Songs rise and fall with popularity overtime. With each resurgence, older generations of fans will do what they can to gatekeep the very bands they adore from younger audiences.
After Metallica’s 1986 smash hit “Master of Puppets” was used as part of the grand finale of the popular Netflix show “Stranger Things,” fans began to rage on the internet over its use.
Those who gatekeep are elitist, which is why people tend to avoid die-hard fans and online communities.
“Sorry for being elitist, but I can’t stand that “Stranger Things” used that one song and now everyone acts like they’re a big fan,” one fan wrote in a Twitter post.
Gatekeeping music isn’t new. Overzealous fans have been around forever but that doesn’t make the act of playing God with an artist’s discography right.
After receiving messages directly, Metallica had the perfect response toward their ever-growing community of fans.
Metallica replied to a TikTok comment from a user who was mad about the new fans, “Don’t be sorry. Everyone is welcome in the Metallica family. If they like ‘Puppets,’ chances are they’ll find plenty of other songs to get into.”
Music gatekeepers are bullies to others discovering a new band, song or genre.
Believe me, I’ve been guilty of it as well. I’m one of the biggest Eminem fans anyone will ever meet.
I know firsthand how territorial hardcore fans feel when a new fan comes around, particularly when an individual claims to be a “big fan,” but can’t back that up with any real knowledge such as knowing every song or listening to new songs as soon as they come out.
Most of the time it's the usual, “I love this song” or “I love their music.”
It’s extremely irritating for me since I have a vast knowledge of Eminem's discography and backstory.
I happen to have a very close emotional connection to Eminem's music, making me very eager to always learn more about his story.
Again, this still doesn’t make gatekeeping right.
Gatekeeping creates a hostile environment amongst fans and leaves people out of getting into something new.
Music gatekeepers wouldn't like getting excluded from a community centered around their favorite TV show or movie franchise.
So why do we do it with music?
People are compelled to defend their love for an artist.
But perhaps this really has to do with the battle we have in our own heads about the love we have for the music.
Gatekeeping isn’t about silencing music, but a mental request we all have. The article also states, People will always have the desire to keep things close to them safe,
Music allows us to escape the harsh realities of life. It elevates us and can drive different emotions in different situations.
No matter what someone feels or is in the mood for, they can just put their desired playlist on and jam for hours. There’s generally even more of an impact when there is a sentimental attachment to the music.
The emotional attachment drives the habit and instinct of gatekeeping music, regardless, gatekeeping isn’t fair to newcoming fans.
Moreover, the act of gatekeeping doesn’t promote togetherness, nor does it promote inclusion.
Gatekeepers often use the term “fake fans,” but those fans shouldn't really be labeled “fake,” because it’s just bullying at that point.
All fans are equal and should be free to enjoy all musicians, without exclusion.
I get so caught up in being accurate with my extensive knowledge of the music that I forget how the person being kept out of the gate really feels. Hardcore fans need to build their own community up, not actively work to have it destroyed or to stunt its growth.
Open the gate and let new fans in. Be inclusive.
