Celebrity Jeopardy" and hang around with her fellow Canadian, Alex Trebeck (which, on the other hand, would be pretty interesting if it happened. Ms. McKennitt and Mr. Trebeck would have a wonderful, lively conversation on the show. I wonder if they'll get along.)--Loreenya

Certainly LM doesn't go out of her way to cultivate her celebrities like a lot of UK and West Coast Celebrities do. Most of her "celebrity" activities revolve around her charities or straight forward promotion of her music business. The incident with her brother's cows and the privacy lawsuit are the only things that smack even vaguely of celebrity self aggrandizement and even that is very much an overstatement in my opinion. There is no reason that she shouldn't be given the same considerations as other people and be ignored as much as she wants to be. As I believe I've said before, if she came to Austin, she could walk from one end of 6th St to the other and no one would recognize her, I promise.

quote:

Originally posted by KrisW:
Loreena is a celebrity. . because we force it upon her.

I find the assertion that celebrities cannot separate their private lives from their public appearances, to be obtuse and inaccurate. With the Paparazzi stalking their every step, it's no wonder that many celebrities are so celebrated and scrutinized under a microscope, and that people (for lack of a better evaluation) are so simplistic as to believe that by joining a "celebrity cult" they somehow gain importance and self realization.

There are some Hollywood types that lead a pretty private life. However, I would not condemn them for speaking their mind on an issue they feel strongly about.

If you want to decrease the attention placed on people like Loreena, don't partake in the big media shenanigans. However, most people's curiosity wins out and they end up perusing the latest tabloid in the doctor's office or check out line. The more people who defy that decreases the effect paparazzi have on celebrities. I think I've made it clear on this forum and also on the OWL that I feel there is a strong moralistic absence from society that ironically can be traced back to the Puritanical notion of being upright and moral and frowning on the very sexy and outrageous behavior we see today.

Media (and other big events in US/World history of late) have done a number on societal views on a person's self worth, security, and potential. I think it's this paralysis of people to be right with themselves and do right by others and give of themselves to their communities that feeds into this notion of worshipping the "perfect" celebrity with all the money, potential, and looks.

Angie

If I may be so bold as to throw a pragmatic angle on this discussion. .

Loreena is a celebrity. . because we force it upon her. If you saw her twin standing in a checkout line, would you lose your mind and have one of those "Fan Fits", or would you just note her presence, and go on about your business?

There are many musicians of note who you would not know in a crowd, unless someone pointed them out to you. You might see their face and find it familiar, but unless you had scrutinized and memorized their features, would you actually KNOW who they were without an introduction?

I find the assertion that celebrities cannot separate their private lives from their public appearances, to be obtuse and inaccurate. With the Paparazzi stalking their every step, it's no wonder that many celebrities are so celebrated and scrutinized under a microscope, and that people (for lack of a better evaluation) are so simplistic as to believe that by joining a "celebrity cult" they somehow gain importance and self realization.

So, the question begs. . at a concert, if given the chance to meet the artist, in this case Loreena McKennitt, would you act like a "Fan", or as a friend?

I'm not so ignorant as to suggest that Meeting Loreena would not be a bit exciting. . but I hope I'd at least have the grace to keep it in context. She is an extremely talented, and hard working artist. Her celebrity comes from our view of her greatness in this regard.

On a side note .. if you met Tom Cruise, Cher, Amy Lee, Mick Jagger, or Paul McCartney, would you go nuts? Or would you let them be "people".

One other comment, if I may. People attribute the most misguided infatuation for most everything a "Celebrity" does. . from their opinions, to their hair style, car they drive, and even the shoes they wear. Which many times explains the misguided intentions of "Fans" concerning important subjects that these celebrities have opinions on. Pick a modern day heavy political or global topic, and there is a celebrity touting their opinion of it, and thousands of adoring fans marching in lock step with that celebrities views, no matter if they are correct views, or not. In a way it is humorous, and in another it is sad. That people so easily give over their thinking simply because a celebrity speaks, says much of our society. I have observed and heard some of Loreenas opinions, and seen her works and charities she is affiliated with. Most I agree with, some I am unfamilar with. But, I would hope that anyone seeing Loreena's actions, and associating with the activities she is involved in, would do so because they are worthy causes and things to do, not simply because Loreena was involved.

I'm glad Loreena is able to separate these two facets of her life. Ir reinforces the genuiness of who she is, and what she is doing.

I, too, have been so blessed as to twice have the opportunity to meet and converse briefly with Ms. McKennitt, and I can attest that her interaction with her fans is not limited to "friends, business colleagues, and special guests".

The first time I got to meet her, I was one of the aforementioned PBS donors for whom a backstage pass had been allocated. The second time, I was merely one of the people lingering outside the venue.

She was every bit as engaging, kind, and gracious on our second encounter as she had been on our first, and after signing my program guide, and allowing me to walk her to her bus, stood patiently at the door while I stumbled through bidding her farewell.

Having had the experience of meeting her both as a "special guest" and as just another lingering fan, I have a special appreciation that perhaps no one else has sufficiently elucidated:

The meet and greet sessions with the "friends, business colleagues, and special guests" are not exclusive gatherings to which you need be invited to merit her attention.

They are, rather, obligations which she must meet before she is able to graciously indulge the aspirations of those of us to whom she has no formal obligation.

That she so freely and enthusiastically does so is measure of how well she shuns the cult of celebrity.

quote:

Originally posted by dlaws99:
Freesoul...
Your English is solid as a rock. That was very well said.
--Dennis--

If I’m told that by a native English speaker, I might begin thinking it is actually true. Thanks Dennis!

quote:

To meet Miss McKennitt after a performance is a bonus... a priviledge in my eyes. It is never a sure thing, although by her response, I can see that she tries very hard to accomodate her admirers. I would hope that fans everywhere would take things in stride and stay on the positive side. By the sounds of it, with a little patience, they will be rewarded. It would be nice to have the added bonus of that autograph, but that wasn't the real reason you went to that concert...was it? No... it is her musical performance and her words that we wish to experience at that concert.

I totally agree, John. I've been to two concerts and had the good fortune to meet Ms. McKennitt both times. But, I didn't go with the expectation that I would meet her. I didn't feel as if it were an entitlement. It was pure good fortune.

Personally, I can't imagine what it would feel like to expend all that energy on stage, then appear at the stage door, smile, greet all those people, sign all those autographs *and* then move on to the next city and start all over again. It's probably all compounded and complicated by other business, family and personal demands. And it lasts for weeks on end.

The fact that so many people want to meet Ms. McKennitt must be a similar to a "double edged sword". Gratifying on one hand and yet physically and emotionally demanding on the other.

Will I attend more concerts? Probably if it's at all feasible. Would I like to meet Ms. McKennitt again after her concert? Only if good fortune smiles.