Editorial: Musicians are nothing without groupies

A penny lane coat sits at the back of my wardrobe, reminiscent of the 70s, only pulled out for the odd party or dress up (or this editorial). But the real Penny Lane, one of the most infamous groupies, never hid her flair.  

In the 1970s, Penny Lane became immersed in the US rock music scene. Her group of friends, called The Flying Garter Girls, rejected the term ‘Groupie’. They weren't in it to sleep with rock stars, so they called themselves ‘Band Aids'.  

Sure, for groupies of mainstream bands and singers, they might be in it to get close to fame. But for local musicians with not much to their name yet, groupies are simply there for the music.  

Self-proclaimed reformed groupie, Cupid*, meet their ex-partner through a flat mate that was in a band with them. “They were the first musician I've ever dated that I actually liked their music.” 

Cupid went to every gig and ultimately, the band couldn't have existed without their work. From posters, to merch, to gig photography, to videography — they did it all for technically nothing. But it didn't feel that way.  

“When you love the music and you love the people, you're not really thinking about what you're getting in return.” 

“It feels like you’re part of a band, because in a way they couldn't exist without you.” 

However, from stage to audience, there is a blatant power imbalance between musicians and groupies. Fans give so much to the musicians, but you won't necessarily get anything in return.  

While Cupid didn't feel taken advantage of at the time, that changed after the couple broke up and their ex started dating a photographer a week later.  

“When I felt replaced so quickly, it put into perspective how much work I put into it.” 

I ask if they ever thought of dating the band member for clout, but they laughs and said no. They hate the term groupie, and always hated being called it.  

“Theres also such a sexual connotation to it.” They feels the whole concept should be thrown out the window, and we should see these people as supporters.  

“It doesn't matter who you're fucking and who you're not fucking, you're part of the culture.” 

Musicians are not above groupies — you cannot have one without the other. Recognising this means the preserved power imbalance can dissolve.  

The next gig I go to, I'll pull out my Penny Lane coat proudly, reminding musicians who continues to put them on stage.  

*Name changed for anonymity.